AGP Executive Report

Israel–Slovenia Reset: Slovenia backs a diplomatic reset with Israel as the first Israeli embassy opens in Ljubljana, following the return of Janez Janša’s government and a wider thaw in ties; protests are planned by student and pro-Palestinian groups. EU Politics & Enlargement: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos warns candidate states to avoid political dependencies tied to MAGA-style movements. Education Shock: New PISA 2025 results show steep drops in reading and math across OECD countries, with Slovenia among those losing ground. Slovenia–EU Tech & Industry: China and CEE countries unveil a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation, while Slovenia also moves ahead on EU energy and tech policy debates. Transport & Mobility: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) gets cleared in Slovenia, but the approval process raises transparency concerns. Business & Jobs: Nissan names its new Slovenia-built EV “Pixo,” expanding the small-car electric push. Culture: Slovenia’s Film Days head to Budapest with three contemporary Slovenian titles in October. Weather Watch: A severe storm outlook flags risk of hail, damaging winds and flooding across parts of the Adriatic and Alps.

EU Sanctions on Israeli Settlements: Britain moved first with a ban on goods from West Bank settlements, and now France and Canada are joining the UK-led push, with 12 nations backing restrictions as the ICJ-linked legal fight over the occupation escalates. Slovenia Energy Policy: Slovenia says it will speed up preparations for Krsko 2, aiming to reduce investment uncertainty and keep a Western supplier option on the table, arguing renewables alone won’t secure affordable growth. EVs Made in Slovenia: Dacia launched the second-gen Spring, now built in Slovenia, unlocking incentives and undercutting the old China-made model’s effective price. Tesla in the EU: Slovenia authorized Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised), making it the sixth EU country to clear the system and setting up a crucial 28-day EU vote window. Croatia Toxic Waste Protests: Tens of thousands protested in Zagreb over illegal toxic waste in Lika, with protesters alleging the waste came from Slovenia, Italy and Germany. Sports—Vuelta & Football: British rider Matthew Brennan won his fourth Vuelta stage as Primož Roglič remains in the GC mix; in England, Wayne Rooney urged Man United to stop using Matheus Cunha as a number nine. Research & Education: A Slovenian-led review says sugar substitutes show no clear harm on weight or health, while Eurostat reports EU primary enrolment is falling.

Nuclear Energy: Slovenia says it will speed up preparations for Krsko 2, pushing faster spatial planning and reducing investment uncertainties, with a Western supplier expected. EU Politics: EU leaders reacted with shock to Serbia’s hero’s funeral for war criminal Ratko Mladic, warning it undermines Serbia’s EU path. Local Energy Security: The government argues the green transition can’t rely on renewables alone and stresses reliable, affordable power. Affordable EVs: Dacia unveiled a redesigned Spring EV built in Slovenia, aiming to qualify for EU incentives—yet prices are set to jump to around €18,000 before subsidies. Education Watch: New PISA results show a global slide in reading and math, with Spain among the hardest hit; the wider trend raises pressure on European education reforms. Tech & Industry: MagicLab promoted automation for European logistics, citing a partnership with Slovenia’s Pošta Slovenije for smarter sorting. Sports (Slovenian angle): Primož Roglič says he’s still in contention for Vuelta GC despite a crash-hit comeback.

RTV Slovenija Safeguards: International media groups and journalists’ organisations are urging stronger legal safeguards for RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding, after proposed changes to governance and financing. Energy & Power Security: ACER says Portugal’s electricity outlook faces adequacy risks from 2028–2035, pushing for better modelling as demand rises. Telecom Regulation: BEREC chair Marko Mismas calls for agile, flexible, technology-neutral communications rules that can adapt to fast-changing digital markets. Weather Alert: A major cold-front shift is set to trigger severe storms across parts of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, with hail, damaging winds and heavy rain followed by a sharp temperature drop. Gaza Legal Action: The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint in Slovenia against Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar over alleged war crimes ahead of his Ljubljana visit. Sports—Slovenian Spotlight: Benjamin Šeško scored for Manchester United in a 2-2 draw with Everton, while Luka Dončić’s Lakers chemistry buzz continues after a Slovenia-hosted minicamp. Electricity Markets: GEN-I enters the US PJM market, expanding trading access across multiple US electricity segments.

RTV Slovenija Funding & Independence: Slovenia’s Public Media Alliance joins calls to protect RTV Slovenija’s editorial independence and secure stable, predictable financing as the Culture Ministry proposes changes to the broadcaster’s governance and funding. Energy Markets: GEN-I becomes an official member of the US PJM electricity market, expanding trading capabilities across 13 US states plus Washington, D.C. EU Economy Watch: Eurostat reports eurozone GDP up 0.6% quarter-on-quarter and 1.2% year-on-year in Q2 2026, with Slovenia among the faster growers (1.8% q/q). Regional Politics & War Crimes: Serbia’s funeral for Ratko Mladić draws EU condemnation, with enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelling a visit over the glorification concerns. Slovenian Culture & Film Co-production: At Venice, producer Miha Černec discusses Italy–Slovenia co-production opportunities and incentives, citing decades of cross-border collaboration. Sports (Local Interest): Benjamin Šeško’s late goal and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ stoppage-time equaliser headline the Man United–Everton Premier League drama. Travel & Mobility: United Airlines adds new nonstop routes for 2027, including Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Premier League Drama (Slovenian angle): Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a stoppage-time screamer on his Everton debut to rescue a 2-2 draw with Manchester United after Benjamin Šeško’s 88th-minute header looked to have sealed it. The result leaves both clubs still sorting out their squads after a messy deadline week, with United again leaking goals. Slovenia in the spotlight (sports): The match also underlined the growing impact of Slovenian players in big moments, while elsewhere Slovenia’s National Gallery is shortlisted for a major European art museum award. EU & regional politics: Germany faces a potential far-right breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt, while the EU has cancelled a Serbia visit over alleged glorification of war criminal Ratko Mladić. Environment & public pressure (Croatia): Tens of thousands protested in Zagreb over illegal toxic waste dumped near Gospić, demanding a clear cleanup plan. Travel & mobility (Slovenia-linked): United announced major 2027 route expansion including Ljubljana, betting on more direct flights to smaller destinations. Climate reality (Europe): Heat and drought keep shaping public debate, with the Vuelta forced to shorten stages due to extreme temperatures.

Slovenia in the spotlight: Slovenia’s climbing star Janja Garnbret won another Lead gold in Koper, taking her 33rd Lead medal and 51st overall, despite humidity and a late scare on the route. Sports with Slovenian links: In the Vuelta a España, Enric Mas extended his red jersey lead after stage 14, while the race’s big story remains the wider shake-up after Tadej Pogačar’s crash and early season exit. Regional environment pressure: Croatia faces mounting anger over illegal hazardous waste at Gospić, with tens of thousands protesting and demanding a clear cleanup plan and deadlines. EU politics: The EU’s enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit over the “glorification” of war criminal Ratko Mladić after his death. Local governance & infrastructure: Croatia is set to replace toll booths with an electronic free-flow system, Crolibertas, from March 2027. Science & international cooperation: A ministerial announcement outlines a multi-country VIC Scientific Program participation list, tying Slovenia into broader research collaboration.

Toxic Waste Protest: Tens of thousands rallied in Croatia’s Gospić over alleged illegal hazardous waste imports and slow cleanup, with protesters demanding a clear remediation plan and deadlines after reports of soil contamination and “forever chemicals” in groundwater. EU Foreign Policy: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after concerns about the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić following his death, a move tied to EU values and accession politics. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Slovenia’s Andreja Klepač advanced at the U.S. Open in women’s doubles, with Slovenia’s presence also echoed in regional sports coverage. Vuelta Cycling: Enric Mas extended his Vuelta a España lead as Marco Brenner won stage 14 in extreme heat; meanwhile Tadej Pogačar ended his 2026 season early after a crash, reshaping the race’s top contenders. Local Community & Inclusion: A case of bullying against a Roma child on Slovenia’s first day of school highlights ongoing discrimination and schools’ failure to address it early. Aviation Business: United Airlines announced major new international routes including Ljubljana, signaling continued growth in Slovenia-linked connectivity.

Sports Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar has ended his 2026 season early after a Vuelta a España crash, ruling him out of the World Championships in Canada, the European Championships in Slovenia, and Il Lombardia. EU Politics & Values: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s death, citing “glorification” concerns tied to EU accession values. Local Society: A Roma child was bullied on the first day of school in Novo mesto, with parents and local officials warning discrimination starts early and schools often fail to act. Public Health & Environment: Thousands rallied in Croatia over hazardous waste illegally dumped in Gospic, demanding a clear remediation plan and deadlines. Culture & Heritage: Restoration of the Prusheck painting is set to begin in September after donations secured the project funding. Slovenia in the EU Budget Debate: Prime Minister Janez Janša urged a balanced EU budget that protects cohesion, agriculture, and innovation funding while meeting new security and economic challenges. Business & Mobility: United Airlines says it will add nonstop routes from March 2027, including Ljubljana.

AI & Age Rights: The ASEM Forum in Seoul urged that older people be treated as rights-holders in AI development, warning of discrimination, digital exclusion, privacy risks and loss of autonomy. Nuclear Preparedness: An IAEA mission reviewed Finland’s nuclear and radiological emergency readiness, praising coordination and training while recommending stronger national planning, public protection, lab capacity and waste rules. Slovenian Politics & Public Finance: Prime Minister Janez Janša called for tighter control of public spending, warning it has pushed above 50% of GDP and proposing a fiscal “anchor” plus streamlined administration. Tourism Watch: Slovenia reported 2.2m tourist arrivals and 6.3m overnight stays in July–August (+7%), with Germany leading demand and direct US flights flagged as a growth lever. Business & Trade: Hong Kong and Slovenia signed a comprehensive double-tax deal to boost cross-border investment. Sports Spotlight: Hearts winger Josh McPake says he’s ready for Scotland call-ups after a derby win; in Brussels, Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh won discus at the Diamond League finals. Regional Links: A new Adriatic fisheries science unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen sustainable, science-based management.

Public Finance Watch: Prime Minister Janez Janša urged tighter control of public spending, warning it has climbed from about 47% of GDP in 2022 to over 50% today, and pushing a fiscal “anchor” to limit expenditure growth while cutting red tape. Slovenia in Trade & Deals: Slovenia’s EXPO 2027 participation contract was signed in Belgrade, moving the country’s expo plans forward under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All.” Tourism Numbers: Slovenia logged 2.2 million tourist arrivals and 6.3 million overnight stays in July–August, up 7% year-on-year, with Germany leading demand and direct US flights next spring flagged as a growth lever. Business & Innovation: A Slovenian company linked to Perception CloudWorks, Fora d.o.o., was named in Future 100 Slovenia, while EU research funding also advanced with CIRCUIT4EU targeting critical minerals recycling. EU Politics & Security: The EU scrapped a planned Serbia visit after Ratko Mladic’s death, citing “glorification” concerns, as Hungary continues to block further Ukraine EU talks over minority rights implementation. Regional Tech Cooperation: Nine CEE countries, including Slovenia, signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy and connect computing capacities.

Protests in Ljubljana: Around 2,500 people gathered in front of Slovenia’s parliament on Sept. 2, the first big anti-government rally since Janez Janša’s coalition took office in June, sparked by allegations against MP Boris Mijić over fraud, unpaid debts and misleading claims about his degree. Vuelta a España: With Tadej Pogačar out after a crash, Enric Mas extended his lead as Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel won stage 12 on Calar Alto, while Primož Roglič lost time again on the summit. Climate and drought: Slovenia recorded its hottest summer on record in 2026, and ARSO warns of an extremely severe drought; Triglav’s glacier is under heavy pressure and could vanish by early October. EU politics and security: Slovenia’s wider region remains in focus as EU leaders debate security priorities and tensions around the West Bank ahead of elections. Film in the region: Slovenian director Urban Zorko has started shooting his debut feature “Morning with the Devil” in Ljubljana.

Education & Pay: Luxembourg tops EU teacher pay, while Slovakia, Czechia and Hungary pay the least at the top end, according to Eurydice. Climate & Agriculture: Slovenia logged its hottest summer on record in 2026 and is facing an extremely severe drought; Triglav’s glacier is expected to vanish by early October. Politics & Justice: Slovenia’s parliament lifted former PM Robert Golob’s immunity, clearing the way for criminal proceedings in the “Bobnar case” over alleged illegal intermediation and police interference. EU Mobility Rules: The Netherlands and Iceland published lists of countries whose citizens can work without a permit under specific conditions, including Slovenia. Travel Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 for dozens of nationalities from Sept. 15, including Slovenia-listed EU countries. Sports (Slovenian): Tadej Pogačar is out of contention for the World Championships after surgery for a Vuelta crash, with medical staff saying a return in time is unlikely. Business & Tech: HUAWEI unveiled the WATCH GT 7 series with new outdoor and health features and up to 21 days’ autonomy.

Slovenian Politics: The National Assembly lifted former PM Robert Golob’s parliamentary immunity, clearing the way for prosecutors to pursue the “Bobnar case” over alleged interference in police staffing. EU Travel Rules: From Sept 7, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will no longer be temporarily eased for Brits, after summer “biometric lift” and shutdowns aimed at reducing airport queues. Business & Economy: Slovenia’s government says it will back a stable, predictable business environment and cut unnecessary administrative burdens, responding to 149 demands gathered by the Chamber. Culture & Recognition: Slovenia’s National Gallery made the shortlist for the 2026 European Art Museum Award, alongside major European institutions. Sports (Regional): Croatia’s PM Plenković condemned the glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, after funeral tributes in Banja Luka. Aviation: airBaltic plans a tighter summer 2027 network, concentrating capacity around its Riga hub while reducing destinations from Tallinn and Vilnius.

Parliament & Justice: Slovenia’s parliament lifted former PM Robert Golob’s immunity, clearing the way for prosecutors to pursue a police-staffing meddling case after a vote with no debate. Media Stability: RTV Slovenia is described as being on the brink of collapse, with worsening liquidity and claims of mismanagement, loans, and internal disputes. Regional EU Politics: At the Bled Strategic Forum, Central European leaders pushed for stronger coordination to defend interests in the next EU budget talks, while Hungary again blocked Ukraine’s enlargement progress. Foreign Policy Shift: Reports say Slovenia’s government change has helped Israel secure a friend inside the EU, with Janez Janša expected to block any unanimous EU sanctions. Aviation & Travel: airBaltic plans a smaller summer 2027 network, concentrating more on its Riga hub and cutting destinations from Tallinn and Vilnius; meanwhile a new travel rule for Brits entering Europe from Sept 7 adds pressure as EES systems continue to be adjusted. Economy & Society: A drought-hit farming outlook is worsening, with COPA-Cogeca citing major crop losses including in Slovenia. Health & Science: A study flags Europe’s cold-tolerant Korean bush mosquito as a growing concern for surveillance and disease-risk planning.

EU Security & Defence: Germany’s defence chief says NATO is “not deterring enough” against Russia’s hybrid attacks after a drone-loaded strike at a German airbase, with Central Europe’s leaders discussing security at the Bled Strategic Forum. Bled Strategic Forum (Central Europe): Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia argue the region should use its growing weight to shape EU policy, while Hungary’s Péter Magyar pushes the EU to choose between “survive or win” with more national leadership, defence-industry cooperation and investment in AI, research and energy security. Agriculture & Climate Impact: COPA-Cogeca warns weather damage is severe: Slovenia’s corn harvest down 50–70% and drought stress hitting crops and livestock, with farmers also squeezed by high fertilizer and energy costs. EU-West Balkans Politics: Bosnia’s foreign minister backs faster, more credible EU enlargement, while Croatia’s PM says any Serbian state funeral for Ratko Mladić would close the door to EU membership. Slovenia in the spotlight: Slovenia’s PM and president clash over the government’s veto of an EU statement on Israel, keeping Slovenia’s EU role in the headlines. Sports (Slovenian angle): Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash triggered a reshuffle of UAE Team Emirates-XRG goals, and Scott McTominay’s minor heart surgery could affect Scotland fixtures against Slovenia.