Slovenia Parliament Speaker Plans NATO Withdrawal Referendum

Zoran Stevanović, the newly appointed speaker of the Slovenian State Assembly, announced on April 14, 2026, that he plans to hold a national referendum to determine if Slovenia should withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Stevanović, who leads the Truth Party (also known as Resni.ca), confirmed the plan in statements made to Slovenian Radio and Television (RTVSLO). He stated that the move is a fulfillment of a commitment made to the public.

I must say that we promised the people a referendum on the issue of leaving NATO and we will hold this referendum

Zoran Stevanović

Push for Independent Foreign Policy

The proposal is part of a broader effort by Stevanović to shift Slovenia toward what he describes as a more independent and sovereign foreign policy. According to reporting from BalkanWeb and TVP World, Stevanović believes the state should prioritize its own interests and maintain cooperation with all nations while avoiding involvement in external disputes.

Stevanović expressed a firm opposition to Slovenian involvement in the military and diplomatic conflicts of other countries, asserting that Slovenia never benefits from it.

This shift in direction includes a desire to move the center of political decision-making away from international bodies. Stevanović stated that Ljubljana must once again become the center of decision-making for Slovenia, not Brussels, referring to the institutions of the European Union.

EU Membership and Other International Ties

Despite his criticism of Brussels’ influence, Stevanović indicated that he does not believe leaving the European Union would be supported by the public. He acknowledged that Slovenia receives significant benefits from its membership in the EU.

However, the speaker’s agenda for international withdrawal extends beyond NATO. The Kyiv Post reports that Stevanović and the Truth Party intend to follow through on campaign promises that include advocating for Slovenia’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Stevanović has signaled an openness to visiting Moscow as part of his pursuit of a more autonomous diplomatic approach.

Political Context

These policy proposals follow the parliamentary elections held on March 22, 2026. Prior to the vote, Stevanović participated in a series of televised political debates in Ljubljana, including a final debate on March 20, 2026, where he outlined his party’s platform.

As the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Stevanović is now positioned to advance these initiatives through the State Assembly.