AGP Executive Report

AI & Rights for Older People: At the ASEM forum in Seoul, experts urged that older adults be treated as rights-holders in the age of AI, warning of discrimination, digital exclusion, privacy risks and loss of autonomy. Slovenia’s Budget Discipline: Prime Minister Janez Janša told a Ljubljana forum that public spending has climbed above 50% of GDP and backed a fiscal “anchor” to curb costs, streamline administration and reduce red tape for business. Tourism Momentum: Slovenia’s tourist numbers rose in July–August, with 2.2 million arrivals and 6.3 million overnight stays (+7%), as Germany led demand and direct US flights next spring were flagged as a potential boost for Ljubljana and Bled. EU Politics & Israel: Ireland is pushing for stronger EU sanctions on Israel and a rethink of trade privileges, but EU member states remain divided, including Slovenia’s stance. EU Enlargement Tensions: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled a Serbia visit after what she called the “glorification” of war criminal Ratko Mladić’s death. Tech & Growth: Google expanded Waze Ads to 42 countries, including Slovenia, while a Ljubljana-based streaming software firm Fora d.o.o. was named in Slovenia’s Future 100. Space Industry Watch: Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket scrubbed again in Norway, with the company notably silent as deadlines and contracts pile up.

Climate & Energy: Slovenia logged its hottest summer on record in 2026, with drought now “extremely severe” and Triglav glacier at risk of disappearing by early October, as the government pledges aid for affected farmers. EU Tech & Industry: Horizon Europe’s CIRCUIT4EU launches to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, magnets and components, aiming to boost circular supply for EU industries. AI Cooperation: Nine Central and Eastern European countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, link computing capacity, and push joint projects. Local Politics: Anti-government protesters gathered in Ljubljana outside parliament, targeting Prime Minister Janez Janša’s coalition over welfare and healthcare concerns and allegations tied to MP Boris Mijić. Business & Jobs: Ljubljana-based Fora d.o.o. (Perception CloudWorks) was named in Slovenia’s Future 100, highlighting growth potential in IPTV and streaming tech. Sports (Slovenia): Jakob Omrzel won Vuelta stage 12, while Enric Mas extended his overall lead; meanwhile Tadej Pogačar’s World Championships fitness is described as “not realistic” after his crash.

Vuelta a España: Enric Mas extended his overall lead after a late attack on Calar Alto, finishing 27 seconds clear of Primož Roglič, while Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel grabbed stage 12 with a solo win and became the country’s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner. Cycling Health: Tadej Pogačar has left hospital after surgery for injuries from his Vuelta crash, but doctors say a World Championships return is “not realistic,” leaving his season timeline uncertain. Climate & Agriculture: Slovenia recorded its hottest summer on record in 2026, with extreme drought threatening crops and the Triglav glacier expected to disappear by early October. Local Education Policy: The Slovenian government amended Zois scholarship rules to reduce administrative barriers and better reward top achievements in national competitions. Culture & Film: Ljubljana director Urban Zorko has started shooting his debut feature “Morning with the Devil,” a tragicomic drama about media spectacle and tragedy. EU Politics: Croatia submitted “God Will Not Help” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category. Energy & Industry: Slovenia’s electric power company exchanged nuclear know-how with Armenia’s nuclear plant, focusing on safe operation and long-term upgrades.

Slovenia Politics: The National Assembly voted to lift former PM Robert Golob’s parliamentary immunity, clearing the way for criminal proceedings in the “Bobnar case” over alleged illegal intermediation and alleged interference in police work. EU Diplomacy: Prime Minister Rumen Radev will meet EU Council President Antonio Costa in Sofia as Costa’s EU Capitals Tour focuses on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a stop in Ljubljana for PM Janez Janša. Local Governance & Media: RTV Slovenia is reported to be on the brink of a liquidity collapse, with management drawing loans from the state treasury to cover salaries amid criticism of pay, loans and internal disputes. Business Climate: Slovenia’s PM says the government will remove administrative barriers and stresses the need for a stable, predictable environment for investment and jobs. Culture & Community: Ljubljana’s Islamic Cultural Center mosque highlights modern Islamic architecture in the capital, blending contemporary design with heritage and serving as a community hub. Energy & Industry: Slovenian Electric Power Company officials met Armenia’s nuclear plant to exchange best practices on safe operations, long-term unit performance and modernization. Travel Rules: From Sept 7, Brits may face renewed disruption as eased Entry/Exit System (EES) measures end, bringing back full biometric processing at EU airports.

Parliament & Justice: Slovenia’s National Assembly voted to lift former PM Robert Golob’s parliamentary immunity, clearing the way for criminal proceedings in the long-running “Bobnar case” over alleged illegal intermediation and alleged interference in police work. Local Governance & Economy: Prime Minister Janez Janša told the business community the government is focused on a stable, predictable environment and says it will remove unnecessary administrative burdens, after the Chamber compiled 149 demands in its 2026–2030 small business strategy. Culture in Ljubljana: A spotlight on the Ljubljana Mosque in the Islamic Cultural Center highlights modern Islamic architecture in the capital and its role as a social hub for the Muslim community. Travel Rules: From Sept 7, Brits entering the EU face tighter enforcement of the Entry/Exit System (EES) after summer relaxations end, raising the risk of fresh queues and missed flights. Media & Democracy: Commentaries warn Slovenia’s democracy can’t fully work without a more balanced, less concentrated media landscape, calling for stronger state action to restore pluralism. Sports (Slovenia-linked): Kuwait’s handball team wrapped up a Slovenia training camp ahead of the Asian Games, using friendlies including against Celje and local clubs.

RTV Slovenia crisis: Slovenia’s public broadcaster is facing a liquidity squeeze, with reports pointing to loans from the state treasury to cover salaries and growing concern over management, high costs and internal disputes. Media freedom debate: A commentary argues Slovenia still lacks a balanced, plural media landscape and calls for tougher state action to break up excessive ownership concentration. Air travel shake-up: airBaltic says it will cut summer routes from Riga for 2027, dropping destinations and reducing the overall network, while keeping some key links including Ljubljana. EU politics at Bled: Central European leaders used the Bled Strategic Forum to push for more regional clout in EU budget talks and warned about Russia’s hybrid threat, as well as ongoing disputes over enlargement and war-crimes politics. Slovenia–Israel dispute: Coverage highlights how Slovenia’s government stance on Israel has shifted since the last administration, with EU dynamics now shaped by Ljubljana’s position. Everyday payments in Austria: A survey finds Austrians are increasingly using cards via phones and smartwatches, but cash still matters for most transactions. Public health watch: A new review flags the spread of a cold-tolerant mosquito species in Europe, raising questions for surveillance and disease-risk planning.

Bled Strategic Forum: Central European leaders in Slovenia pushed the idea that the region should use its growing weight to shape EU policy, with Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia arguing Europe needs more assertive nation-state leadership. EU Enlargement & War Crimes: EU Commissioner Marta Kos warned Serbia not to hold state or military honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić after his death, saying glorifying war criminals has no place in EU or candidate countries. Cycling & Health: Tadej Pogačar underwent successful surgery for a fractured collarbone after a crash at the Vuelta a España and will stay in Barcelona for monitoring before recovery. Local Tech/Tourism: HIT Group has started reopening Slovenian casinos after a cyberattack disrupted gaming systems, with some functions still unavailable. Sports & Slovenia links: A Slovenian-linked football talent story highlights Yohaan Benjamin’s move from Slovenian youth football toward senior play in Portugal. Culture & Heritage: The Ukrainian Museum of Canada was nominated for the ŽIVA Award for preserving Slavic heritage worldwide. Housing policy in the region: Cyprus is set to get clearer rules on restricting short-term rentals if housing pressure can be shown, under an EU proposal.

Bled Strategic Forum: Slovenia’s PM and Hungary’s Péter Magyar used the Bled Strategic Forum to warn Europe is at a leadership crossroads, with Magyar urging the EU to “survive or win” and stressing regional cooperation for security and competitiveness. Local Governance & Culture: Slovenia marked the 70th anniversary of the Archives’ Conservation and Restoration Centre, tracing its 1956 origins and the early push to protect national collections. Cybersecurity & Tourism: HIT Group has started reopening Slovenian casinos after a cyberattack shut six properties for days, with some gaming and loyalty services still limited. EU Policy & Housing: A new EU proposal could let Cyprus restrict short-term rentals in “housing stress” areas, but only after proving where pressure exists and pairing any limits with measures to boost supply. Travel Rules: Thailand confirmed it will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries from September 15, 2026. Sports (Slovenian): Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash led to successful surgery for a fractured collarbone; he remains in Barcelona for recovery monitoring.

Vuelta Shock in Slovenia’s Spotlight: World champion Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta a España ended after a crash on stage 8, and team doctors say his left clavicle surgery was successful; he’ll stay in a Barcelona hospital for monitoring before recovery and rehab. Cyberattack Fallout: HIT Group has started reopening six Slovenian casinos after a cyberattack knocked gaming systems offline; some table games and loyalty features are still unavailable as systems are restored. Bled Strategic Forum Politics: Hungarian PM Péter Magyar told leaders the EU faces a leadership crisis and must decide whether to “survive or win,” while Slovenia’s Janez Janša used the forum to argue Europe must shape its own future. Circular Economy Skills Push: A Bled-based project on circular economy training says Europe’s recycling targets need real education and learning communities, not just more bins. Climate Pressure on Balkans Waters: Reports describe extreme drought hitting rivers, fish farms and farms across the region, with losses running into millions and desertification risks rising. Local Culture & Heritage: Slovenia’s Archives conservation centre marks 70 years since its 1956 creation, with new archival research tracing how the restoration unit began work.

Vuelta a España Shock: Tadej Pogačar has been transferred to a Barcelona hospital after crashing out of La Vuelta with a broken collarbone, concussion and other injuries, while Movistar’s Enric Mas seized the red jersey by winning stage 9 on Alto de Aitana; Slovenian Politics & Israel: Prime Minister Janez Janša faces domestic and EU backlash after vetoing a joint EU statement condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plans, sparking sharp criticism from President Nataša Pirc Musar over “double standards” and international law; EU Climate Support: The European Commission backed Greece’s €4.8bn Social Climate Plan to protect vulnerable households and fund heat pumps, solar upgrades and energy-efficient social housing; Energy & Storage Push: JA Roadshow 2026 is set to tour Europe with a focus on solar-plus-battery storage solutions aimed at grid resilience; Travel & Business Links: United Airlines announced nonstop flights to Ljubljana and other European destinations starting in spring 2027, while “Connect & Cheers 3” in Sydney highlighted business-diplomacy networking with Slovenian participation; Environment Watch: Extreme drought is hitting river ecosystems and fish farms across the region, including Slovenia and the Danube basin, raising fears of mass fish losses.

Climate & Food Security: Europe’s extreme summer drought is hitting fish hard, with low, overheated waters in places like Slovenia and the Danube region raising fears of mass die-offs and millions in losses for fish farms. Local Environment & Tourism Pressure: Cape Kamenjak faces ongoing strain from visitor traffic even as vehicle numbers dip, prompting traffic closures to protect the protected landscape. Sports—Vuelta Shock for Slovenia: Tadej Pogačar has abandoned the Vuelta a España after a heavy stage-8 crash; Enric Mas takes over the red jersey, with Primož Roglič holding second overall. Sports—Vuelta Stage 9: Enric Mas won stage nine on Alto de Aitana, beating Oscar Onley, while Roglič finished third to stay in the overall fight. Politics—EU Israel Row: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša is at the center of an EU dispute over condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plans; President Nataša Pirc Musar criticizes the veto, and Netanyahu attacks the EU over “double standards.” Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines is adding nonstop routes to Ljubljana and other destinations in 2027, with service starting in May (subject to approvals). Health Research: A European ICU study reports direct spinal cord monitoring after spinal cord injury is feasible and safe, with 109 patients across five units.

Vuelta Shock for Slovenia: Tadej Pogačar has abandoned the Vuelta a España after a brutal stage-8 crash near Xeraco, with reports pointing to concussion and a fractured collarbone plus a stable C7 neck injury; he’s been transferred to a Barcelona hospital and surgery is delayed while he recovers. Local Politics: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša is clashing with President Nataša Pirc Musar over a veto of an EU statement condemning Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plans, with Musar warning against “double standards” in international law. Travel & Borders: The EU’s September 6 deadline for reactivating full biometric checks under EES is raising fears of renewed airport queues, after a summer of heavy traffic. Environment & Tourism Pressure: Croatia’s Cape Kamenjak near Premantura is seeing fewer vehicles than last year, but authorities say the protected landscape still faces major congestion pressure, leading to traffic closures in busy areas. Climate Fallout: Extreme drought and heat are damaging ecosystems across the region, with fish farms and river life hit hard from Slovenia to the Danube basin.

Vuelta Shock for Slovenia: Tadej Pogačar has abandoned La Vuelta a España after a heavy crash on stage 8 with about 33km left, suffering shoulder and face injuries; UAE Team Emirates-XRG says his priority is recovery, while the red jersey now passes to Enric Mas. Crash-marred Stage 8: The day was packed with pile-ups and falls, and sprinter Bryan Coquard won a chaotic finish in Xeraco after a photo finish over Mads Pedersen. Local Sports Talk: Matthew Brennan criticized the peloton’s risk-taking after seeing “superheroes” mentality drive dangerous riding. Climate Pressure in the Region: A new report highlights extreme drought and heat across Europe, including impacts on Slovenia’s waters and fish, with businesses and ecosystems under strain. Tourism Shift: Turkey’s “cheap holiday” image is fading as prices rise, driven by currency and inflation pressures, with fewer European visitors. Fed Watch: At Jackson Hole, Fed speaker Kevin Warsh warned inflation is still too high, raising expectations for possible rate hikes.

Vuelta a España: Tadej Pogačar kept tightening his grip on the overall lead as UAE Team Emirates-XRG weathered Decathlon CMA CGM’s late push on stage 7, with Pogačar winning the summit finish and extending his advantage while the GC battle stayed razor-thin. Local Culture & Travel: A new travel feature spotlights Slovenia’s Vipava Valley as a “secret” destination for farm stays, cheeses, and wine shaped by the burja wind—an easy day trip from Ljubljana. Climate & Food Security: A Europe-wide drought story warns that heat is hitting rivers, lakes and fish farms hard, with Slovenia named among the affected ecosystems. EU Politics: Spain won EU backing to temporarily cut fuel taxes to cushion households and businesses from energy-price shocks. Ljubljana in the EU spotlight: EU Council President António Costa’s “Tour des Capitales” includes a stop in Ljubljana in early September as he discusses the next EU budget. Tech & Sports Talent: Creative Capital announced a sponsorship for Ukraine’s OptiWay sailing programme, noting a recent youth world champion from Portorož, Slovenia. Media & Governance: PMA flags RTV Slovenija’s liquidity strain over state funding obligations, with longer-term financing still unsettled.

Vuelta a España: Tadej Pogačar kept rolling, winning Stage 6 and extending his overall lead to 3:34 over Enric Mas, after a rare moment when Mas bridged across on the Puerto de El Bartolo climb and Pogačar still out-sprinted him at Castello; the Slovenian also survived a scary descent miss. Vuelta Stage 7: Andreas Leknessund took a solo win for Uno-X Mobility in the Aramón Valdelinares summit finish, with Tobias Halland Johannessen second as Pogačar’s GC gains stayed modest. Slovenia in EU politics: EU Council President António Costa’s “Tour des Capitales” continues with a stop in Ljubljana on 2–4 September, ahead of a speech at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio. Local environment & waste: Ljubljana is cited as a real-world example in the International Zero Waste Cities Network, as new cities in Mongolia join the push to reduce, reuse and recycle. Sports beyond cycling: Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek knocked Bianca Andreescu out of U.S. Open qualifying, ending Canada’s hopes from the qualifiers. Tech & health (EU): A REDUCE-IT® legacy analysis presented at the ESC Congress 2026 points to lasting cardiovascular benefits for highly adherent patients after stopping icosapent ethyl.

Vuelta a España: Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar kept rolling, winning Stage 6 in Castellón after a tense duel with Enric Mas—then briefly going off-road on a dangerous descent. His lead now sits at 3:34 over Mas, with Primož Roglič third. Energy & climate: Slovenia’s net electricity generation fell in July as hydropower dropped sharply; imports rose, while estimated solar and wind output increased. Media freedom in the region: Journalists’ groups warn Serbia’s Adria News Network owner Alpac Capital must protect newsroom independence after competition approval for the sale of government-critical outlets. Local sustainability: Ljubljana is highlighted as a real-world example as more cities join an International Zero Waste Cities Network. Business & travel: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–Ljubljana route starting May 2027, boosting US access to Slovenia. Football: Yaya Touré made Champions League history as the first African coach to reach the league phase with Slovan Bratislava, beating Slovenia’s Celje.