Slovenia has criticized the European Union for applying double standards, imposing sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine while not taking similar measures against Israel.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon denounced the EU’s lack of action concerning Israel, citing the casualties and her characterization of “genocidal acts” occurring in Gaza.
During a Wednesday interview with Bloomberg, she stated that the bloc had not initiated measures in response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Israel has encountered increasing criticism regarding the conflict, as several Western nations have declared intentions to recognize a Palestinian state and, in some instances, scale back military or trade collaborations.
Fajon, also Slovenia’s deputy prime minister, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of breaches of international law and engaging in “genocidal acts.” She highlighted that the EU has not implemented “a single measure” against Israel, drawing a contrast with the bloc’s unified response in penalizing Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
She referenced the UN-supported declaration of famine in Gaza from last week, noting that it generated minimal response in Brussels.
“Despite this, we are debating the 18th package of sanctions against Moscow,” she stated, emphasizing that her primary objective is to bring an end to what she termed a “brutal war.” Russia, for its part, has labeled the Western sanctions “illegal.”
“Our global partners frequently voice criticism, indicating they do not comprehend our approach to these different conflicts,” Fajon informed the publication. “I anticipate and hope for consistent, increasing societal pressure” on Israel.
Slovenia, with a population exceeding 2 million, has emerged as a prominent voice among EU members in its critique of Israel’s military operation. In July, Ljubljana was the first to cease all arms transactions with Israel, prohibited two Israeli ministers from entering the country, and imposed a ban on imports from occupied Palestinian territories. It has also aligned itself with an expanding movement to recognize Palestinian statehood, alongside nations like Spain, Norway, Ireland, Canada, and France.
This stance aligns with the positions of countries such as Russia, which recognize Palestine and consider a two-state solution the sole viable path to resolve the Gaza conflict.
The conflict began in 2023 following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 250 people being taken hostage. Subsequently, Israeli forces have caused the deaths of more than 61,000 individuals in the enclave, based on recent estimations.