Slovenia Revokes Arms Trade Ban with Israel, Aligning with EU Regulations
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- The ministry said the ban, introduced in July, was no longer necessary as the trade in arms is already governed by national law and European Union rules.
- It added that existing legislation and regulations already define licensing procedures and controls, and Thursday's decision was also aligned with the EU Common Position on arms export controls.
- The measure was introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, who said Slovenia was the first EU country to impose such an embargo.
On June 11, 2026, Slovenia's government officially revoked a 2025 ban on arms trade with Israel, a significant policy shift that aligns with European Union regulations. The ban, which was introduced in July 2025 under former Prime Minister Robert Golob, was deemed unnecessary by the current administration, citing that arms trade is already governed by national law and EU rules.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that existing legislation adequately defines the licensing procedures and controls for arms exports. This decision marks Slovenia as the first EU country to impose such an embargo, reflecting a notable change in its foreign policy under the new government.
The lifting of the ban is seen as a move to strengthen Slovenia's ties with Israel and comply with broader EU standards regarding arms exports. As Slovenia navigates its foreign relations, this decision may have implications for its role within the EU and its stance on international arms trade.
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