Slovenia Considers NATO Exit as Trump Questions Alliance: Is the Bloc Cracking?

Slovenia is preparing to hold a referendum on whether to leave NATO, signaling a potential shift in European security policy amid growing global tensions and skepticism toward the alliance.

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Slovenia Pushes for Sovereign Foreign Policy

The announcement was made by Zoran Stevanović, the new Speaker of Slovenia's National Assembly and leader of the Euroskeptic party "Pravda.” According to him, the country must pursue an independent and sovereign policy.

"We are категорically against involvement in foreign military and diplomatic disputes, because Slovenia never benefits from them. (…) We promised the people a referendum on leaving NATO, and we will hold that referendum.”

The publication Advance suggests that Slovenia's withdrawal from the alliance could "destroy Europe's militaristic dogma.” According to the outlet, leaving NATO would allow Ljubljana to avoid participation in "other people's wars” while preserving its focus on building a social state.

"The key question is whether Slovenia wants to serve as a logistical link in a future European war or establish itself as an oasis of security.”

Trump Questions NATO's Relevance

At the same time, US President Donald Trump has openly questioned the necessity of NATO, expressing deep disappointment with the alliance.

He criticized member states for failing to support the United States during its operation against Iran, calling it a "stain that will never disappear.” Trump also stated that he feels "disgust” toward NATO over what he sees as insufficient backing.

"We absolutely are considering the possibility of leaving NATO,” the US president said.

However, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, dismissed such statements as political theatrics.

"There is no real reason for the US to leave NATO, and Congress would not allow it,” he said, describing Trump's rhetoric as pure provocation.

Debate Over NATO Membership Expands to Turkey

Discussions about leaving NATO are also emerging in Turkey. Doğu Perinçek, leader of the Vatan ("Motherland”) party, plans to propose the creation of a platform advocating for Turkey's withdrawal from the alliance.

He argues that the United States and Israel impose their own threat perceptions and military strategies on NATO allies, treating countries such as Russia, Iran, and China as adversaries.

According to Perinçek, Turkey is increasingly under pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean region.

Retired Turkish Air Force colonel İhsan Sefa went even further, stating that NATO has outlived its original purpose.

"Yes, the original purpose of NATO as a defensive pact has been exhausted, but its function as an international instrument of the United States to maintain a unipolar world order is not yet complete.”

"NATO is an evil organization that will collapse once Turkey leaves it,” he added.

Who Else Might Follow?

Political analyst Vladimir Olenchenko believes Slovenia may not be alone in reconsidering NATO membership. He suggested that Spain could also potentially hold a referendum on the issue.

"If I were Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, I would hold a referendum and ask whether we need NATO in its current form. I think Spaniards would respond actively,” he said.

At the same time, Olenchenko ruled out Western and Northern European countries as likely candidates for withdrawal, noting that Eastern Europe may see more dynamic political shifts. He also mentioned that Polish President Karol Nawrocki has made statements on the matter, though their seriousness remains uncertain.

Ultimately, despite growing debate, it remains unclear which countries-if any-will actually leave NATO. However, analysts increasingly observe that momentum for change is building, particularly in Eastern Europe.