Slovenia Blocks EU Condemnation of Israeli Settlement Expansion
Slovenia has vetoed a joint European Union statement condemning Israel's decision to build new settlements in the West Bank, a move that has drawn sharp criticism at home and abroad. The veto, exercised on 26 August, downgraded the EU's response from a unified declaration by all 27 member states to a statement issued by High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The Slovenian Foreign Ministry explained that the government believed a new EU statement would not provide added value at this time. However, President Nataša Pirc Musar strongly opposed the decision, arguing that Slovenia should have supported the joint statement and emphasizing that the expansion of Israeli settlements violates international law and undermines the two-state solution.
EU Response Downgraded
The planned joint condemnation was reduced to a lower-level statement by Kallas, who urged Israel to halt its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. She called the construction of 1,200 homes in the E1 area "illegal" and warned that it would isolate East Jerusalem. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the plans.
According to diplomatic sources, the downgrade was due to Slovenia's veto. Several other EU states, including Austria, Germany, Greece, and Italy, which are generally considered Israel-friendly, spoke out forcefully against the settlement expansion this week.
Domestic Backlash in Slovenia
The veto has triggered significant political opposition within Slovenia. The Freedom Movement, led by former Prime Minister Robert Golob, condemned Slovenia's action as "a shameful foreign policy decision." The Social Democratic (SD) party warned that Janša's unilateral decision could impact lives in Gaza, primarily affecting women and children. The Left Party is demanding an independent investigation into potential ties between the SDS party and Israeli private intelligence.
President Pirc Musar also firmly opposed the proposed relocation of Slovenia's embassy to Jerusalem, which was reportedly floated by Janša. Under Slovenian law, only the president can authorize changes to diplomatic missions.
Janša's Shift in Policy
Prime Minister Janez Janša, described by some as a right-wing populist, has reversed several measures taken by the previous government regarding Israel. When he returned to power in May, he improved relations with Israel by reversing steps such as lifting the declaration of Netanyahu as persona non grata in Slovenia.
During his previous term, in June 2021, Janša had signed up to EU sanctions against Israeli firms if they built in the E1 area. The 2021 text, signed by Janša, stated: "The European Council stresses that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments and underlines the legal and reputational consequences for businesses participating in settlement construction, including the risk of serious breaches of international law."
Israel plans to open an embassy in Slovenia next month during a visit from Foreign Minister Gideon Sarr.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The government of Robert Golob convened the National Security Council to investigate allegations of foreign interference during the electoral campaign. Secretary of State for National and International Security Vojko Volk indicated that representatives of the Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube had visited Slovenia multiple times, including at the SDS party headquarters in Ljubljana.
The Left Party's demand for an investigation into potential ties between the SDS and Israeli private intelligence reflects ongoing concerns about external influence in Slovenian politics.