AGP Executive Report

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.

Bled Strategic Forum: Hungary’s PM Péter Magyar told leaders at Bled that the EU needs “survive or win” leadership, less bureaucracy, and more nation-state power on defence, AI, education, research and energy security, echoing themes from Viktor Orbán. Regional diplomacy: Bosnia’s FM Elmedin Konaković joined the forum and pushed for faster, more credible EU enlargement for the Western Balkans, arguing it strengthens long-term stability and security. Slovenia politics: Reports also keep circling around Slovenia’s president and a disputed traffic-accident case in the Kastelec tunnel, with renewed claims about withheld materials and alleged foreign influence. Health & sport: Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss matches after minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia. Cycling: Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash led to successful surgery for a collarbone fracture, but the race’s outcome remains wide open. Business & travel: Primark opened its 500th store in Naples, while United Airlines announced new nonstop A321XLR routes including Ljubljana. EU economy: Eurostat data showed Cyprus unemployment edging up to 3.9% in July, still below last year.

EU Reform at Bled Strategic Forum: Central European leaders, including Slovenia’s Janez Janša, urged EU reform and faster enlargement, arguing the bloc must boost competitiveness, handle illegal migration better, and rethink the “forced green transition.” EU Politics & Veto Rules: Germany-backed proposals aim to reduce how easily national vetoes can block EU foreign policy decisions, using abstentions and treaty flexibility. EU–Serbia Tensions: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos condemned Serbia’s reported plan to honor Ratko Mladić, saying “glorification” of war criminals has no place in EU values. Slovenia’s Economy: Slovenia’s inflation edged up to 3.0% year-on-year in August, with transport and housing/utilities driving the rise. Energy & Business: Geoplin named Uroš Bider as CEO from 1 November 2026. Security & Migration: Frontex coordinated arrests of 112 suspected migrant smugglers on the Western Balkans route, alongside document fraud cases. Cyber & Tourism: HIT Group began reopening Slovenian casinos after a cyberattack disrupted gaming systems. Sports Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta ended after a major crash; Djokovic also suffered a shock US Open first-round exit.

EU Politics & Israel: Slovenia’s PM and president clash over whether to back an EU joint statement condemning Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plans, with Netanyahu accusing the EU of double standards after Slovenia blocked unanimity. Climate & Water: Europe’s extreme drought is hitting rivers, fish farms and farms from Slovenia to Hungary, with scientists linking the conditions to climate change and losses running into millions. US Open Late-Night Drama: Venus Williams’ US Open run ends in a first-round loss to Sofia Kenin after a “dysfunctional” midnight scheduling decision; Jessica Pegula advances past Elena-Gabriela Ruse and faces Kenin next. Cycling: After Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash, Enric Mas wins stage nine to keep the red jersey, with Primož Roglič third overall. Business & Energy: Greece’s €4.8bn Social Climate Plan gets EU backing to support vulnerable households and clean-transition upgrades. Slovenia in the Spotlight: A Slovenian-led Veeda AI raises $90m to build virtual worlds for robots, while Fendt’s 500 Vario wins innovation at Slovenia’s AGRA fair.

Slovenia–EU Israel Row: Slovenian PM Janez Janša is at odds with President Nataša Pirc Musar after vetoing an EU statement condemning Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plan, with Janša arguing Slovenia should set its own foreign policy while Netanyahu accused the EU of double standards over Cyprus. Diplomacy Pressure: A New Zealand pro-Palestine group slammed NZ’s lack of signature on the same E1 condemnation, calling it a “moral collapse,” as the statement was backed by many EU states including Slovenia. US Open Spotlight: Jessica Pegula reached the US Open second round after beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2, while the tournament began with a record $108m prize pool. Vuelta Cycling: With Tadej Pogačar out after a crash, Enric Mas won Vuelta stage nine and kept the red jersey; Slovenian Primož Roglič finished third to stay second overall. Climate Impact: Europe’s extreme drought is hitting fish and farms, including in Slovenia’s lakes, with damage spreading across the region. Travel & Business: United Airlines announced 10 new nonstop routes for 2027, including Ljubljana, as Slovenia-linked air travel options expand.

Slovenian Politics & EU Diplomacy: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša and President Nataša Pirc Musar clash over Ljubljana’s veto of an EU statement condemning Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plan, with Musar warning international law can’t be “political choice” and Janša stressing sovereignty. Cycling & Health: Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta a España ends abruptly after a crash on stage 8; he’s reported to need surgery for a broken collarbone, with concussion and neck fracture also noted, reshaping the race as Enric Mas takes over the lead. Sports & Risk Culture: Matthew Brennan criticizes the Vuelta’s aggressive risk-taking after a crash-marred day with multiple pile-ups and Pogačar’s fall. Tourism Pressure: Cape Kamenjak faces ongoing strain from international visitors despite fewer vehicles this summer; authorities are closing some areas to traffic to protect the protected landscape. Border Tech & Travel Chaos: The EU’s September 6 deadline approaches for reintroducing full biometric checks at Schengen borders, raising fears of longer airport queues after a busy summer. Healthcare Research: A European study reports direct monitoring of injured spinal cords in ICU patients is feasible and safe, with 109 adults treated across five units. Climate & Water Stress: Extreme drought is hitting rivers and fish farms across the region, including Slovenia’s water systems and Serbia’s Danube side channels.

Aviation & Travel: United Airlines starts rolling out its Airbus A321XLR for longer trips, with the first U.S. domestic XLR flights set for September (Washington Dulles to San Diego on Sept. 9, then Dulles to Los Angeles Oct. 1) and a bigger push to new international cities in 2027 that includes Ljubljana among the planned destinations. Climate & Food Security: Europe’s extreme summer drought is hitting ecosystems hard, with reports of fish dying in shrinking waterways in the region, including impacts reaching Slovenia and the wider Danube basin. Slovenian Sports: Cycling’s biggest shock in the week: Tadej Pogačar abandoned the Vuelta a España after a crash on stage 8, suffering a broken collarbone and other injuries, reshaping the race with Enric Mas taking over the lead. Regional Sports: Slovenia’s women’s volleyball team is set for the EuroVolley 2026 Round of 16, with a key match against the Netherlands scheduled for Aug. 31.

Tourism Costs in Focus: Turkey’s “cheap holiday” image is fading as currency policy keeps the lira’s slide below inflation, pushing prices up for visitors; arrivals from Europe fell in May (-3.6%), June (-4%) and July (-0.3%), with operators citing higher costs and regional tensions. Slovenia in Sports Spotlight: Slovenian rider Jakob Omrzel finished fourth on Stage 7 of La Vuelta at Aramón Valdelinares, 58 seconds behind winner Andreas Leknessund, as Uno-X took a Norwegian 1-2. EU, Energy, and Prices: Spain won EU backing for temporary cuts to petrol and diesel excise duties below the bloc’s minimums to cushion households and businesses from Middle East-driven energy volatility. Aviation & Slovenia Connections: United’s 2027 expansion includes new European city pairs such as Ljubljana, enabled by Airbus A321XLR long-range narrowbodies, while broader airline route announcements keep reshaping US-Europe travel. Climate Pressure on Food & Water: Extreme drought and heat are hitting fish and farming across the region, with Slovenia and neighboring countries reporting major ecosystem and business damage.

Cycling Spotlight (Slovenia): Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) rode into fourth on La Vuelta stage 7, finishing 58 seconds behind winner Andreas Leknessund, who took the stage after a solo move on the Aramón Valdelinares climb; Tadej Pogačar kept control of the overall lead with a measured response to late-race accelerations. EU Politics (Slovenia): EU Council President António Costa continues his “Tour des Capitales” with a stop in Ljubljana on 2–4 September, as he meets leaders to shape the EU’s next long-term budget talks. Aviation & Travel (Slovenia-linked): United Airlines’ biggest-ever international expansion for 2027 adds new nonstop city pairs including Ljubljana, alongside routes to Europe and beyond, with the A321XLR enabling services that were previously uneconomical. Maritime Nuclear (Slovenia in focus): The ATLAS initiative to advance civilian nuclear power at sea has added Slovenia among 25 participating countries, aiming to speed up regulation and deployment for ships and floating power plants. Sports (Slovenia in wider headlines): Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek knocked Bianca Andreescu out of U.S. Open qualifying, while Canadians Liam Draxl also missed the main draw.

EU Budget Talks: European Council President António Costa’s “Tour des Capitales” continues, with stops including Ljubljana as he presses leaders on priorities like defence, competitiveness, enlargement and the next EU long-term budget. Slovenia Energy Snapshot: Slovenia’s net electricity generation fell in July to 996 GWh (down 9% year on year), driven by weaker hydro and thermal output, while solar and wind rose. Local Governance & Media Funding: RTV Slovenija’s liquidity crunch deepens as the state limits short-term treasury draws, while a licence-fee overhaul remains stalled in parliament. EU Circular Economy Skills: Europe’s circular economy push still lags, with recycled materials at just 12.2% in 2024—highlighting the need for skills, not only recycling capacity. Business & Investment Links: Slovenia and Kyrgyzstan move toward new cooperation after a meeting with RIKO on energy and other priority sectors. International Flights: United Airlines announces its biggest-ever expansion, adding nonstop routes that include Ljubljana among new Europe links for 2027. Sports (Slovenian Spotlight): Tadej Pogačar keeps dominating the Vuelta, while the stage 6 drama included Enric Mas catching him on brutal gravel slopes.

Energy Watch: Slovenia’s net electricity generation fell in July to 996GWh, down 9% year-on-year and 13% from June, as hydropower dropped 35% and thermal output slid 41%, while estimated solar and wind rose 30%. EU Politics: Slovenia’s prime minister said the country blocked an EU condemnation of Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plan, while the president condemned the government veto—keeping the Israel-EU dispute front and center. International Business: Slovenia’s RIKO met Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency in Ljubljana to discuss energy and other priority sectors, aiming to set up new cooperation projects. Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced nonstop expansion including a new Newark–Ljubljana route starting May 12, 2027, plus other major Europe additions. Sports (Slovenia): Tadej Pogačar kept dominating the Vuelta with a stage 6 win, surviving a scare as Enric Mas chased him down on brutal gravel. Media Freedom: Journalists’ groups warned Serbia’s media ownership changes after Alpac Capital’s move to consolidate outlets, including concerns about editorial independence.