Overview
- President Alexander Stubb said he will approve recognition of a Palestinian state if Finland’s government submits a formal proposal
- France, the UK and Canada pledged to recognize Palestine on the margins of the UN General Assembly following President Macron’s July 24 post on X
- Stubb’s endorsement is contingent on a government initiative, reflecting the president’s limited foreign policy powers
- Domestic opposition from the Finns Party and Christian Democrats poses a hurdle to Finland’s formal proposal for recognition
- The United States has sanctioned Palestinian Authority and PLO officials in reaction to the growing international campaign for statehood