Israel's new hope: Will Slovenia prevent EU sanctions?
Slovenia and the Czech Republic vetoed a joint EU statement against construction in E1, forcing EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas to issue a statement on her own behalf. Simultaneously, Jerusalem identifies a dramatic shift in relations with the new administration in Ljubljana, with the first Israeli embassy in the country expected to open in September.
In recent days, Slovenia has taken an unusual step on the European stage, which may signal a significant shift in its relations with Israel. Janez Janša's government vetoed the publication of a joint statement by all 27 European Union countries against the Israeli construction plan in the E1 area in East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. The Slovenian veto did not prevent the EU from condemning the Israeli move, but it prevented the condemnation from becoming an official statement of all EU countries. In the absence of a consensus, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas published a statement on August 23 on her own behalf and on behalf of the European External Action Service.
Slovenia's veto was not the only one — it was joined by the Czech Republic, which had previously blocked anti-Israel initiatives in the EU. This was preceded by a marathon of phone calls by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar with the foreign ministers of Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and other countries. According to diplomatic sources, under pressure from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, a reference was added to Israeli efforts to bring to justice settlers involved in violence — a clause that was not part of the original collective European draft.
The comparison to Viktor Orbán's Hungary is inevitable. For years, Budapest was the country most identified with blocking European decisions against Israel, and in cases where the consent of all EU members was required, the Hungarian veto was a significant tool in Orbán's hands. Now, Slovenia, which is not historically identified with a policy of frequent use of the veto on the European stage, is taking a similar step. "The new Hungary"? Not necessarily. The previous government in Slovenia enjoyed supporting critical statements against Israel, including against E1, as it did on May 22, 2026. The new government took office in June 2026, and this gap illustrates the change in the Slovenian government's position within a few days.
However, the nickname "the new Hungary" regarding Slovenia requires a caveat. It does not thereby become a country that supports Israel on every issue, and even the latest veto did not cancel European criticism of Israel. It is mainly a dramatic change in the willingness of the Slovenian government to stand against the European consensus when it comes to Israel. And the change is particularly striking because it comes after a political turnaround in Ljubljana.
Alongside the diplomatic move, another significant change is taking place in Jerusalem-Ljubljana relations: Israel is expected to open its first embassy in Slovenia in mid-September. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar is expected to arrive in the capital for this purpose, and the possibility of adding visits to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia is being examined. The final details of the trip have not yet been finalized.
The new relations with the Janša government do not erase the political complexity in Slovenia. The country's president, Nataša Pirc Musar, is identified with very sharp criticism against Israel and with a position different from that of the government. This was also reflected in the ceremony of presenting the credentials of the new Israeli ambassador, Ruth Cohen-Dar, which took place before the president, who is considered quite hostile towards Israel.
Therefore, the question is not only whether Slovenia has become "pro-Israel". The more important question is whether a new brake has been created for Israel within the European Union. If Orbán's Hungary was for years the country that was willing to stand alone against the European line to protect Israel, then the latest Slovenian move points to the possibility of a similar development in Ljubljana.
The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in response: "Slovenia did not support the proposal brought after consultations. Our position has not changed: Slovenia supports international law and an agreed two-state solution that takes into account the interests of both sides. An additional statement on the matter will not add anything, and there is already a statement on behalf of the Council of Europe from the month of June."
