Luxembourg Formally Recognises State of Palestine

On Monday 22 September 2025, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced the Grand Duchy's formal recognition of the State of Palestine during a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-state solution at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (US).

Prime Minister Frieden, joined in New York by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel, stated: "There are moments in history when the cause of peace demands both moral clarity and political courage. [...] Today again is such a moment in history". He noted that "Luxembourg stands here today as a partner for peace".

"I solemnly declare that, as of today, Luxembourg formally recognises the State of Palestine," he continued. "Recognition is not the end of a process - it is the beginnining of a renewed commitment to hope. A commitment to diplomay, to dialogue, to co-existence and a two-state solution. To the idea - fragile, but still possible - that peace can prevail".

The prime minister stressed that the decision "follows careful reflection, close consultation with our international partners and a profound conviction that recognition is both a moral imperative and political necessity". He acknowledged that recognition alone would "not resolve decades of conflict" but described it as "a meaningful step towards restoring hope and balance in a process that has, for too long, drifted away from the path of peace."

Prime Minister Frieden underlined that the move was "not a decision against Israel or its people [...] Luxembourg has been, and will remain, a friend of the people of Israel and Jews around the world." He also emphasised that recognition did not reward violence: "Luxembourg condemns - in the strongest possible terms - the atrocities of 7 October [2023] and we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."

The prime minister clarified that "this recognition is an acknowledgment of the Palestinian people - not as a problem to be solved, but as a people with rights, with a future, and with a voice." He acknowledged that "the road ahead will not be easy" but "peace is not born of perfect conditions; it is a choice made in imperfect circumstances, by those willing to take risks - the risk of believing in something better." He assured that Luxembourg would "continue to support these efforts" and "remain actively engaged [...] to help lay the foundations of a viable, democratic Palestinian state that is not seeking to undermine Israel's security nor its right to exist."

According to the Ministry of State and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Luxembourg's recognition of Palestine is in line with its historic and continued support for the two-state solution. Luxembourg now recognises the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders, confirmed by UN Security Council Resolution 2334.

In their statement, the ministries reiterated that Luxembourg recognises the Palestinian Authority as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, stressing that the leadership must assume the responsibilities this entails. They also maintained Luxembourg's strong condemnation of Hamas and its October 2023 attacks, reiterating calls for "an urgent ceasefire and for unhindered access and distribution of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip."

Luxembourg now joins more than 150 countries in recognising the State of Palestine. France, Belgium, Malta and Andorra also announced their formal recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, while the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal had done so one day earlier.