News

Speaking at the regular monthly meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer said that due to Russia's escalating activities in several areas – ranging from military attacks and hybrid and information operations to culture and sports – greater pressure should be exerted on Russia, including through the adoption of new sanctions.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

Slovenia firmly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is committed to its abolition globally. The approval by the Israeli Parliament of a bill enabling capital punishment represents a step back from Israel’s long-standing de facto moratorium.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that other crises must not divert attention from Ukraine. This was the third meeting of EU foreign ministers this month, two of which were convened on an emergency basis in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Ministers continued their discussion on the EU’s response to the ongoing violence in the region, noting with concern that violence continues to replace diplomacy.

At an informal video conference of EU foreign affairs ministers, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict and called for immediate de-escalation and restraint. She stressed that the people of Iran must be free to determine their own future.

Slovenia is following with concern reports of the Israeli-U.S. strike on Iran. We call on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint, and fully respect international law and the UN Charter. Further escalation could have serious consequences for regional and international security.

Foreign Ministers of 20 countries condemn in the strongest terms a series of recent Israeli decisions that introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank.

The Republic of Slovenia expresses its grave concern regarding Israel’s recent decisions and measures in the occupied West Bank, which risk further entrenching an unlawful situation on occupied Palestinian territory.

On the sidelines of the visit of foreign ministers from the Middle East and the Gulf to Slovenia, a panel discussion entitled From the Board of Peace to Broader Peace in the Middle East took place as part of the Bled Strategic Forum. All participants emphasised that nobody wants a new war in the region and that everyone is making significant diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with a group of the most powerful Arabic ministers of foreign affairs, who came to Slovenia to show their support for the Slovenian government’s policy regarding the Palestinian question. Talks focused on the current situation in Palestine and the strong mutual desire to further enhance bilateral relations.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, is hosting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar in Slovenia. "This visit demonstrates that Slovenia is recognised as a trustworthy and constructive partner. These are influential countries that combine regional responsibility, humanitarian solidarity and diplomacy," Minister Fajon said.

Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemn the latest Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, including measures to cut water, electricity and communications to its facilities. Such actions undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice, while risking grave humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions. Topics included efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia. Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and on EU-China relations.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, where ministers discussed the EU's role in peace efforts in Gaza, with an emphasis on humanitarian and security aspects. They also touched on the importance of continued comprehensive support for Ukraine. Minister Fajon will later attend a ministerial meeting on interregional security and connectivity.

Two years have passed since the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on Israel, in which 1,200 innocent people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. As a result of Israel's relentless offensive, Gaza has been completely destroyed. More than 65,000 civilians have been killed, including 18,000 children.

Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,000 Israelis were killed, was a crime that should not be minimized or underestimated.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the opening of the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. On the same day, she also delivered addresses at two Security Council meetings concerning Ukraine and the Middle East. "In both cases, there is aggression – by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and by Israel in Gaza – directed against significantly smaller countries. This must end," she emphasised.

At the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen, under the Danish EU Presidency, ministers addressed the decision of the United States to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation to the UN General Assembly in September. Minister Fajon urged her EU counterparts to take measures against Israel, either by consensus or, if necessary, by qualified majority.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain strongly condemn the most recent Israeli offensive launched in the Strip and the announcement to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain strongly condemn the recent announcement by the Government of Israel of the intensification of the occupation and the military offensive, including in Gaza city. This decision will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and further endanger the remaining hostages’ lives. This operation will lead to an unacceptable high toll of deaths and the forced displacement of nearly one million Palestinian civilians.