Italy’s Meloni Opposes France’s Plan to Recognise State of Palestine at UN

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly opposed France’s recent initiative to recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations. This opposition marks a clear divergence from the position taken by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has advocated for supporting Palestinian statehood in an effort to advance peace talks before any formal establishment.

Meloni’s Position on Palestinian Recognition

Speaking at a press conference in Rome on July 26, 2025, Meloni articulated Italy’s stance against unilateral recognition of Palestine. She highlighted the need for progress through direct dialogue between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing that peace requires mutual agreement:

• No unilateral recognition: Italy does not support recognising Palestine as a state before formal establishment.
• Peace through negotiations: Only direct talks between Israel and Palestine can pave the way for lasting peace.

France’s Initiative and Its Implications

Earlier in the month, at the UN General Assembly, Macron announced plans to push for Palestine’s recognition as a sovereign state, believing this move would:

1. Strengthen prospects for peace in the Middle East.
2. Encourage renewed negotiations.
3. Reduce ongoing regional tensions.

European Reactions and The Broader Context

Italy’s cautious approach contrasts with France’s proactive stance and exemplifies the divided opinions among European nations regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict:

• Italy: Prioritizes dialogue and political solutions involving all stakeholders and insists recognition must follow direct agreements.
• France: Supports early recognition to potentially break the deadlock in peace talks.

This dispute underscores the broader challenge facing the European Union in forming a unified foreign policy on this sensitive issue.

Background on Palestine Recognition

The Israel-Palestine conflict remains one of the most complex geopolitical issues globally. Recognition of Palestine as a state is widely discussed, with over 130 countries already recognising Palestine. However, several major players, including some within the EU, have not yet formalised such recognition.

Meloni’s Commitment

Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives and providing humanitarian aid in the region, while maintaining that:

• Recognition must be conditional: It should occur only after clear, mutually agreed conditions.
• Peace is a gradual process: “Peace cannot be forced. It must be built step by step,” she said.

This ongoing disagreement between Italy and France highlights the continuing diplomatic tensions within Europe over the Middle East peace process.

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