AGP Executive Report

Vatican Clarifies Rupnik Case: The Holy See says rumors that former Jesuit Marko Rupnik was acquitted are “completely unfounded,” adding the canonical trial is still ongoing and judges are reviewing material from dioceses, the Jesuits, alleged victims and media reports. EU Diplomacy Tension: Slovenia has blocked Tanja Fajon from a senior EU role for the Sahel, with EU ambassadors backing a Danish alternative after Ljubljana raised concerns about integrity and transparency in the selection process. Slovenia in EU Funding Push: Slovenia secured unanimous support for an act unlocking EUR 71 million in EU money for AI, supercomputing and quantum technologies, aimed at boosting science and research while easing the state budget burden. Sport Spotlight: Slovenia won gold in the men’s team kayak event at the canoe slalom world championships in Oklahoma City. Weather Watch: Extreme heat and wildfires continue across Spain and France, with evacuations reported and firefighters facing deadly conditions. Local Sports Funding: Slovenia announced record national sport funding of over EUR 19 million for elite sport and youth programmes. Anti-Corruption/Influence: Reports this week point to foreign influence operations around Slovenia’s March election, including alleged links to the private intelligence firm Black Cube.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Remco Evenepoel won Stage 16’s individual time trial in France, cutting 28 seconds off Tadej Pogačar’s lead, while teammate Florian Lipowitz crashed out after a corner mishap. Climate & wildfires: Reuters reports firefighters struggling with Spain’s biggest wildfire of the year and two deaths in southwestern France, as extreme heat and drought keep risk high across Europe. Digital rules for kids: France passed a law banning under-15s from social media accounts and pushing age verification, joining a growing European and global crackdown on minors’ online access. Slovenia & cross-border telecom: Croatia’s and Slovenia’s telecom regulators signed an agreement to enable mobile operators to use infrastructure and spectrum across the border under set technical standards. Local economy/Europe travel costs: A Eurostat-based look says Cyprus remains relatively cheaper for holidays than many Mediterranean rivals, while Slovenia is among pricier destinations. Sports abroad with Slovenia ties: Hull City began a pre-season camp in Slovenia at Maribor’s Play Green Centre.

Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel powered to victory in Stage 16’s 26.1-km time trial in Thonon-les-Bains, clocking 32:19 and cutting 28 seconds off Tadej Pogačar’s lead; the Slovenian remains in yellow by 4:32, but Evenepoel’s teammate Florian Lipowitz crashed out after a corner mishap. Slovenian Science & Innovation: Prime Minister Janez Janša visited the Jožef Stefan Institute, stressing that research, AI, energy, critical materials and knowledge transfer are central to Slovenia’s development, and backing plans for a new research reactor. EU Politics: The EU withdrew Slovenia’s Tanja Fajon as Sahel special representative amid domestic dispute, with Fajon saying internal politics cost Slovenia influence. Cross-border Telecom: Croatia and Slovenia signed an accord to share border-region mobile spectrum infrastructure and processes. Online Safety Law: France’s lawmakers passed a ban on social media access for children under 15, with age verification and school phone limits expected from September. Democracy & Interference: A report on Slovenia’s 2026 election points to foreign influence operations and contacts involving the private intelligence firm Black Cube. Climate & Wildfires: Extreme heat continues to fuel major wildfires across Spain and southern France, with evacuations and firefighter deaths reported.

EU Diplomacy Shake-up: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has withdrawn Slovenia’s Tanja Fajon as Sahel special representative, with Fajon blaming domestic political disputes for damaging Slovenia’s influence and reputation. Children & Social Media Crackdown: France is set to vote on a bill banning social media for under-15s, joining a global push where 20 countries have proposed or introduced age limits. Banking Deal: Hungary’s OTP Bank signed an agreement to buy Luminor, giving it full control across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, pending regulators. China-Slovenia Science Ties: Chinese Ambassador Kang Yan visited the Jožef Stefan Institute, highlighting cooperation in AI and advanced materials. Sports & Local Interest: Hull City’s pre-season camp in Slovenia is underway in Maribor ahead of Premier League matches. Tour de France Watch: Remco Evenepoel moved closer to yellow after a big mountain win, while Jonas Vingegaard crashed out. World Cup Aftermath: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, with lingering controversy around Argentina’s conduct and discipline.

World Cup Fallout: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup, but the final will also be remembered for red cards and post-match brawling, with FIFA now facing fresh scrutiny over discipline and the tournament’s flashpoints. Tour de France Drama: Remco Evenepoel won stage 15 while Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey; Jonas Vingegaard crashed out with a fractured collarbone, and Evenepoel called late-night doping tests “inhuman.” EU Travel Friction: Europe’s new biometric entry-exit system (EES) is still causing long border queues, while some non-Schengen countries are being promoted as easier alternatives for 2026 holidays. Local Tech & Business: Pipistrel (Textron) unveiled the next-generation Voyager training aircraft and Epic Flight Academy agreed to buy up to 50, with deliveries starting in 2027. Slovenia in the Spotlight: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin skipped the World Cup final in protest; Slovenia’s referee Slavko Vinčić was in the spotlight for the match. Antitrust Watch: A California judge paused the Paramount–Warner Bros Discovery merger with a temporary restraining order as states argue it could reduce competition. Health & Integrity: Malta sanctioned 10 water polo players and a coach over a European gambling rules breach, with education and suspended parts of penalties.

Culture & Attention: In a new editorial for Sodobnost, Neža Dvorščak warns that social media turns suffering into “content,” numbing empathy and urging art to rebuild attention so pain becomes lived experience again. Tour de France Shock: Remco Evenepoel won Stage 15 as Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey, but Jonas Vingegaard crashed out with a fractured collarbone after being woken for night doping tests. Sports & Fair Play Debate: Evenepoel called the early-hours controls “inhuman,” while Pogacar suggested disrupted sleep may have contributed to the crash; the International Testing Agency said it tried to limit disruption. World Cup Finale Fallout: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time as Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, ending Lionel Messi’s hopes; the match featured a Slovenian referee, Slavko Vinčić, and ended with Argentina reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández’s red card. Visa Rules for Travelers: Dominica published its 2026 visa-free country list, including Slovenia, with stay lengths varying by nationality (3 or 6 months) and a separate 21-day limit for tourists and transit passengers.

World Cup Final in New Jersey: Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 title match in East Rutherford, with Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić in charge and a packed build-up around Messi, Lamine Yamal, and a tense match atmosphere after Argentina’s red-card drama. Referee spotlight: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has publicly questioned FIFA’s referee choice, while Vincic’s appointment puts Slovenia at the center of football’s biggest night. Tour de France shake-up: Remco Evenepoel won Stage 15, but the big story was Jonas Vingegaard’s crash and withdrawal after a fractured collarbone, leaving Pogacar still in command. Anti-doping controversy: Pogacar and Vingegaard were woken for early-hours drug tests, sparking rider complaints about sleep and fairness. Regional governance & justice: Croatia and Slovenia rank near the top in judges per capita, according to Eurostat, underscoring how legal staffing varies across the EU. Slovenia–Israel diplomacy: New reports highlight how Slovenia’s stance on Israel has shifted toward right-wing alignment, including moves tied to Jerusalem diplomacy.

World Cup Final Preview: Argentina and Spain meet at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with the spotlight on Lionel Messi’s “redemption” storyline and Spain’s control-vs-chaos clash, plus a big build-up that includes a Grand Central countdown display and a high-stakes diplomatic guest list. Refereeing in Focus (Slovenia): Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has been appointed to officiate the final, with compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovacic as assistants; the choice is also drawing fresh debate after prior controversial calls. Security & Health Risk: Wildfire smog from Canada is worsening air quality around the match area, and U.S. officials are reportedly in talks with FIFA about health risks for players and spectators. Tour de France (Slovenia in the mix): Tadej Pogačar extended his overall lead with another mountain win in Stage 14, while Isaac del Toro climbed to seventh overall after finishing third. Local Life Abroad (Slovenia): Slovenia launched the eLastovka app to improve consular help for citizens overseas, with crisis alerts and emergency contacts. Travel & Policy: Belgium approved a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, adding pressure to EU-level action.

World Cup Final Focus: Slovenia’s Slavko Vinčić is set to referee the Argentina–Spain final in New Jersey, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is already warning FIFA to rein in any rule-bending, after Argentina’s semi-final Falklands banner sparked fresh controversy. Air Quality Risk: Heavy wildfire smog from Canada has worsened air quality across parts of the U.S. East Coast, with FIFA and U.S. officials reportedly discussing health threats for players and fans. Tour de France (Slovenian Spotlight): Tadej Pogačar extended his yellow jersey lead with a fourth stage win in the Vosges, pushing his advantage to 4:30 over Jonas Vingegaard. Local Service for Slovenians Abroad: Slovenia launched the eLastovka web/mobile app to improve consular help during crises, with push alerts, travel risk info, and emergency contacts. Belgium–Israel Settlements: Belgium approved a ban on importing goods made in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, signaling a growing split with EU-level inaction.

World Cup Final Focus: FIFA says Argentina will not be disqualified for the Sunday final against Spain after the Falklands “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner row, with the disciplinary committee only “assessing match reports” as standard procedure. Refereeing Spotlight (Slovenia): Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić is confirmed to officiate the Argentina–Spain final, with fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraž Kovacic as assistants. Consular Help for Slovenians Abroad: Slovenia launched the eLastovka web/mobile app to improve consular protection, sending crisis alerts, showing travel risk levels, and helping users find local missions and emergency contacts. Tour de France (Local Interest): Tadej Pogačar’s Tour push continues with tech upgrades like a 3D-printed saddle and AI-designed helmet, while race director Christian Prudhomme rejects moving the Tour out of July despite heat. EU Climate & Transport: The EU proposes easing carbon-cut pace in its ETS, and June data shows EV adoption surging, with Slovenia hitting an all-time high BEV share. Travel & Culture: Croatia’s tourism board starts a joint Booking.com campaign for “Local Host” authentic stays, while Serbia’s Ethnographic Museum unveils an interactive exhibition on Prince Marko.

World Cup Fallout: FIFA is assessing match reports after Argentina players celebrated their semi-final win over England with a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner, reigniting the UK–Argentina Falklands dispute and prompting UK calls for action; officials say the disciplinary committee will decide on possible sanctions, with fines most likely. Referee Spotlight: Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic has been appointed to referee the Spain–Argentina final in New York, with Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic as assistants. Tour de France (Local Interest): Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won a crash-marred Stage 12, while the green jersey race remains tight with Slovenia’s Mads Pedersen still leading but facing late-stage pressure. Slovenia Governance: The government unveiled a major anti-corruption overhaul, creating a new specialised prosecution system (SKOK) and a dedicated court for top-level corruption and organised crime cases. EU Tech & Climate: The EU proposed easing carbon market rules to give industry “breathing space,” while EV registrations keep surging, with Slovenia hitting an all-time high share in June. Public Health: Wildfire smoke from Canada is driving dangerously unhealthy air across parts of the US and Canada, including major cities like Chicago and New York.

World Cup Discipline: FIFA is “assessing match reports” after Argentina players celebrated their 2-1 semi-final win over England with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), triggering calls from the UK government and the Falkland Islands authorities for sanctions under FIFA’s rules against political messages. Referee Spotlight: Slovenia’s Slavko Vinčić has been appointed to referee the Spain–Argentina final, with fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as assistants. Local Governance: Slovenia’s government has approved higher budget spending plans, boosting defense investment with 2026 expenditure raised to 18.4 billion euros and a pledge to reach NATO’s 2% target. Environment & Health: Canadian wildfires are sending hazardous smoke into the US, with unhealthy air warnings affecting major cities including New York and Chicago. Tech & Business: SpaceX has updated Starlink roaming rules by grouping countries into shared regions, changing how international roaming limits apply for travelers.

FIFA Fallout: The UK has formally urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrated their World Cup semi-final win over England with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” reigniting the Falklands/Malvinas sovereignty dispute; Downing Street says the World Cup “might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,” while FIFA is assessing match reports under rules banning political messages. Tour de France Update: Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won Stage 12 for a third time this Tour, but a late crash marred the finish and sent riders down; defending champion Tadej Pogačar safely kept the yellow jersey. Health & Environment: Wildfire smoke from Canada choked parts of the US and Canada, with Toronto briefly among the world’s most polluted major cities as heat and haze worsened air quality. Slovenia Watch: Slovenia’s government approved a draft act to strengthen specialised anti-corruption and organised-crime prosecution, and President Nataša Pirc Musar met newly appointed ambassadors ahead of overseas postings.

Ukraine–South-East Europe Summit: Moldova’s Maia Sandu met Slovenia’s Janez Janša and Croatia’s Andrej Plenković in Kyiv, urging stronger air defence and tougher sanctions on Russia, while leaders adopted a joint declaration backing political, military and financial support for Ukraine; Regional Security: Zelensky also held talks with summit participants, stressing coordination to counter Russian destabilisation and offering wider cooperation at sea, in the air and on land; Ljubljana Politics: Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković faces a major 15 November challenge as a parking referendum failed on turnout but the issue still fuels broader anger over his policies; EU Social Policy: A new Cyprus parliamentary study highlights big pension gaps across Europe, with some systems protecting retirees far above €2,400 a month; Tech & Education: A Eurobarometer finds Europeans view general education as more prestigious than vocational training, though many still believe vocational qualifications lead to in-demand jobs; Sports Diplomacy: Argentina’s World Cup Falklands banner sparked FIFA and UK backlash, with possible disciplinary action looming.

Ljubljana Politics: Ljubljana mayor Zoran Janković faces a formidable electoral challenge ahead of the 15 November local election after a parking referendum failed on turnout (18.9% vs. the 20% threshold), despite 94% voting against the paid-parking expansion into residential areas. EU Digital Money: The ECB has selected 36 payment service providers for the digital euro pilot, due to start in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months, with banks and non-bank firms included. Ukraine-Southeast Europe: Leaders adopted the Kyiv Declaration at the Ukraine–South-East Europe Summit, reaffirming that lasting peace requires a sovereign, independent Ukraine and condemning Russia’s aggression and attacks on energy infrastructure. Defense Industry: The EU and Ukraine are set to sign a multi-billion euro drone production deal, with von der Leyen saying “the tide is turning.” Regional Security: Croatia’s Kvarner region will get 10 foreign police officers this summer (including Slovenia), as part of the long-running Safe Tourist Destination project. Sports (Tour de France): Tadej Pogačar extended his Tour lead with another dominant performance, while Stage 11 brought a surprise sprint win for Soren Waerenskjold.

Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB has picked 36 payment service providers across 19 euro-area central banks to test the digital euro, with the 12-month pilot set to start in the second half of 2027; the list includes major banks and fintechs like Deutsche Bank, UniCredit, Revolut, Nexi, and Stripe, aiming to stress-test technical operations and user experience. Ukraine Drone Deal: Von der Leyen is set to sign a multi-billion euro EU-Ukraine agreement to scale drone production with 18 European and Ukrainian companies, including €2 billion in new money plus funding from defence schemes. Ljubljana Parking Referendum: A referendum to overturn Ljubljana’s controversial parking reform failed due to low turnout (18.9% vs 20% needed), despite 94% of voters opposing the ordinance; organisers call it a political setback for Mayor Zoran Janković. Tour de France (Slovenian Spotlight): Tadej Pogačar won Stage 10 on Bastille Day, extending his overall lead over Jonas Vingegaard to 3:36. Sports & Culture: Slovenia’s Jernej Kastelec has begun shooting his debut feature “Horses” at Dob prison, while the CEE Animation Forum selected 33 projects for its 2026 edition in Pilsen.