Slovenia's decision to prohibit weapons sales with Israel distinguishes it as the sole EU nation implementing such a restriction.
In a significant shift in international relations, Slovenia has become the first European Union (EU) country to impose a complete ban on the import, export, and transit of arms and military equipment to and from Israel, effective early August 2025 [1][2]. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the EU's inability to reach a consensus on a similar measure due to "internal disagreements" [2].
While Slovenia's move is largely symbolic, it is intended to put pressure on all parties involved to seek a ceasefire and promote greater accountability [1][2][3]. Other European countries, such as Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, have reduced their arms sales to Israel but have not implemented full embargoes like Slovenia [1].
The EU as a whole remains divided on this issue, with countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic supporting Israel's right to self-defense and blocking a joint EU arms embargo [1][2].
Here's a summary of the current arms trade policies regarding Israel for some key European countries:
| Country | Current Arms Trade Policy Regarding Israel | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Slovenia | Complete ban on arms import, export, and transit (strict embargo) | | Belgium | Reduced arms sales; no full ban | | Italy | Reduced arms sales; no full ban | | Netherlands | Reduced arms sales; no full ban | | Other EU states | Divided; some pro-Israel blocking unanimous embargo |
The Slovenian government's concerns are centered around the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and they believe that virtually all military equipment that could be used by the Israeli army is covered under the EU's commitment to refusing transfers of technology and military equipment that could be used to prolong armed conflicts [1].
However, the transfer of dual-use technologies, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, poses a problem in the context of arms trade. For instance, the Flemish government in Belgium allowed the export of screens without requiring an export license, arguing it was a generic technology. These screens ended up in the control cabins of Israeli drones used in a humanitarian convoy bombing [1].
It's important to note that Germany mainly exports frigates and torpedoes to Israel, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, while the United States remains the leading supplier of weapons to Israel, accounting for two-thirds of Israeli arms imports [1].
As the situation continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if other EU countries follow Slovenia's lead and implement similar bans, or if the EU as a whole can find a way to reach a consensus on this contentious issue.
References: [1] Longuet, S. (2025). The EU's Arms Trade Ban on Israel: A Step Towards Accountability or Just Symbolic Politics? GRIP. Retrieved from [https://grip.org/en/2025/08/the-eus-arms-trade-ban-on-israel-a-step-towards-accountability-or-just-symbolic-politics/]
[2] Fajon, T. (2025). Slovenia's Arms Trade Ban on Israel: A Significant Shift in EU Policy. Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved from [https://www.mzz.gov.si/en/slovenias_arms_trade_ban_on_israel_a_significant_shift_in_eu_policy/]
[3] European Parliament (2025). Report on the EU's Arms Trade Policy and Its Implications for the Conflict in Gaza. European Parliament. Retrieved from [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2025-0005_EN.html]
- The ongoing debate on war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, specifically the situation in Israel and Gaza, has brought forth discussions on policy-and-legislation, with Slovenia's decision to impose a complete embargo on arms trade embodying a shift within EU politics.
- The Slovenian government's embargo on arms trade with Israel, while designed to promote peace and general-news by seeking a ceasefire, has highlighted the complexities of EU policy-and-legislation regarding the export of dual-use technologies, which can have both civilian and military applications.
