AGP Executive Report

Slovenia–Israel Aviation Row: Slovenia denied landing to an Israir flight from Tel Aviv to Ljubljana, forcing a diversion to Zagreb; Israir calls it political and says it breaches EU air agreements, while no official Slovenian government statement was released. EU Border Policy: The European Commission urged nine Schengen countries, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks, warning prolonged controls undermine the passport-free zone. Economy Watch: The OECD downgraded Slovenia’s growth forecast to 1.9% for 2026; the EBRD also cut its outlook for 2026–27. Media Funding: The outgoing government approved EUR 4 million to co-finance journalists’ wages in 2026–27 under the new Media Act. Innovation & Business: HeroLabs won Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026 for MooHero, a smart cow collar; and Finance ranked Krka as Slovenia’s top company again. Tech & Services: Pošta Slovenije began a month-long test of assisted robot deliveries in Ljubljana. Cybersecurity: SI-CERT at ARNES says it handles about 6,000 incidents a year, including fraud and phishing reports.

EU Border Watch: The European Commission has issued opinions urging Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden to keep internal Schengen border checks temporary, exceptional and proportionate, and to phase them out as new migration rules and alternative policing allow. Slovenia Economy: The EBRD has downgraded Slovenia’s growth forecast for 2026 and 2027, citing softer outlooks (GDP growth now put at 2.0% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027). Cyber Security: Slovenia’s SI-CERT (at ARNES) says it handles about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, with a small team triaging online fraud, phishing and more serious cases. Healthcare Pressure: An OECD report highlights long specialist waiting times across Europe, with Slovenia facing nearly two years for hip replacement care (667 days). Foreign Policy Shift: Tone Kajzer, Slovenia’s foreign minister nominee, says Slovenia will keep pushing EU integration for the Western Balkans and pursue stronger, more pragmatic ties with the US while maintaining a pro-Ukraine stance. Politics & Referendum: Nearly 13,400 signatures have been collected for a referendum on changes to Slovenia’s Parliamentary Inquiry Act, with critics warning of weaker rule-of-law safeguards. Sports: Cedevita Olimpija won Slovenia’s national basketball title again, sweeping Krka 87:71 in Game 3.

Slovenian Foreign Policy Shift: Tone Kajzer, nominated foreign minister, says Slovenia will keep backing EU integration for the Western Balkans, while also pursuing stronger ties with the US and a more pragmatic approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict—without dropping pro-Ukraine support. EU & Schengen Pressure: The European Commission issued formal warnings to nine Schengen states, including Slovenia, urging them to wind down long-running internal border checks in favor of smarter alternatives. Energy & Grid Reform: Elektro-Slovenija is rolling out electricity sharing from July 1, letting solar owners pass surplus power to chosen recipients via the grid. Domestic Politics & Rule of Law: Nearly 13,400 signatures were collected for a referendum on changes to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, with critics warning of weaker safeguards. Health & Economy Picks: Parliament endorsed Anže Logar for the economy/labour role, while health minister candidate Tadej Ostrc focused on cutting waiting times through reorganisation and digitalisation. Demographics & Identity: Demographics minister candidate Mateja Ribič backs free childcare and higher birth rates; Suzana Lep Šimenko pushes closer economic cooperation with Slovenians abroad. Sports & Culture: Cedevita Olimpija won a record 23rd national basketball title; Ljubljana hosted an embroidered Ukraine exhibition; and Slovenia’s foreign policy debate continues alongside major EU-level developments.

EU Green Claims Crackdown: The European Commission has opened infringement procedures against 20 Member States, including Slovenia, for not fully transposing EU rules on green claims and sustainability labels, with penalties possible if countries don’t respond by a set deadline. Slovenian Economy Focus: Finance minister candidate Andrej Šircelj backs lower labour taxation, tighter public-finance control, and revised 2026 budgeting to meet EU fiscal rules—promising no new or higher taxes. Innovation Push: Economy, labour and sport candidate Anže Logar says Slovenia must shift from “contractors” to innovators to stay competitive, aiming at higher productivity and fewer barriers to growth. Business & Tech Links: Intermap expands Generali’s use of its AI-enabled risk platform, adding Poland, Hungary and Slovenia to improve underwriting and climate-risk modelling. Media & Governance: Slovenia’s publisher Delo and Slovenske Novice moves to a two-member management board, while Slovenia’s constitutional court dismisses an appeal over marked ballots in a secret parliamentary vote. Sports Spotlight (Slovenia): Viktoriia Us wins silver at the Canoe Slalom World Cup stage in Tacen, and Ljubljana hosts a new museum exhibition on embroidered Ukraine.

EU Border Politics: Serbia’s EU integration could be blocked by Croatia over Danube border disputes, with Serbian minister Nemanja Starović warning Croatia may condition EU accession on taking control of disputed territory. Slovenia in International Jobs: Žiga Žarnić became Slovenia’s new Head of the Permanent Representation to the OECD, starting with meetings and credentials presented to the OECD Secretary-General. Economy & Innovation: Anže Logar told MPs Slovenia must shift from “contractors” to innovators to boost productivity, innovation, and growth by cutting barriers. Media & Ownership: Journalists’ groups warn that the sale of Adria News Network outlets to Alpac Capital could threaten editorial independence across the Western Balkans. EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission opened infringement steps against 20 Member States, including Slovenia, over delays in adopting EU green-claims and sustainability-label rules. Climate & Risk: Generali is expanding use of Intermap’s AI risk platform to include Poland, Hungary and Slovenia for better natural hazard and climate risk underwriting. Sports (Local Interest): Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d’Italia in Rome, completing a rare Grand Tour sweep. Culture & Society: Slovenia’s TV highlighted the Sahrawi issue via an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar.

Sports: Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d’Italia in Rome, completing cycling’s rare “Grand Slam” by adding the Giro to his Tour de France and Vuelta titles, joining an elite club of all-three winners. Local Politics: Moravče mayor Milan Balažic was released from custody after questioning, saying police actions amounted to “inhuman torture” and were politically motivated ahead of local elections. Weather Watch: Serbia and the wider region face unstable conditions with frequent showers and thunderstorms; Serbia’s hydrometeorological institute issued an orange alert for heavy downpours and storms, with warnings also affecting parts of Slovenia and Croatia. Media & Business: A major media ownership shift is underway as Alpac Capital agrees to buy Adria News Network from United Group, prompting concern from the European Federation of Journalists about risks to editorial independence in the Western Balkans. EU Policy & Security: EU cybersecurity rules are tightening under NIS2 and DORA, but companies say compliance pressure is growing and implementation varies across member states. Culture in Ljubljana: A Ljubljana museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition, spotlighting Ukrainian folk dress and family histories.

Cycling Spotlight: Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d’Italia in Rome, becoming only the eighth man to win all three Grand Tours, finishing 5:22 ahead of Felix Gall. Slovenia in the News: Slovenia’s heat-pump market is heating up, with demand rising this year as fossil-fuel prices and state incentives push households toward upgrades. Sports at Tacen: Australian canoeist Jess Fox returned from kidney-tumour surgery to take silver at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, just 0.13 seconds behind Alina Hocevar. Regional Business: A Slovenian business delegation is set to visit Argentina and Chile for forums and B2B meetings aimed at boosting cooperation. Energy & Industry: Stadler won a contract to supply Montenegro with three electric FLIRT train sets, supporting rail modernisation and cross-border travel with Serbia. Travel & Borders: New EU data shows Indians face tough Schengen odds in 2025, with Slovenia the hardest hit (46.1% non-issuance). Culture: Ljubljana opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition at the ethnographic museum, spotlighting Ukrainian folk dress and family histories.

Local Politics: Dnevnik reports Ljubljana’s local election campaign is effectively underway as residents feel they can push back on mayor Zoran Janković’s plans for paid parking expansion. Culture & Identity: The Ljubljana Ethnographic Museum opened “Embroidered Ukraine,” featuring 40 authentic Ukrainian folk outfits and family-linked histories, from Holodomor memories to the national revival. Sports in Slovenia: Australian canoe star Jess Fox returned to the Tacen World Cup in Slovenia and won silver in the women’s K1 final, just 0.13 seconds behind Eva Alina Hočevar. Business & Media: Alpac Capital says it has agreed to buy Adria News Network from United Group, promising editorial independence and “neutral, fact-based journalism.” Travel & Borders: EU data show Indians faced a 15.8% Schengen non-issuance rate in 2025; Slovenia was the toughest destination at 46.1%. Weather: Sunday in Slovenia looks mostly clear, with highs 24–31°C and possible showers/thunderstorms in the interior.

Media Ownership Watch: Alpac Capital says it has agreed to buy Adria News Network (ANN) from United Group, a deal that would place outlets like Serbia’s N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas under a new owner; press-freedom groups warn it could affect editorial independence, while Alpac stresses “neutral, fact-based” journalism. Slovenia’s Defence Numbers Under Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte tells outgoing PMs Slovenia’s core defence spending falls short of the 2% target once non-core projects are excluded, putting a roughly €300m gap on the table. Politics & Government Formation: Slovenia’s new Janša government is taking shape with ministerial candidates set for parliamentary hearings, as the coalition lineup firms up ahead of a possible early-June swearing-in. Energy Efficiency Push: A Slovenian Business Club panel in Belgrade urges companies to fix energy efficiency first, then shift to new energy sources, amid major regional investment plans. Culture & Tourism: Postojna Cave’s “baby dragons” (olms) are celebrating their 10th birthday, with new public insights into the 2016 brood’s development. Sports in Slovenia: Australian canoe star Jess Fox returns from kidney-tumour surgery and wins World Cup silver in Tacen, finishing 0.13 seconds behind Eva Alina Hocevar.

Government Shake-Up: Janez Janša is set to return as Slovenia’s prime minister for a fourth term after parliament elected him 51–36, with a coalition lineup of ministerial candidates now taking shape and hearings expected in early June. Local Accountability: Moravče mayor Milan Balažic is suspected of corruption, with police searches and a court-issued warrant pointing to alleged bribery involving the deputy mayor. Defence Spending Clash: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Slovenia’s defence spending is below the 2% core target once non-core projects are excluded, after NATO questioned how figures were counted. EU Finance Rules: Slovenia and Portugal propose ESMA contributions be proportional to the size of capital markets, aiming to shift away from Council political weight. Startup Push: SPIRIT Slovenija launched a public database of Slovenian startups to boost visibility and match firms with investors, targeting growth from 77 to 225 by end-2027. Media Independence Watch: European journalists’ groups urge transparency over the sale of Adria News Network to Alpac Capital, warning it could affect editorial independence across the Western Balkans. Culture & Film: Slovenia’s Film Centre announced €285,800 in production grants for three low-budget films, while Beldocs 2026 in Belgrade crowned The Thing to Be Done as Best Film.

Startup Push: SPIRIT Slovenia launched a public database of Slovenian startups to boost visibility at home and abroad, starting with 77 firms and aiming for 225 by end-2027. Politics & Governance: Slovenia’s new right-wing PM Janez Janša received congratulations from India’s Narendra Modi as coalition parties confirm ministerial candidates, while police searched dozens of premises over suspected corruption involving Moravče mayor Milan Balažic. Press Freedom: The Slovenian Association of Journalists warns that amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act could weaken protections for reporters and sources. EU & Migration: The EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum is set to apply from 12 June, with Slovenia listed among member states where progress details remain unclear. Research & Innovation: The government adopted a 2026–2028 implementation programme for research and innovation, targeting up to 1.25% of GDP from public funds. Culture & Society: A new memorial service in London will honour a well-known woman described as having “fierce independence and fearless adventure.”

Politics & Governance: Slovenia’s new right-wing government moves fast: coalition parties are confirming ministerial candidates, with the Democrats first naming picks for economy/labour, health and justice, while the Slovenian Association of Journalists warns that changes to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act could weaken press freedom and source protection. Law Enforcement & Corruption: Police searched dozens of premises and a municipality in Moravče over suspected corruption offences, targeting the mayor and deputy mayor. EU Policy: The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is set to apply from 12 June, with the Commission saying most building blocks are in place but more work is needed. Economy & Finance: Slovenia approved EUR 9.8m for municipalities with registered Roma settlements; the Ljubljana stock index edged down slightly. Research & Innovation: The government adopted a 2026–2028 plan to fund and coordinate research and innovation, aiming for up to 1.25% of GDP from public funds. International Ties: PM Janez Janša’s return to power drew congratulations from India’s Modi, who pledged closer bilateral cooperation. Business & Media: United Group founder Dragan Šolak and former CEO Viktoriya Boklag launched London legal action to block BC Partners’ planned sale of United Media. Society & Tech: A report highlights how sexual deepfakes are being used to intimidate women in politics and media, including Slovenian activist Nika Kovac.

Slovenian Finance: Slovenia has successfully issued a €350m seven-year floating-rate eurobond due in 2033, with demand led mainly by Slovenian banks (96%). Higher Education & Pharma: The Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy is set for a €100m new building at Brdo Campus, aiming to expand capacity to 2,000 students and 250 staff by 2030. EU Climate Funding: The European Commission selected Slovenia-linked projects under the Innovation Fund Heat Auction, including Lek Pharmaceuticals in Mengeš, as EU backs clean heat to cut gas use. Public Safety: Slovenian police seized hundreds of thousands of prescription pills in postal shipments destined abroad, arresting a suspect from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Politics & Society: Parliament has voted to declare a planned referendum on changes to parliamentary inquiry rules inadmissible, while citizens are collecting signatures. Regional Business: Addiko Bank’s takeover talks intensify, with Raiffeisen Bank International pushing a deal that could reshape operations across the Balkans.

Public Finance: Slovenia issued a €350m seven-year floating-rate eurobond, with demand hitting €375m early and Slovenian banks taking 96% of the order book. Health & Safety: Police seized hundreds of thousands of prescription pills in postal shipments destined for abroad, arresting a 45-year-old man in Brežice. Education & Innovation: The Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy broke ground on a new €100m Brdo Campus building, aiming to expand capacity to 2,000 students and 250 staff by 2030. Energy & Industry: The EU selected Slovenia’s Lek Pharmaceuticals site among 65 projects for the first Heat Auction, backing decarbonised heat to cut gas use. Politics & Rule of Law: Parliament declared a referendum on an economic omnibus bill inadmissible, while citizens began collecting signatures over changes to parliamentary inquiry rules. Community & Culture: Slovenia’s Muslim community started Eid al-Adha celebrations nationwide. Sports: Slovenia’s ice hockey team missed the 2026 World Championship quarterfinals after a 2–4 loss to Sweden.

Cave Rescue in Laos: Rescuers in Laos are racing to extract seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave for a week, with Finnish specialist diver Mikko Paasi saying a “final search dive” could happen if safety checks hold. Media & Tech Spotlight: A Croatian journalist, Roko Kalafatic, won the Siemens Media Award 2026 in Budapest for a podcast on how digital overload reshapes understanding of the world. BiH Leadership Shake-up: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Peace Implementation Council is set to meet in Sarajevo on June 3-4 to appoint a new High Representative after Christian Schmidt resigned on May 11. Energy & EU Politics: Romania’s acting foreign minister defended the “Friends of Cohesion” push as not a return to the past, while EU talks over grid permits face backlash over “silent approval” rules. Logistics Expansion: Rohlig SUUS Logistics opened a new Uzbekistan subsidiary in Tashkent to expand end-to-end freight services. Slovenia in the mix: Slovenia’s OTP Banka and UniCredit are set to lead a new 7-year euro bond float-rate note, and the TRIGA reactor marked 60 years of nuclear research near Ljubljana.

Documentary Spotlight: Berlin’s Doxumentale opens 27 May–7 June, with artistic director Anna Ramskogler-Witt pushing non-fiction beyond film into VR, live podcasts and immersive storytelling. EU Sanctions Clash: Ireland is moving to ban imports of goods from Israeli West Bank settlements by mid-July, with services still excluded after business and political pushback. Slovenia in Focus: TRIGA’s 60-year milestone is celebrated at the Jožef Stefan Institute, keeping Slovenia’s nuclear research spotlight on education and safety. Markets & Money: Slovenia plans a seven-year euro bond issue, while EU-wide clean-heat funding backs industrial decarbonisation projects including Slovenia. Tech & Industry: EU invests €400m in industrial clean heat; separately, nuclear is being fought over in data-centre sustainability rules, with Slovenia among the countries pushing for “technological neutrality.” Sports: Luka Dončić earns a sixth All-NBA First Team nod as Slovenia’s ice hockey team stays in the elite division.