Estonia has announced that it will not support the recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Prime Minister Kristen Michal made this clear during a press conference, stating that Estonia has no plans to back such a move. This declaration comes as 15 other countries have signed a joint statement urging support for Palestinian statehood when the UNGA meets in September.
Michal emphasized that there is currently "no state to recognize," highlighting the ongoing humanitarian issues in the region. He noted that while Estonia is committed to helping address the humanitarian crisis, it does not see a legitimate state of Palestine at this time.
This stance aligns with former President Donald Trump, who has also opposed the recognition of Palestinian statehood. He has warned against what he sees as rewarding Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, with statehood.
Estonia has a history of strong ties with Israel. The country was one of the first to recognize Israel’s independence after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004 and has actively participated in initiatives to support Israel, including boycotting anti-Israel events like the World Conference Against Racism in Durban in 2021.
However, tensions have surfaced recently. Last December, the Estonian Academy of Arts canceled a workshop with an Israeli professor and stated it would halt cooperation with Israeli institutions. This decision drew criticism from Michal and Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who both urged reconsideration of the academy’s stance. They expressed concern that such actions could harm Estonia’s relations with Israel.
Former Estonian Minister of Education Jaak Aaviksoo also weighed in, suggesting that yielding to radical activist demands is problematic. He called for a more balanced approach to international relations, particularly regarding Israel.
As Estonia prepares for the UNGA, its government remains firm in its position against recognizing a Palestinian state, reflecting its longstanding alliance with Israel and the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.
