Slovenian Government considers banning entry to Dodik and Netanyahu

The proposal was debated at a cabinet meeting under a confidential agenda item on Wednesday, but no final decision was taken. Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, led by Tanja Fajon, was tasked with preparing the draft, though the issue only reached the cabinet with the backing of Prime Minister Robert Golob. Government sources say the decision on a potential entry ban is expected at the next session.

Why Dodik is targeted

Several reasons were cited for measures against Dodik. Most prominently, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s state court sentenced him to one year in prison (a sentence he avoided by paying a fine of around €18,000) and imposed a six-year ban on holding political office for defying rulings by the international High Representative.

Slovenia has also firmly opposed Dodik’s separatist agenda and his undermining of state institutions and the constitution. Foreign Minister Fajon recently warned that Dodik’s actions are a “major blockade” on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward EU membership.

Another factor is suspicions over property ownership. Reports suggest that members of Dodik’s family indirectly own several high-value properties on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, including a luxury villa in Portoroz and apartments in Lucija, registered under relatives and associates. Both Dodik’s son Igor and his brother-in-law Djordje Djuric—alleged proxies in the property deals—are already under U.S. sanctions.

Why Slovenia has delayed action

Other countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Poland, and Lithuania—have already imposed entry bans and asset freezes on Dodik, his family, and other senior Republika Srpska officials. Slovenia, however, has so far hesitated.

Until recently, Slovenian officials argued that the country had “never adopted a national restrictive measure against individuals or states.” They later suggested that sanctions against Dodik could be introduced based on a “new court ruling.”

Media reports in Bosnia have suggested that Ljubljana’s hesitation may be linked to the influence of Zoran Jankovic, the mayor of Slovenia’s capital, who maintains close ties with both Dodik and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The foreign ministry has denied this, insisting any decision will ultimately be a political one requiring Prime Minister Golob’s support.