Slovenia revokes ban on arms trade with Israel, citing EU rules

Slovenia’s government has revoked a 2025 decision that had banned the export and transit of weapons and military equipment to Israel, as well as most arms imports from the country, the Defence Ministry said on June 11.

According to the ministry, the restriction introduced in July is no longer necessary, as arms trade is already regulated under national legislation and European Union rules, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

It added that existing legal frameworks and licensing procedures provide sufficient oversight, and said the decision aligns with the EU Common Position on arms export controls.

The 2025 measure had prohibited the export and transit of military goods to Israel and restricted imports from Israel, while exempting equipment required for Slovenia’s national security. At the time, Slovenia said it was the first EU member state to impose such an embargo.

The earlier decision was introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob.

In June, Slovenia’s parliament approved a new government led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, ending a political deadlock that followed a March election which failed to produce a clear majority.

By Sabina Mammadli