GUE/NGL MEPs have requested a European Parliament debate and vote on the issue of recognition of Palestine as a state at its next Strasbourg plenary session.

Martina Anderson, Neoklis Sylikiotis and Patrick Le Hyaric (the group's full members of Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council) call on MEPs to take this initiative by passing a resolution recognising a Palestinian State under international law – based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital – while ensuring the security of Israel. They're seeking a statement by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs in Strasbourg, followed by a vote on the issue.

“The European Parliament has a duty to recognise Palestine as various EU national parliaments are doing,” they said, emphasising that the issue is urgent and crucial for a peaceful solution. They also said it was key for the EU to be accepted as a partner in the peace process.

The GUE/NGL group is made up of 52 MEPs from across Europe working for peace, solidarity, social justice, equality, democracy and human rights in Europe and beyond. It is the only gender balanced group in the European Parliament.

GUE/NGL Press contacts:
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left/Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group