Portugal and France to officially recognise state of Palestine

Portugal will officially recognise the State of Palestine on Sunday, September 21, followed by France on Monday, their governments have confirmed. The announcements come ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where at least 10 more countries are expected to take similar steps in support of Palestinian statehood.

In a statement posted on its website, Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine… The official declaration of recognition will be made on Sunday, September 21.”

The decision is part of a coordinated effort by several European countries to push for renewed diplomatic momentum around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially amid growing international calls for a two-state solution.

France to follow on Monday

French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that France will formally recognise Palestine on Monday during events in New York, where he is scheduled to participate in meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Macron said he had spoken with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and that the move is part of a broader French peace initiative in the Middle East.

While France has long supported a two-state solution, this marks the first time it will formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the diplomatic level.

More countries expected to join

Diplomatic sources suggest that around 10 other countries—mostly in Europe and Latin America—may announce similar recognitions during the UN General Assembly session, as global support grows for renewed peace efforts in the region.

The upcoming recognitions are expected to increase international pressure for negotiated solutions and come amid rising tensions and humanitarian concerns in Palestinian territories.