Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel

June 11 (Reuters) – Slovenia’s government has revoked a 2025 decision banning 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 Thursday.

• 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 2025 measure barred the export, transit of military goods to Israel and imports from Israel, exempting equipment needed for Slovenia’s security.

• The measure was introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, who said Slovenia was the first EU country to impose such an embargo.

• In June, Slovenia’s parliament approved Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s centre-right government, ending a political deadlock since a March election produced no outright majority.

(Reporting by Antonis Pothitos; Editing by William Maclean)