Sweden became the first European Union member to recognize Palestine as a state, a move to pressure Israel on establishing a two-state solution negotiated in accordance with international law."Today the government made the decision to recognize the state of Palestine," Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said in a statement published on Thursday in Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, as reported by Anadolu Agency. While supporting "the moderates among the Palestinians," Swedish prime minister stated that Sweden aims to give significant support to those among Palestinians who seek to end the conflict through a two-state solution.After taking office on Oct. 3, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced that the new center-left government intends to give de-facto recognition to Palestinian statehood.Palestinian statehood has been on the agenda of many countries as the international community urges for both sides to change the status-quo. Following the Gaza war that brought total destruction to the Gaza Strip, the worsening humanitarian situation of Palestinians has gained an international voice that condemns Israeli settlement and actions in the besieged enclave. As part of growing international support for Palestinian statehood, the British House of Commons and Irish Senate recently passed motions to recognize Palestinian statehood as well. Yet, both countries' move is seen as symbolic and unlikely to change policy, viewed more as a "contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution" and a significant step for Palestinians in their pursuit of international recognition.Despite many EU member states voicing their support for Palestinian statehood, the EU has not yet given official recognition to Palestine. The United Nations' vote in 2012 gave Palestine a non-Member Observer State status. More than 130 countries already recognize Palestine as a state including Hungary, Poland and Slovakia; however they did so before joining the European Union.