The Government of Slovenia has issued a decree regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine, which will be sent to Parliament for approval by mid-June. Prime Minister Robert Golob stated at a press conference on Thursday, "The decree recognizing the State of Palestine is part of the government's efforts to end the atrocities in Gaza as quickly as possible," adding that a final decision might be made before the scheduled date of June 13.
In March, Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Malta announced in a joint statement that EU countries "are ready to recognize a Palestinian state" once the conditions for statehood are met. Golob added, "We will continue to monitor the progress in peace talks, the release of hostages, and the reform of the Palestinian Authority. If it becomes faster, we may complete the recognition process before the scheduled date."
Slovenia urged Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza and warned that the threat of an attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Strip would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis there. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon welcomed the decision, stating on X platform, "I’m pleased with the decisive and irreversible step toward recognition" of a Palestinian state.
Approval of the decree requires a simple majority in the 90-seat Parliament, where Golob's left-wing coalition holds 51 seats. According to a poll conducted by "Dnevnik" in April, approximately 60% of Slovenians support the recognition of a Palestinian state, while 20% oppose it.
On Wednesday, about 100 students at the University of Ljubljana began a sit-in in support of Palestinians, demanding Slovenia recognize the Palestinian state.
