German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister in Turku, Finland, on May 27, 2025. Photo: Lehtikuva/Roni Rekomaa via REUTERS

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday Germany would not join an initiative of Western allies to recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations General Assembly.

Merz was speaking at a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said last month that Canada planned to recognize a Palestinian state at the General Assembly, following similar announcements by France and Britain.

“The position of the federal government is clear, as far as the possible recognition of the state of Palestine is concerned,” Merz said.

“Canada knows this. We will not join this initiative. We don’t see the requirements met.”