Slovenia’s Parliament Speaker Proposes NATO Exit Referendum, Signals Possible Moscow Visit

Slovenia’s new parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović said he plans to hold a referendum on leaving NATO, while also signaling openness to visiting Moscow and pursuing a more independent foreign policy. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied President of the extra-parliamentary party Resni.ca, Zoran Stevanovic prepares for the last televised political debate in Ljubljana on March 20, 2026, ahead of the parliamentary elections. Slovenians voters are scheduled to head to the polls on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Jure Makovec / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Slovenia’s newly appointed parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović said he plans to hold a referendum on the country’s potential withdrawal from NATO. According to BalkanWeb and Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTVSLO , Stevanović confirmed the plan in recent remarks. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “I must say that we promised the people a referendum on the issue of leaving NATO and we will hold this referendum,” he said. Stevanović, leader of the Truth Party, said Slovenia should pursue a more independent and sovereign foreign policy. “Ljubljana must once again become the center of decision-making for Slovenia, not Brussels,” he said, referring to European Union institutions. At the same time, he acknowledged that leaving the EU would likely not gain public support, noting that Slovenia benefits significantly from membership. Stevanović also said his party intends to follow through on campaign promises, including advocating for Slovenia’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. He added that the country should avoid involvement in foreign military and diplomatic conflicts, arguing that such engagements do not serve Slovenia’s interests. Speaking about his first foreign trips as speaker, Stevanović said visits to Skopje and Copenhagen are already planned, but added he also intends to visit Moscow in the near future. Other Topics of Interest Euro Identity Crisis: Beethoven or Birds? ECB plans to redesign euro banknotes, replacing abstract bridges with cultural icons or nature themes – sparking debate over identity, symbolism, and what truly represents Europe. “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. The statement comes amid renewed criticism of NATO by President Donald Trump , who has suggested the United States could withdraw from the alliance. Trump recently described NATO as a “paper tiger” and said US membership is “beyond reconsideration” following disagreements with allies over the war with Iran and efforts to secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said Washington may “re-examine” its relationship with NATO, citing disputes over burden-sharing and access to military bases. Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.