In a press conference in Weimar, French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjourné addressed the topic of recognizing a Palestinian state, stating that while it is not “taboo,” the current timing is not appropriate.
Séjourné emphasized that recognition should follow progress in the peace process rather than being an end in itself. His comments come in the wake of Ireland, Norway, and Sweden announcing their recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that has angered Israel. Séjourné was in Weimar for trilateral talks with his Polish and German counterparts, focusing on defense policy, Ukraine, and EU diplomacy.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by some European countries has underscored divisions within the EU regarding the Middle East conflict. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, present at the press conference, expressed her country’s opposition to immediate recognition.
She stressed the importance of political solutions and concrete negotiations, highlighting the need for the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as prerequisites for any diplomatic progress. The differing stances among EU members reflect the complexities and challenges in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amidst ongoing violence.
