Croatian President Zoran Milanović has strongly voiced his support for recognizing the State of Palestine, asserting it as a fundamental right and criticizing Israel’s actions as those of a "deadly regime." However, the Croatian Parliament recently voted against an immediate recognition, opting instead for a more cautious approach tied to broader international peace efforts. This divergence highlights a significant political divide within Croatia regarding the Palestinian issue.
Key Takeaways
- President Milanović believes recognizing Palestine is a right, not a reward, and urges Croatia to follow suit.
- He described Israel’s actions as those of a "deadly regime" and criticized US support for Israel.
- The Croatian Parliament rejected a proposal for immediate recognition of Palestine.
- Instead, Parliament passed a resolution for the government to monitor international peace initiatives for the opportune moment.
- The Foreign Minister stated that recognition is premature without a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Presidential Push for Recognition
President Zoran Milanović has been a vocal proponent of recognizing Palestine, arguing that it is a matter of right for the Palestinian people and a necessary step towards peace in the Middle East. Speaking from the UN General Assembly, he stated, "This is not a reward; it is their right. Croatia should do the same." Milanović also expressed strong criticism of Israel, labeling it a "deadly regime" and questioning the rationale behind continued US support for what he perceives as detrimental policies.
Parliamentary Rejection of Immediate Recognition
Despite the President’s strong stance, the Croatian Parliament has voted against a motion for the immediate recognition of Palestine. A majority of Members of Parliament supported a resolution that calls on the government to monitor international peace initiatives and determine the appropriate time for such a decision, aligning with broader efforts to achieve a two-state solution. An alternative proposal from the opposition seeking to compel the government to prepare a recognition decision within 15 days was also rejected.
Government’s Cautious Stance
Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman echoed the parliamentary sentiment, stating that the conditions for recognizing a Palestinian state have not yet been met. He emphasized that hostilities must cease and all hostages must be released before such a step can be taken. Radman also noted that recognizing Palestine at this juncture could be interpreted as recognizing Hamas, which he described as a terrorist organization. While Croatia supports a two-state solution, it believes this should be the outcome of a peace process involving both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
International Context
Croatia’s decision comes amidst a backdrop of increasing international recognition of Palestine by several European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, Malta, and Belgium. As of September 2025, a significant majority of UN member states have recognized Palestine. However, Croatia has chosen a more measured approach, linking potential recognition to wider international peace efforts and the cessation of conflict.
Sources
- Croatian president says recognizing Palestine is a right, not a reward, calls Israel ‘deadly regime’, Anadolu Ajansı.
- Croatian Parliament rejects immediate recognition of Palestine in vote, Croatia Week.
- Croatia Fails to Recognise Palestine Despite British, French Recognition, Total Croatia.
- Croatian Foreign Minister: Recognition of Palestine Premature Without Ceasefire and Hostage Release, The Dubrovnik Times.
