Slovenia has emerged as one of Europe’s most outspoken supporters of Palestinian rights, a remarkable position for such a small and often overlooked Central European country. From recognising Palestinian statehood to being the first European nation to impose sanctions on Israel, Haris Tagari asks why Slovenia is so pro-Palestine?
In August 2025, Slovenia became the first EU member state to impose a comprehensive ban on the export of weapons and military equipment to Israel.
This unprecedented measure was a direct response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which Slovenia condemned as disproportionate and in violation of international humanitarian law.
In June 2024, Slovenia officially recognised the State of Palestine, becoming the 147th UN member to do so. This decision was the culmination of efforts by the Left party.
Slovenia has also imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and declared two Israeli far-right ministers – Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich – persona non grata.
This marked the first such action by an EU country against Israeli officials. The government accused both ministers of making “genocidal statements” and inciting violence against Palestinians.
It further stated that the ministers “publicly advocate the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the forced evictions of Palestinians, and call for violence against the civilian Palestinian population.”
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Public support for Slovenia’s pro-Palestinian stance is significant. A 2024 poll published by Dnevnik Daily indicated that nearly 60% of Slovenians supported the recognition of Palestine, with only 20% opposed.
This widespread backing has provided a strong foundation for the government’s actions on the international stage and underscores Slovenia’s firm stance against policies it sees as violating international law and human rights.
Leftist government
Historically, Slovenia’s foreign policy was characterised by alignment with Western powers, driven more by geopolitical considerations than independent strategy.
This was reflected in its consistent support for U.S. and EU positions, mirroring broader trends among former Yugoslav republics.
However, recent developments show a marked shift towards a more independent and principled foreign policy.
The turning point came with the formation of a new government in 2022, led by Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Freedom Movement (Gibanje Svoboda).
This centre-left coalition, which includes the Left (Levica) party, has pursued a more assertive foreign policy.
Slovenia’s recent actions distinguish it from regional counterparts and align it more closely with Nordic nations in support for Palestine.
Levica, established in 2017, has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights. Its eco-socialist and democratic socialist ideology emphasises anti-imperialism and solidarity with oppressed peoples.
The party’s influence within the coalition has been pivotal in steering Slovenia’s foreign policy toward justice, international law, and principled advocacy, rather than mere geopolitical expediency.
Motivations
Slovenia’s position is shaped by its history and geography. Situated at the crossroads of the NATO-aligned West and the former Yugoslav/Soviet East, it has neither been heavily influenced by the West nor fully constrained by the East.
This allows Slovenia to view the Israel-Palestine crisis with relative objectivity, free from lobbying pressures or foreign influence.
Even during and after Yugoslavia’s breakup in the 1990s, Slovenia largely avoided the turmoil seen in other republics.
Its neutrality and lack of major internal ethnic divisions meant that foreign policy was not as polarised as in countries like Bosnia, where competing domestic constituencies often block pro-Palestinian initiatives despite strong public support among the Muslim population.
Slovenia has historically been the underdog, often part of empires that dominated it and from which it struggled to break free.
It endured discrimination and xenophobia from many neighbours. Unlike some nations, Slovenia does not carry the burden of responsibility for the Holocaust, having been a victim itself.
Many Slovenians were interned in concentration camps, faced forced labour, and endured mass reprisals under both Nazi and fascist occupation.
This shared history means Slovenia does not carry a “genocide guilt” that compels it to automatically align with the “international consensus” on Israel, as countries like Germany often do.
While many Muslim-majority nations remain silent, Slovenia’s bold and principled stance shows that even a small, overlooked country can lead Europe in defending Palestinian rights.
