Slovenia Blocks EU Statement Against Israeli Settlement Plans, Signaling Shift in Relations

In a notable development within the European Union, Slovenia recently vetoed a joint EU statement condemning Israel's construction plans in the E1 area of East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The Slovenian government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, prevented the 27 EU member states from issuing a unified official condemnation, although the EU still expressed disapproval through a statement by High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaija Kallas, on August 23. Czechia also joined Slovenia in blocking the statement, continuing its history of opposing anti-Israel initiatives within the EU.

This diplomatic move followed extensive phone discussions by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar with his counterparts in Slovenia, Czechia, and other countries. Under pressure from Slovenia and Czechia, the EU's statement included a reference to Israeli efforts to prosecute settlers involved in violence, a clause absent from the original collective EU text. The shift in Slovenia’s stance is being compared to Hungary’s under Viktor Orbán, which has long used its veto power to shield Israel from EU criticism. However, Slovenia’s previous government had supported critical statements against Israel, including one on May 22, 2026, highlighting a rapid change in policy since the new government took office in June 2026.

Despite this shift, Slovenia is not fully aligned with Israel on all issues, and EU criticism of Israel continues. The key change is Slovenia’s willingness to break EU consensus to defend Israeli interests. This development coincides with Israel’s plans to open its first embassy in Slovenia in mid-September, with Foreign Minister Sa’ar expected to attend the inauguration in Ljubljana. His visit may also include stops in Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Political complexities remain, as Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar holds a markedly critical stance toward Israel, differing from the government’s position. This was evident during the presentation ceremony of the new Israeli ambassador, Ruth Cohen-Dar, where the president’s attitude was perceived as hostile. The critical question is not whether Slovenia has become fully pro-Israel, but whether it now represents a new bloc within the EU willing to counterbalance the prevailing critical consensus toward Israel, similar to Hungary’s role in recent years.