Germany Stands Firm: No Support for Palestine Recognition

Chancellor Merz made the statement during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who last month declared his intention to push for Canada’s recognition of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Carney’s initiative came on the heels of similar announcements by both France and the United Kingdom, fueling what some described as a diplomatic “tsunami” in support of Palestinian statehood.

Merz, however, drew a firm line:

“The position of the federal government is clear. As far as recognition of a Palestinian state is concerned, we do not see the necessary conditions met. Canada is well aware of this, and Germany will not join this initiative.”

The chancellor’s comments echo Germany’s long-standing policy, which holds that recognition of a Palestinian state can only come at the conclusion of direct peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Background: Mixed Messages From Berlin

Just weeks earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock hinted at a potential policy shift, saying that “the process toward recognizing a Palestinian state must begin now” and that Germany “cannot remain indifferent to unilateral steps.” Her remarks led some to believe Berlin might align more closely with France and the UK.

Merz’s categorical statement, however, reaffirmed Berlin’s cautious stance and cooled speculation of a pending shift. It also underlined the internal balance Germany seeks to maintain— acknowledging international pressure for recognition while staying loyal to its traditional support for Israel’s security concerns.

Why It Matters

For Macron, Berlin’s rejection represents a significant blow to his attempt to rally Western allies behind a symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN next month.