Europe will remain divided over Palestinian statehood

Significance

All four countries have expressed hope that their announcements will encourage other European countries to follow suit. Malta is reportedly considering granting recognition of statehood, while the United Kingdom is more open to the idea following the Labour Party’s election victory last month.

Impacts

• Despite shifts in public opinion, Germany’s pro-Israeli stance will remain resolute and broadly bipartisan.
• Right-wing shifts in European governments could reverse support for recognising Palestinian statehood.
• Countries that continue to adopt a pro-Israeli stance, real or perceived, will remain particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks.