Belgium’s Decision on Palestinian Recognition Scheduled for September
The Belgian government will determine its position on recognizing the state of Palestine in early September, according to Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot., reports 24brussels.
Prévot has yet to comment on French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France plans to recognize Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
Belgium’s stance will be established ahead of the UN meeting and a potential summit on Palestine. Discussions between Belgium and France are expected to occur in the lead-up to these events.
Opposition parties in Belgium support Macron’s decision and are urging the government to follow suit. Paul Magnette, leader of the Socialist PS party, stated, “If Macron can do it, there’s no reason why Belgium shouldn’t too,” asserting that recognizing Palestine is essential for pressuring the Netanyahu government and advancing peace.
Flemish liberals Open VLD echoed this sentiment. MP Kjell Vander Elst remarked on X, “France and Emmanuel Macron will recognize Palestine as a state in September. Belgium must join them.”
“More than 60,000 victims, a starving population, no prospect of peace. Recognition must be part of a process towards legitimate and democratic autonomy,” he added. “The time has come for a European coalition for peace.”
Macron announced on Thursday that France would officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in New York, making it the first G7 country to do so. Countries like Spain, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Sweden, and Ireland have already recognized Palestine.
“What about Belgium? How many more deaths will it take for our government to assume its responsibilities?”
Ecolo co-leader Samuel Cogolati described Macron’s decision as “a turning point,” but emphasized that recognition alone is insufficient. He stressed the need for sanctions, protection, and decisive action.
CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi recently expressed frustration over Belgium’s lack of sanctions against Israel, arguing that while Belgium alone cannot resolve the situation, it can serve as a catalyst for broader action.
Conversely, Francophone liberals MR and Flemish nationalists N-VA, both part of the governing coalition, oppose recognizing Palestine and imposing sanctions on Israel.
On Thursday, CD&V, Vooruit, and Les Engagés members addressed these issues, following King Philippe’s National Day speech, where he called for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling the situation as “a disgrace to humanity.”
