Slovenian Parliament debates block of EU statement on Israel

The Slovenian National Assembly held a joint session of committees for foreign policy and EU affairs to debate the government's decision to block a joint EU statement regarding Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Opposition members, including representatives from Freedom Movement, The Left, and Social Democrats, accused the government of being overly accommodating to Israel and potentially harming Slovenia's interests during upcoming European budget negotiations. They questioned whether the decision was made by Prime Minister Janez Janša, Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, or the government as a whole.

Foreign Minister Kajzer defended the position, stating that the government did not veto the statement but rather saw no added value in the specific wording of the new EU declaration. He maintained that Slovenia's foreign policy remains unchanged and continues to support a two-state solution. Meanwhile, SDS lawmakers defended the government's actions, highlighting the benefits of cooperation with Israel in sectors such as healthcare and the economy.