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Slovenia’s newly appointed parliament speaker, Zoran Stevanovic, said Tuesday that he plans to hold a referendum on the country’s withdrawal from NATO, while also calling for an independent and sovereign foreign policy centered on Slovenia’s own interests.
“I must say that we promised the people a referendum on the issue of leaving NATO, and we will hold this referendum,” Stevanovic told the country’s public broadcaster RTVSLO, according to local media reports.
Stevanovic said his position was not aligned with any foreign power and described his views as focused only on Slovenia.
“I have no pro-Russian views, only pro-Slovenian ones,” he said.
“We argue that Slovenia must conduct its policy independently, sovereignly.”
Stevanovic said Slovenia should cooperate with all countries, especially major powers, but said such cooperation must not come at the expense of national independence.
“That we must cooperate with all countries in this world, especially with great powers, but this cooperation must never mean subordination. Good relations with everyone, but in the interest of Slovenia,” he said.
His comments framed the proposed NATO referendum as part of a broader push for a more independent national policy.
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Stevanovic also signaled that he wants Slovenia to move away from involvement in foreign military and diplomatic conflicts.
“We will absolutely oppose interference in foreign military and diplomatic disputes because Slovenia never benefits from this,” he said.
The remarks suggested a policy line focused on limiting Slovenia’s role in international disputes while emphasizing domestic national interests.
While raising the prospect of withdrawal from NATO, Stevanovic said public support for leaving the European Union was unlikely.
He noted that Slovenia continues to benefit significantly from E.U. membership.
At the same time, he said his party plans to pursue other campaign promises, including support for Slovenia’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
Stevanovic said he also intends to travel to Moscow as part of his diplomatic plans.
“I would like to build bridges and cooperate well with all countries, regardless of the wall that has been built between the West and the East,” he said.
His remarks laid out a wider agenda built around sovereignty, broader international engagement, and a referendum on Slovenia’s place in NATO.
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