Ljubljana, June 3, 2024— Slovenia’s parliament approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday, decisively rejecting a proposal to call a referendum on the matter.
In a vote held in the 90-seat parliament, 52 lawmakers voted in favor of the recognition, with none opposed. The remaining MPs were absent for the vote.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob expressed his support for the decision on the government’s X account, stating, “We are sending hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.”
“I am proud that the National Assembly and the government recognized Palestine,” said Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, noting that Slovenia has become the 147th country worldwide to recognize Palestinian statehood.
The Slovenian government’s decision to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state follows the lead of Spain, Ireland, and Norway.
This move is part of a broader effort to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza. Initially, the government had planned to submit the decision to parliament by June 13 but expedited the process.
Slovenia’s recognition came shortly after similar actions by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, which have been condemned by Israeli occupation.
Previously, only seven members of the 27-nation EU officially recognized a Palestinian state, including five former East bloc countries and Cyprus, which announced recognition in 1988 before joining the EU. Sweden recognized Palestinian statehood in 2014.
Globally, more than 140 countries, representing over two-thirds of the United Nations, recognize a Palestinian state.
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