AGP Executive Report

Adriatic Film & TV Awards 2026: Nominations are out, with Serbia’s Yugo Florida leading the film slate and Croatia/Italy/Slovenia-linked God Will Not Help also racking up multiple nods; TV top contenders include Black Sun and The Hollow. Tech & Mobility: Slovenia’s infrastructure minister Jernej Vrtovec tested Tesla Full Self-Driving Supervised in Ljubljana, saying it can handle key maneuvers while the driver stays in control—Tesla Europe and Elon Musk amplified the post. EU Politics: MEPs condemned Serbia’s glorification of Ratko Mladić, pressing for accountability and casting fresh doubt on EU accession prospects. Local/International Diplomacy: Moldova’s parliament speaker Igor Grosu met Slovenia’s president in Ljubljana, discussing Moldova’s EU path and deeper bilateral ties. Economy & Jobs: Eurostat reports the euro area job vacancy rate at 2.1% in Q2 2026, with Slovenia among the countries where vacancies rose year-on-year. Border Security: Austria extended temporary border controls with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia for six more months, emphasizing flexible checks to curb irregular migration. Maritime IT: Slovenia opened a testing environment for the updated European Maritime Single Window (EMSWe) app ahead of a planned 2027 rollout. Sports (Scotland): Sebastien Pocognoli named a new Scotland squad featuring Hearts and other players, including a recall for Hull striker Oli McBurnie ahead of Nations League matches involving Slovenia.

NATO & Security: NATO chief Mark Rutte told reporters in Brussels that the alliance has “all response options” to counter Russia’s hybrid warfare, though some measures won’t be public; he warned Russia is increasingly reckless in Ukraine and targeting civilian infrastructure near NATO territory, while Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša said Ljubljana will reach the updated 3.5% defence target this year after extra funding. EU Travel Rules: The EU has published which nationalities are exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) registration for short Schengen stays, listing 29 countries plus Cyprus and Ireland. Energy & Industry in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to develop a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to strengthen resilience of critical energy infrastructure and support a low-carbon hydrogen sector. Local Politics & Governance: A Nova24tv.si report says the “shadow government” linked to Robert Golob’s camp has started operating, raising questions about how much attention mainstream outlets will give it versus the current government’s measures. Culture & Media: ERT and Pickbox are among new platforms taking up Northern Irish crime drama “Hope Street,” expanding the show’s reach into the Balkans including Slovenia. Sports: Slovenia’s Primož Roglič and Enric Mas headlines continue from the Vuelta a España wrap-up, as teams and riders look ahead to the World Championships.

Diplomacy in Focus: Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia in Ljubljana after a fast three-month diplomatic push tied to Ljubljana’s policy shift toward Jerusalem, with the mission starting in temporary premises while a permanent site is arranged. Security & Defence: NATO chief Mark Rutte said the alliance has “all response options” for Russia’s hybrid threats, though some won’t be public, as he warned Moscow is targeting civilian infrastructure near NATO territory; Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša also said Slovenia is set to reach the updated 3.5% defence spending goal this year. EU Politics: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged an EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, comparing it to the EU’s stance on Crimea. Local Mobility & Work Rules: Australia introduced a Work and Holiday visa requirement for citizens of 11 countries, including Slovenia, to provide a government-issued letter of support before processing. Sports (Slovenian angle): Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash reshaped the race; Primož Roglič finished second overall, with Enric Mas winning at home in Granada. Culture & Creative Industry: CEE Animation Workshop 2027 opened its call for entries, with modules in Riga and Slovenia and support for 12 animated projects.

Israel-Slovenia Diplomacy: Israel opened its first embassy in Ljubljana after a fast three-month push by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, with the mission starting in temporary premises while a permanent location is still pending—part of a wider shift as Israel seeks closer EU allies. EU Foreign Policy: EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas urged an EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, comparing the approach to how the bloc treated Russia’s Crimea, arguing the move is both principled and symbolically powerful. Sports—Vuelta Drama: Spain’s Enric Mas won the Vuelta a España in Granada, holding off Primož Roglič by 2:15 after a tense final weekend; Roglič called second “a victory,” while Tobias Halland Johannessen took the last stage sprint. Slovenian Cycling Injury: Urška Žigart refractured her jaw on stage 3 of the Faun Tour Femmes, likely ending her 2026 season and putting the World Championships in doubt. Tech & Media Security: Nagravision deployed anti-piracy protection for Formula 1 broadcasts for RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia, using monitoring plus forensic watermarking to track and stop unauthorized redistribution. Local Industry & Energy: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to develop a hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia, adding momentum to the country’s clean-energy infrastructure plans.

Vuelta a España: Enric Mas won his first Grand Tour at home in Granada, finishing 2:15 ahead of Primož Roglič after the GC was effectively settled when times were neutralised with 10km to go; Tobias Halland Johannessen took the final stage sprint win. Slovenian Sport: Roglič said second place “feels like a victory” after a pre-race crash and injuries left him in rehab mode, while Urška Žigart’s season looks over after a refractured jaw in the Faun Tour Femmes. EU Foreign Policy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged treating illegal Israeli settlements like Russia’s Crimea, pushing for an EU-wide trade ban—while Slovenia is among countries opposing such sanctions. Ljubljana Diplomacy: Israel opened its first embassy in Ljubljana, with Sa’ar praising Slovenia’s shift; the move follows sanctions and tensions with the UK and other Western partners. Tech & Industry: CEE Animation Workshop 2027 opened applications, with modules in Slovenia and Riga and an industry networking day. Local Health: Slovenian Olympic swimmer Katja Fain announced a chronic leukemia diagnosis, managed with daily pills.

Diplomacy in focus: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praising Slovenia’s center-right government—while the move also highlights a widening rift with traditional Western allies as UK-led sanctions target Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. Energy transition: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, linking electricity and gas networks with digital solutions and exploring hydrogen plant and mobility pilots. Tech and mobility: Tesla says Full Self-Driving Supervised has been approved in Slovenia, making it the sixth EU country to clear the system as regulators debate how to enforce driver responsibility. Health and sport: Slovenian Olympic swimmer Katja Fain announced a chronic leukemia diagnosis, while judo news from Hungary’s Grand Slam put Slovenia’s Kaja Kajzer Zabkar in the spotlight. Local culture and lifestyle: A week of Slovenia coverage also includes a look at Michelin-star dining in the country and a reminder that Brian Cox’s “Emergence” show is touring the region, with Ljubljana listed among stops. Cycling: The Vuelta a España continues to shape the sports headlines, with Enric Mas holding the red jersey and Mikel Landa taking a major stage win.

Tesla in Slovenia: Tesla says Full Self-Driving Supervised has been approved for use on Slovenian roads, making Slovenia the sixth European country to clear the system, with rollout set to begin soon. Hydrogen push: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to develop a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, including links between electricity, gas and hydrogen networks plus digital coordination. Road cycling at home: Slovenia named its squad for the Road World Championships in Canada, with Primož Roglič leading the men’s team despite Tadej Pogačar’s absence. Vuelta drama for Roglič: In the penultimate stages, Enric Mas held the red jersey after a brutal mountain day, while Primož Roglič fell short in the final push. Health update: Slovenian Olympic swimmer Katja Fain revealed she has chronic myeloid leukemia and will manage it with daily targeted pills. Culture & media: A global screen coalition urged governments to update streaming rules to protect local production, with Slovenia among the signatories.

Hydrogen Push: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed a MoU to build Slovenia’s nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, linking electricity, gas and digital solutions and exploring a hydrogen plant demo plus resilient “green” mobility and backup power options. Israel Embassy in Ljubljana: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it a historic step as hundreds of protesters gathered outside; the move follows Slovenia’s policy shift and comes amid wider EU debate over Israel-linked settlement trade. EU Culture Policy: A coalition of screen groups (including Slovenia) urged governments to tighten streaming rules so streaming services fund local productions, warning domestic stories are at risk. Tech & Mobility: Tesla says it has logged nearly a year of Full Self-Driving Supervised testing in Sweden, as Slovenia becomes the sixth European country to approve FSD Supervised. Education Load Relief (Balkans): Across the region, schools are adding lockers, digital textbooks and lighter routines to reduce heavy schoolbags.

Israel Embassy in Ljubljana: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it a “historic day” and a sign of closer ties, while Tone Kajzer said it should kick off “greater dialogue” and tangible cooperation; hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside, and the move comes amid wider EU anger over settlement trade. Gaza Departure Claims: New figures say about 10,500 Palestinians left Gaza over the past year and roughly 6,000 returned, mostly via medical evacuations, as Sa’ar reiterated Israel has “no plans to expel or deport” people. EU Culture & Streaming Rules: A coalition of screen groups from Canada, Australia and Europe—including Slovenia—urged governments to tighten streaming rules so local productions get funded and cultural sovereignty isn’t sidelined. Tech on Slovenian Roads: Tesla says Full Self-Driving Supervised has been approved in Slovenia, making it the sixth European country to authorize the system, with rollout set to begin soon. Sports Spotlight (Slovenia): Darko Jorgic advanced at WTT Champions Macao 2026, beating China’s Chen Yuanyu in the round of 16. DesignEuropa in Ljubljana: French designer Philippe Starck received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Ljubljana, arguing for “dematerialization” and less mass production.

Israel Embassy in Ljubljana: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it a “historic day” and a sign of a policy shift under Prime Minister Janez Janša; hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside as critics accuse the government of moving closer to Israel. EU Sanctions Debate: EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas urged treating illegal Israeli settlements like Crimea—backing an EU-wide trade ban on settlement goods as a “principled stance,” amid wider European disagreement. Gaza Migration Claims: Sa’ar also said Israel has no plans to forcibly expel or deport Palestinians from Gaza, contrasting with other Israeli officials’ migration proposals. Local Diplomacy Fallout: Canada condemned any glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, adding pressure to Western and European allies over how they handle sensitive commemorations. Ljubljana in the Spotlight: The embassy opening sparked protests and sharp rhetoric from Slovenia’s political left, with analysts framing the move as a return toward the Western sphere. Education Burden Watch: Across the Balkans, schools are adding lockers and digital textbooks to cut heavy schoolbags, including discussion of Slovenia’s average bag weights.

Israel-Slovenia Diplomacy: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attending alongside Slovenian FM Tone Kajzer and PM Janez Janša, as hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside and activists called for the mission’s closure. Hydrogen Push: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia, including a demonstration plant linking electricity and gas networks and digital tools for coordinated operation. Energy Regulation in Focus: ACER’s new director, Christof Lessenich, pitched EU lawmakers for stronger parliamentary support as the agency seeks more clout over Europe’s energy market. Local Tourism & Sustainability: Ljubljana was highlighted in a Dubrovnik-led EU workshop on smarter, more resident-friendly tourism management. Sports Spotlight (Slovenian angle): Primož Roglič said the Vuelta fight isn’t over after Enric Mas gained time in the TT, while Luka Dončić’s Lakers minicamp included stops in Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Public Debate: Journalists’ groups warned proposed changes to Slovenia’s RTV Act could undermine the public broadcaster’s independence and funding.

Diplomacy in Focus: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana, with Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar and Slovenian FM Tone Kajzer attending, as Prime Minister Janez Janša’s government shifts course after the prior administration’s pro-Palestinian stance; Protests & Politics: thousands rallied outside the embassy, while opposition parties moved toward impeachment over what critics call a pro-Israel foreign policy; Energy Transition: ELES, Plinovodi and Japan’s Yokogawa signed an MoU to develop Slovenia’s hydrogen ecosystem, including a demo plant linking power and gas networks and digital tools for coordinated operation; Tech & Cybersecurity: Slovenian firm Acros Security says it’s starting “micropatching” for Microsoft Office 2021 after Microsoft ends security updates on Oct 13; Retail Tech: Spar is rolling out its first retail media network in Hungary and Slovenia with hundreds of in-store screens, aiming to sell targeted ad inventory to brand partners.

Israel-Slovenia Rapprochement: Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling it “historic” and Slovenia’s Tone Kajzer saying it should kick off deeper dialogue and cooperation. Protests in Ljubljana: Hundreds to thousands gathered outside the embassy to oppose the move and back Palestinians, while opposition parties floated a constitutional challenge over what they call a loss of sovereign foreign policy. Gaza Resettlement Claims: Saar said Israel is not planning to expel or deport Palestinians from Gaza, adding it would not oppose voluntary departures if other countries are ready to accept people. EU Pressure on Settlements: The embassy opening comes as several European states move to restrict trade tied to Israeli settlements, widening diplomatic divides. Local Economy/Industry: Sandoz is investing about $300m in a new Ljubljana biosimilar manufacturing plant, adding capacity expected to come online in 2029. Agritech Deal: Vogelsang and Slovenia’s BeTEC are joining forces on slurry applicators, consolidating product lines under a new brand. Education Warning: New PISA results show reading and maths declines across OECD countries, with Slovenia also down.

Biotech Investment in Ljubljana: Sandoz is putting about $300m into a new biosimilar drug-substance plant in Ljubljana, adding four disposable fed-batch reactors and 8,000 litres of capacity, with operations due in 2029. Education Shock: The 2025 PISA results show a major worldwide drop in reading and maths performance, with OECD reading down 28 points since 2015 and maths down 22. Adriatic Fisheries Cooperation: The GFCM set up a new technical unit hosted in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fishing coordination across the Adriatic, including Slovenia. Israel-Slovenia Diplomatic Reset: Israel will open its first embassy in Slovenia, a sign of warming ties after the new centre-right government; protests are planned around the opening. Road Safety Tech: Slovenia has authorized Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on public roads, making it the sixth EU country to clear the system ahead of an EU-wide vote. Severe Weather Alert: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast for parts of the western and northern Mediterranean, with Slovenia included in the risk area for storms and hail. Cycling at Worlds: Tadej Pogačar’s absence after a Vuelta crash is already reshaping strategies for the World Championships in Montreal. Local Sports & Events: Portorož will host the final major 470 event of the 2026 season, the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup, from 14–19 September.

EU Energy & Infrastructure: Slovenia says it will accelerate preparations for Krsko 2, pushing faster spatial planning and reducing investment uncertainty, with a Western supplier expected. Transport & Tech: Slovenia has approved Tesla’s FSD Supervised, making it the sixth EU country to clear the driver-assistance system, ahead of a possible EU-wide vote in early October. Local Culture & Community: Portorož will host the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup (14–19 Sept), with nearly 30 crews and multiple master titles up for grabs. Science & Health: A University of Ljubljana-led review finds no clear harm from non-nutritive sweeteners on weight or health, while another Slovenian team reports an algebra-based method that can rediscover exact equations from number sequences. Environment & Civic Pressure: In Croatia, tens of thousands protested illegal toxic waste in the Lika region, demanding cleanup and an end to waste imports tied to sites originating from Slovenia, Italy and Germany. Education Watch: OECD PISA results show Spain’s sharp decline, adding to broader concerns about falling attainment across Europe.

EU Balkans Fallout: EU leaders reacted with shock to Serbia’s hero’s funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying the images and senior Serbian attendance “contradict” EU values and raise doubts about Serbia’s EU path. Diplomatic Retaliation: Russia said it will retaliate after Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats, escalating a fresh East-West row. Tech & Mobility in Slovenia: Slovenia approved Tesla’s FSD Supervised, making it the sixth EU country to clear the driver-assistance system—just weeks before an expected EU-wide vote. Local Industry & Jobs: Dacia unveiled the redesigned second-generation Spring, now built in Slovenia, with pricing expected to jump to around €18,000+ before incentives. Education Watch: The 2025 PISA results show a broad drop in reading and math performance worldwide, adding pressure on European education systems. Weather Alert: A severe storm setup is developing across parts of Europe, with Slovenia among areas facing hail, damaging winds and heavy rain. Culture & Heritage: Scholars called for joint efforts to preserve nomadic peoples’ cultural heritage, including work involving Slovenia.