Slovenia has become the first European Union country to impose a full ban on weapons trading with Israel, citing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
On Friday, the government of Prime Minister Robert Golob formally approved a decision prohibiting “the export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel, as well as the import of such goods from Israel into the Republic of Slovenia,” according to an official statement from the government.
The move, initiated by Golob, comes in response to what Slovenia described as “serious violations of international humanitarian law” by Israel. The statement also noted that additional national measures would be introduced “in the coming weeks.”
The Slovenian government emphasized that its decision was driven by a pledge to act independently if the European Union failed to adopt concrete measures by the end of July.
“Due to internal disagreements and lack of unity, the European Union is currently unable to fulfil this task,” the statement read.
On Monday, a proposal from the European Commission to partially suspend EU weapons aid to Israel failed to advance after member nations, including Sweden, raised concerns.
While nearly 70% of Israel’s arms imports originate from the United States, Germany and Italy remain its second- and third-largest suppliers, respectively.
Slovenia has consistently called for a cease-fire and stepped up its delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. On Friday, the government reiterated its concerns over the blockade on aid, stating that civilians in Gaza are dying “because humanitarian aid is systematically denied to them. They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food and basic healthcare.”
The government described the situation as a “complete denial of humanitarian access” and a “conscious prevention of basic conditions for survival.”
In June 2024, Slovenia was among the first European nations to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
Since October 2023, Israel has exported over $560 million in arms, following a major attack by Iran-backed groups that included hostage-taking.
Other European countries, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have since taken steps to either restrict or suspend arms exports to Israel.
Earlier this week, the Netherlands banned Israel’s national security minister and finance minister from entering its territory.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, and 25 other countries recently issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, saying the situation had “reached new depths” and urging that the conflict “must end now.”
In March, Qatar urged international leaders to place Israel’s nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Chile has also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and is reportedly seeking to shift its arms supply relationship away from Israel.
Prime Minister Golob met with then-U.S. President Joe Biden during a visit to the United States in October 2024, shortly before the U.S. presidential election.
“It is the duty of every responsible state to act,” Golob stated. “Even if this means taking a step ahead of others.”
