Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša has announced plans to freeze Slovenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine, arguing that the previous government’s 2024 decision was adopted in violation of Slovenian law. Speaking to the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Janša said the move was agreed upon during coalition negotiations and would form part of the new government’s foreign policy agenda.
Janša also revealed plans to relocate Slovenia’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. If implemented, Slovenia would become the first European Union member state to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, breaking with the EU’s longstanding position that the city’s final status should be resolved through negotiations as part of a two-state solution.
The proposals have prompted criticism from opposition politicians and legal experts. Former Prime Minister Robert Golob defended his government’s recognition of Palestine as an affirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and said Slovenia’s policy should continue to be based on international law and support for a two-state solution. Former President Danilo Türk also questioned the legality and diplomatic implications of the proposed changes.
Analysts say the policy shift could have broader consequences for Slovenia’s international relations. In addition to potentially reshaping ties with Israel, the move may affect Ljubljana’s relations with Middle Eastern partners at a time when cooperation has expanded in areas including energy security and diplomatic coordination.
