Slovenia's President Must Decree Jerusalem Embassy Move, Ministry Says

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša has announced intentions to relocate the country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that has ignited a procedural and diplomatic debate.

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In the event of a change in the seat of the representation, all procedures provided for when opening a new representation are carried out.

The proposed relocation, detailed in an interview with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, would necessitate a formal decree from President Nataša Pirc Musar. According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the process mirrors that of opening a new diplomatic mission, requiring the president's order to change an embassy's seat.

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The opening or closing of a diplomatic representation shall be done by decree of the President of the Republic.

While Janša also signaled a freeze on recognizing Palestine, Pirc Musar's office has voiced concerns. They emphasized the European Commission's stance that such a move would deviate from the international consensus on Jerusalem's status and the EU's unified position. The president's office stressed that Slovenia's foreign policy must adhere to international law, the UN Charter, and EU commitments.

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The European Commission emphasized that this would mean a departure from the international consensus on the status of Jerusalem and the hitherto common position of the EU.

Pirc Musar's office supports a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. However, they argue that this solution is contingent on the recognition of both states, stating that it cannot be realized if one is not acknowledged.

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In the opinion of the president, Slovenia's foreign policy must be based on respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the commitments Slovenia has made within the EU and other international organizations.