Hundreds of protesters gathered in Ljubljana on July 9 calling for Slovenia’s immediate withdrawal from Nato, sanctions against the United States and Israel, and the redirection of military spending towards public services, public broadcaster RTV SLO reported.

The protest followed the Nato summit in Ankara, where member states agreed to increase defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, including 3.5% for core defence needs and 1.5% for broader security investments.

The rally, titled "Nato, give us peace!", was organised by the Iskra Student Association and focused on opposition to Slovenia’s Nato membership and plans to increase defence spending.

Speaking at the protest, Iskra's representative Tara Maslakovič criticised PM Janez Jansa's government arguments that higher military spending would bring greater security.

“They are trying to justify the increase in military spending and armaments with promises of peace and security. We will not fall for their lies,” Maslakovič said.

She accused Nato of using military power to influence other countries and open markets to major Western economies, while calling for investment in social services instead of weapons.

The protesters also criticised Slovenia’s foreign policy, particularly its approach towards Israel. Maslakovič said that previous governments had expressed support for Palestine but had maintained economic and academic ties with Israel, while failing to take stronger actions over the war in Gaza.

She also criticised what she described as the current government’s closer ties with Israel, including announcements of strengthened relations with Tel Aviv and the possibility of opening an Israeli embassy in Ljubljana.

Opposition to Slovenia’s Nato membership has also emerged in parliament. National Assembly speaker and leader of the Resni.ca party Zoran Stevanović said he believes citizens’ views on Nato membership should be tested through a referendum.

Stevanović proposed holding a referendum on Slovenia’s membership in the alliance alongside the local elections scheduled for November 15.

In a statement posted on social media, Stevanović also criticised Slovenia’s planned military support for Ukraine, arguing that the funds would be better spent on domestic priorities.

His comments followed Janša’s announcement at the Nato summit that Slovenia would provide around €44mn in military aid to Ukraine this year.

Stevanović said that if Slovenia wanted peace, “something needs to change”, adding that public opinion on Nato membership should be examined.

Slovenia’s government has defended Nato membership, with Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer describing the alliance as the foundation of the country’s security.

According to Nato estimates, Slovenia is expected to be the only alliance member this year to spend less than 2% of GDP on core defence needs. Janša said after the summit that Slovenia would meet its commitments to Nato going forward.