The Speaker of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Zoran Stevanovic, has announced that the government will fulfil its pledge to hold a referendum on the country’s membership in NATO.

Speaking to local television, Stevanovic said Slovenia would take the question of NATO membership directly to the public, stressing that the country should not be drawn into external military and diplomatic conflicts.

He stated that Slovenia would firmly oppose involvement in what he described as other countries’ wars, adding that such engagements bring no benefit to the Slovenian people.

Stevanovic underlined that the referendum promise made to the public would be implemented, and that citizens would have the final say on NATO membership.

He also emphasized that Slovenia should pursue an independent and sovereign foreign policy, maintaining cooperation with all countries but without political or military subordination.

The remarks come amid heightened global tensions, particularly linked to developments in the Middle East and growing debates within NATO member states over foreign military involvement.

Some international political discussions have also highlighted divisions within the alliance regarding responses to regional conflicts, while criticism of NATO policies has increased in certain European political circles. . (ILKHA)