Europeans debate common stand on recognizing Palestinian state
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Members of the European Parliament have begun debating a common approach among the European Union's 28 member states to recognition of a Palestinian state.
A growing number of Europeans are calling for such unilateral recognition, frustrated by deadlock in the Middle East peace process and what they view as Israel's intransigence.
Whether to recognize a country or not is a decision for national governments. But EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the trade bloc needs to forge "a united and strong message" to influence events.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}On Oct. 30, Sweden's government became the first Western European nation in the EU to recognize Palestinian statehood. Lawmakers in Britain, Spain and Ireland have approved non-binding motions urging recognition.
French legislators are scheduled to debate a similar measure Friday.