The European Union has said proposals by Palestinians calling for an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are "premature". Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said that while the EU would be willing to recognise a Palestinian state, the conditions "are not there as of yet".

Talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority have broken down and Palestinian officials said on Sunday that they plan to go to the UN Security Council in an effort to secure international support for an independent state. Israel has threatened to take counter-measures if the Palestinians declare a state without first reaching a peace accord.

Foreign Minister Bildt said that endorsing a state would not be the best way forward. Chairing a meeting of foreign ministers, he added that EU ministers would instead discuss ways of showing support for the Palestinians.