EU Council chief Charles Michel supports recognition of Palestinian citizenship

Three European countries -- Ireland, Spain, and Norway -- already know the state of Palestine.

And European Council President Charles Michel is “in favour of recognising Palestine” and calling for a coordinated approach between the EU and third countries to bring concrete progress on the issue, he told Euronews.

Michel's comments Monday came on the eve of official recognition of the state of Palestine by Spain, Ireland and Norway, seven months after the outbreak of war in Gaza.

Asked whether other countries should recognise the Middle East state, Michel said the measure should be used “s a lever to make some progress”.

I am a two-state resolution and a Palestinian state recognition. But this country must be applicable. And that is why I think the best would be a coordinated approach with EU member states and third countries to create a Leve”, the president of the European Council added.

Michel considers moving a good step, but said he understands that other states “need more time”.

And Michel's place is among them.

Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib wrote in X (former-Twitter) on Monday that “Belgjika is working for a fair recognition and freedom for Palestinians”.

Israel has reacted angrily to the three European countries' decision to recognise Palestine, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz describing it as a “bonus for Hamas”.

Their recognition comes as the EU's position on the war has changed in recent weeks with a tough stand against Israel due to the worsening situation on the ground.

Slovenia expected to become fourth European state to recognise independent Palestinian state