Palestinian and Finnish flags
Finland considers recognizing Palestine ahead of UN General Assembly
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has expressed willingness to approve recognition of a Palestinian state should the government submit such a proposal.
His statement comes as several countries, including France and Canada, prepare to officially recognize Palestine alongside the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
In a message posted on X on Friday, Stubb highlighted that “the decisions by France, the United Kingdom and Canada reinforce the trend towards recognising Palestine as part of efforts to breathe new life into the peace process.”
Annoin tänään haastattelun STT:lle.
— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) July 31, 2025
Sekä israelilaiset että palestiinalaiset ovat kärsineet liikaa, liian kauan.
Väkivallan uhka Israelissa on todellinen. Hamas, monet muut terroristijärjestöt ja useat valtiot eivät edelleenkään hyväksy Israelin olemassaoloa. Samalla tilanne… pic.twitter.com/pcexAKRCK9
Although Finland’s president holds limited executive power, he plays a key role in shaping the country’s foreign policy in collaboration with the government.
Stubb emphasized his readiness, saying, “If I receive a proposal to recognise the Palestinian state, I am prepared to approve it.” He also condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “inhumane.”
Acknowledging the diversity of opinions within Finland, Stubb called for an “open” and “honest” debate on the issue, noting that there are concerns and differing views among Finns regarding Palestinian recognition. The far-right Finns Party and the Christian Democrats have voiced opposition to the move.
Meanwhile, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reaffirmed Finland’s support for a two-state solution but did not clarify whether the government intends to formally recognize Palestine at this time.
Orpo stated that discussions between the government and the president on foreign policy, including matters concerning the Middle East, will continue ahead of the UN General Assembly in late September.
