The Government of Portugal announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine this Sunday. The decision comes on the eve of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York, where Middle East peace will be high on the agenda.
Portugal, the latest EU member to recognize Palestine, will formally transmit its recognition to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities and to the United Nations.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will travel to New York to attend the General Assembly and is scheduled to participate in the Tuesday thematic debates, chaired by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, himself a former Prime Minister of Portugal, underscoring Portugal’s visibility in this year’s proceedings.
“Portugal’s recognition of Palestine is a gesture of responsibility and balance,” Rebelo de Sousa said. “It reflects our conviction that only through dialogue, mutual recognition, and respect for international law can Israelis and Palestinians find the peace they both deserve.”
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the step “an affirmation of Portugal’s commitment to peace, justice, and the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in security within internationally recognized borders.”
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stressed the recognition is not directed against Israel, “This recognition is not against anyone — it is for the dignity of the Palestinian people and for the security of Israel,” said Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. “The two-state solution remains the only viable horizon for peace in the Middle East, and Portugal stands ready to work with partners on all sides to make it a reality.”
Portugal becomes the 11th EU member state to recognize Palestine, following Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway in 2024, as well as Sweden in 2014, and earlier recognitions by Central and Eastern European states in the 1980s. France, Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium are also preparing to act, signaling growing European momentum behind Palestinian statehood.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood has long been established among Lusophone nations, including Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste had already acted, making Portugal’s decision symbolic of CPLP unity. In Latin America, countries including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela have extended recognition, as well as many countries across Africa and Asia. Globally, more than 140 UN member states recognize Palestine as a state.
Although reactions are divided, Palestinian leaders have welcomed Lisbon’s move as strengthening their international legitimacy, while Israel and some allies have voiced concerns. Analysts note that recognition will not alter the battlefield in Gaza but could heighten diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a post-war governance framework tied to the two-state solution.
PAJ/Staff
