Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that Malta is preparing to recognise the State of Palestine, suggesting that the long-awaited diplomatic step could come as soon as next month.

Speaking in Parliament during a ministerial statement on his recent international engagements, Abela said “significant developments” are expected this June — not just from Malta, but from other European countries also moving toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.

“It’s no longer a question of if Palestine will be recognised, but when,” he told MPs. “And I will be the Prime Minister to make it happen.”

The statement signals a shift from Malta’s previously cautious position. While the government had signed a joint declaration with four other European leaders last year committing to recognition “when the time is right”, it had stopped short of setting a clear timeline.

Now, with international pressure mounting and several EU states reportedly preparing for coordinated recognition, Malta appears ready to join them.

Abela emphasised that Malta has never taken a biased stance against the Palestinian people, stressing that the matter must be approached with unity rather than partisanship. He reminded the House that calls for recognising Palestinian statehood have been part of the global diplomatic agenda for over four decades.