AGP Executive Report

Scotland Leadership Change: Sébastien Pocognoli has been confirmed as Scotland’s new head coach on a two-year deal, replacing Steve Clarke after the World Cup exit. The Scottish FA says Pocognoli will bring an aggressive, front-foot style, with his first matches in the Nations League coming up against Slovenia and Switzerland. EU Energy Policy: A new EU-wide look at the 2026 energy price spike after the Strait of Hormuz disruption finds governments rolled out more than 125 measures, mixing short-term relief with longer-term moves to diversify supply and cut dependency. Human Rights Diplomacy: More than 30 countries, including Slovenia, issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s executions of protesters and calling for an end to the death penalty. Slovenia in the Spotlight: A profile of Slovenia’s fintech scene argues the country’s edge is “optimisation” rather than disruption, citing high banking coverage, widespread digital payments, and regulation aligned with EU digital finance goals. Local Community Milestone: The Slovenian Union of America is marking its 100th anniversary with a special Mass in Joliet, followed by an open house.

Diplomacy Watch: India’s foreign ministry thanked several countries for Independence Day greetings and signaled it wants to deepen ties with Slovenia, after Ljubljana’s foreign ministry said it valued the “friendly” relationship. Local Governance & Regional Cooperation: The Sarajevo Mayors Summit 2026 brought together mayors including Ljubljana’s to discuss sustainable urban development, green and digital transition, and signed the Sarajevo Declaration 2026. Economy: Slovenia reported Q2 GDP growth of 5%, its strongest pace in four years. Culture & Media: The Sarajevo Film Festival highlighted gender equality with a special award for first-time filmmakers, while Sundance-winning director Visar Morina returned with “Shame and Money” in the festival’s main competition. Sports (Slovenian angle): At the European Swimming Championships in Paris, Slovenian swimmer Neza Klancar reached the women’s 50m freestyle final.

Slovenian Economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, the fastest pace since early 2022, with domestic spending and investment driving the rebound while exports rose and imports picked up too. Diplomacy Watch: India’s foreign ministry thanked several countries for Independence Day greetings, including Slovenia, as it signals continued push to deepen bilateral ties. Local Government & Regional Cooperation: The Sarajevo Mayors Summit 2026 brought together mayors including Ljubljana’s, with the Sarajevo Declaration adopted on sustainable urban development, peace, dialogue, and regional city projects. EU Politics & Security Context: Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani urged Spain to focus on Morocco amid migration concerns tied to Ceuta, while also pointing to Slovenia’s role in the long-running Schengen suspension. Culture & Media Rules: Eurovision is considering major 2027 voting changes—potentially fully online voting—to curb coordinated campaigns—and next year’s contest is set for Burgas, Bulgaria. Sports (Slovenian angle): Slovenian swimmer Neža Klancar reached the women’s 50m freestyle final at the European Championships.

EU Border Tensions: Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani told Spain to focus on Morocco after Ceuta-linked migration risks, arguing Rome is only enforcing Schengen suspension rules and warning against “dramatizing” the situation. Eurovision Governance: The EBU is weighing a major 2027 voting overhaul, potentially moving to fully online public voting where viewers pick their top three acts, aiming to curb coordinated campaigns; separate new hosting rules could also bar countries in armed conflict from hosting if they win. Ljubljana in Regional Diplomacy: The “Sarajevo Mayors Summit 2026” adopted the Sarajevo Declaration, with mayors including Ljubljana’s discussing sustainable urban development, green/digital transition, and regional cooperation. Slovenian Economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP rose 5% year-on-year, the fastest growth since early 2022, driven by consumption and investment, while exports/imports also expanded. Local Education Politics: A debate over school reform and financing continues, with Levica criticizing changes and the education ministry framing the dispute as values vs. “envy and laziness.” Culture & Events: Slovenia-linked cultural visibility also appears in coverage of Eurovision’s 2027 host city choice (Burgas) and a Slovenia-hosted scientific/biometrics conference in Rome involving the University of Ljubljana.

Eurovision in the spotlight: Organisers picked Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas for Eurovision 2027, with the semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15—Burgas beat Sofia after an evaluation tied to EBU requirements. Rules tightening: The EBU is also weighing a major 2027 voting overhaul, including fully online public voting where viewers pick their top three acts, aiming to curb coordinated voting campaigns. Slovenian economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, the fastest pace since early 2022, driven by domestic spending and stronger exports, though the outlook remains uncertain amid the Middle East war and European drought. Local politics debate: A Celje-based commentary attacks Levica’s stance on education reform, arguing the party’s opposition is rooted in protecting funding for “privileged groups.” Legal/Slovenia link: Luka Dončić’s California child-support petition was dismissed without prejudice after his ex-fiancée withdrew it, with arguments that the children live in Slovenia.

Eurovision Hosting Rules Overhauled: The EBU says any winning country tied to an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation” that affects security, safety or stability will be automatically ineligible to host next year, with an independent security assessment possible—aimed at ending the Israel-linked hosting row after boycotts. Eurovision 2027 Location Set: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas was selected for Eurovision 2027, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15 at Arena Burgas, beating Sofia after a formal host-city evaluation. Slovenia in the EU Language Fight (via Croatia): Croatia’s foreign ministry signals it would not block adding Catalan, Basque and Galician as EU official languages if the EU Council’s legal services deem Spain’s request justified. Slovenian Economy Angle (youth participation): Coverage also points to growing willingness among young people in Slovenia to take part in decisions about their future. Sports & Politics Spillover: Separate reporting highlights how international events keep colliding with geopolitics and governance—whether in Eurovision rules or broader regional tensions.

Eurovision Hosting Rules: The EBU says the next Eurovision host can be blocked if the winning broadcaster’s country is in “an armed conflict” or a “sensitive geopolitical situation,” with a broad clause tied to security, safety and stability—an update widely read as aimed at the Israel/Gaza controversy and potentially affecting other war-hit states too. Eurovision 2027 Location: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas has been confirmed as host for Eurovision 2027, with semifinals on 11 and 13 May and the grand final on 15 May at Arena Burgas. Slovenian Government Oversight: A review of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning points to leadership restructuring, low EU-fund drawdown by mid-June, and a reported €19.9m gap tied to disaster repairs and the Velenje Coal Mine closure. Diplomatic Friction: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi hit back at France and other states after a joint EU-backed condemnation of alleged protest executions in Iran. Sports & Politics Spillover: A Slovenian president’s office account of a traffic accident is being challenged by analysts over seatbelt and timing claims, feeding a wider rule-of-law debate.

Eurovision Hosting Rules: Eurovision confirmed Burgas, Bulgaria, will host the 2027 contest, while also tightening rules so a winning broadcaster can be “automatically ineligible” to host if their state is in armed conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation—an update aimed at clarifying safety decisions amid the Israel/Gaza controversy and related boycotts. Slovenian Governance Watch: An audit into the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning points to a major financial gap, with a reported €19.9 million hole and low EU fund drawdown by mid-June, alongside staffing and leadership reshuffles. Presidential Accountability: Commentators reacted to the fallout from President Nataša Pirc Musar’s traffic-incident claims, arguing the Office of the President offered shifting explanations, including contradictions over seatbelt use and timing. Diplomacy & Rights Row: Iran’s foreign minister hit back at France and EU-backed condemnation of alleged executions in Iran, accusing them of hypocrisy over Gaza and “aggression against Iran,” keeping Slovenia and other EU states in the spotlight. Sports Business: The Los Angeles Lakers were reported sold again for a record $12.5bn to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, adding fresh political and business attention to the ownership change.

Slovenia in the EU crypto spotlight: Dinaro d.o.o. became the first Slovenian issuer added to ESMA’s interim MiCA stablecoin register, expanding MiCA-compliant e-money token issuance across the EU. Energy & climate policy: Borzen closed its battery storage grant scheme early after more than twice the available €10m was applied for, with support up to 45% of eligible costs; more funding is expected under a newly approved €59m EU program for 370 MWh of new capacity. Local governance & housing finance: Slovenia’s storage grant scheme shut early after massive interest, underscoring how quickly demand can outstrip public funding. International security coordination: A 41-nation call urged nuclear-armed states to give at least 24 hours’ advance notice for ballistic missile and space launch tests, citing risks from unannounced launches. Culture & rules: Eurovision tightened rules for 2027—raising the minimum performer age to 18 and limiting recorded vocals—while also changing hosting rights when countries face armed conflict or security instability.

Diplomatic Missile Transparency: The US and 42 allies, including Slovenia, urged all countries—especially nuclear powers—to give at least 24 hours’ advance notice of ICBM, SLBM and space-launch tests, after recent Pacific activity allegedly skipped standard notification practices. Presidential Scrutiny in Slovenia: President Nataša Pirc Musar faces mounting questions after a motorway accident raised issues about how her injuries were communicated and whether she travelled with a Russian-Slovenian friend; police referred the case over alleged negligence. RTV Fee and Constitutional Court: A column argues the Constitutional Court’s ruling effectively blocks reform of RTV Slovenia and keeps the public broadcaster fee in place, with a consultative referendum on abolishing the fee expected in autumn. India-Slovenia Diplomatic Fallout: India condemned the defacement of its embassy in Slovenia, citing the Vienna Convention and pressing Ljubljana for immediate action against those responsible; India also renewed calls for accountability over PoJK rights violations. Energy & Storage Deal: GEN-I took over commercial management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and will expand to nine more projects under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. EU AI Oversight: Slovenia’s insurance regulator AZN selected Modulos to govern its AI systems under EU AI Act and related rules, using it as an AI sandbox for approvals. Local Politics in Focus: Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer rejected claims that seven EU states “criticised Slovenia,” saying the dispute was about EU nomination procedures, not attacks on the Slovenian government. Sports with Slovenian Links: Hull City’s coach Jakirovic cast doubt on a second bid for Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik, while Slovenia’s presence also shows up in international football transfer chatter.

Diplomatic Incident: India has strongly condemned the defacement of its Embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling it a violation of the Vienna Convention and urging Slovenian authorities to identify and punish the culprits, while also warning against “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” Foreign Relations: The MEA says it has raised the issue with both Slovenian and Indian counterparts in New Delhi and Ljubljana, in parallel with recent high-level India–Slovenia diplomatic contacts aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. EU/Regulation Watch: Slovenia’s national insurance supervisor AZN has selected Modulos’s AI governance platform to meet EU AI Act and related compliance expectations, signaling how regulators are preparing for upcoming AI oversight deadlines. Energy & Industry: GEN-I has taken over commercial management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and will also manage nine more projects, expanding regional energy storage operations. Transport & Trade: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more EuroDual locomotives from Stadler, with homologation including Slovenia, tied to freight growth between Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans.

Diplomatic Tensions in Ljubljana: India condemned the vandalism and defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling on Slovenian authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators and to act against “hateful propaganda and disinformation,” stressing that diplomatic premises are inviolable under the Vienna Convention. EU Foreign Policy Dispute: Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer rejected claims that seven EU member states “criticised Slovenia,” saying the discussion was only about internal EU nomination procedures and the conduct of EU institutions—not criticism of Slovenia or its government. AI Governance for Regulators: Slovenia’s insurance supervisory authority AZN selected Modulos’s AI governance platform to meet EU AI Act, NIS 2 and DORA requirements, with AZN also planning to use the platform as an AI testing sandbox. Transport & Industry: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, expanding approvals for Germany, Austria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia and supporting freight links between Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans. Local International Link: DP World completed a rail pilot moving finished vehicles from Zeebrugge to Aiud, with plans to connect to other ports including Koper in Slovenia.

Diplomatic Security: India condemned the defacement of its Embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling it the work of “anti-India elements” and urging Slovenian authorities to hold perpetrators accountable, citing the Vienna Convention and warning against “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” Foreign Policy & EU Politics: Separate reporting says France and Spain criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon from a top EU External Action Service role, after a last-minute move by the Janša-led government. Regional Economy & Mobility: A new DP World rail corridor links Belgium’s Zeebrugge to Romania’s Aiud terminal, with plans to expand similar connections to Koper in Slovenia—aimed at cutting emissions and reducing reliance on long-haul trucking. Tourism Backdrop: Croatia posted its strongest July in two years, while Slovenia-linked travel demand appears in the wider regional mix; the contrast underlines how quickly European tourism fortunes are shifting. Social Policy Debate: A Slovenian lawyer criticised social welfare recipients—especially targeting the Roma community—arguing benefits are being misused and calling for a rethink of support systems.

Diplomatic Tensions: India condemned the alleged defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana and urged Slovenian authorities to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable, citing the Vienna Convention and warning about “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” EU Foreign Policy Clash: Reports say France and Spain criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon’s bid for a top EU foreign affairs role, after a last-minute intervention linked to Janez Janša’s government. Russia-Slovenia Dialogue: Russian officials say the speakers of the two parliaments exchanged messages for the first time in four years, framing it as a Ljubljana-initiated step toward restoring dialogue. Defense Industry Update: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone-era threats. Trade & Logistics: Temu is expanding its local-seller and logistics footprint in Slovenia as EU rules tighten for low-value cross-border e-commerce, while Pošta Slovenije is set to support Temu’s delivery program.

EU Foreign Policy Clash: France and Spain criticised Slovenia after Ljubljana blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming an EU special envoy for the Sahel, with seven EU states also weighing in and Slovenia opening criminal proceedings that Fajon says are politically motivated. International Dialogue: Russia and Slovenia’s parliamentary speakers exchanged messages for the first time in four years, with Moscow pointing to a Ljubljana initiative and urging restored dialogue while warning Slovenia’s government still follows EU/NATO anti-Russian lines. Defense Industry Update: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA in Spain, highlighting drone-focused battlefield needs. Energy & Climate Pressure: Romania’s drought and heatwave-driven power strain has led to plans to curb industrial electricity use and exports, while Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plant reportedly reduced output due to high river temperatures. Community & Diplomacy: Slovenia and Montenegro’s Roma and Jewish community stories surfaced alongside international events, including a Slovenia-hosted Roma conference and Montenegro’s Jewish community reporting rising hostility.

Parliament-to-Parliament Dialogue: Russia’s MFA says the speakers of the Russian and Slovenian parliaments exchanged messages for the first time in four years, framing it as a Ljubljana initiative and urging renewed dialogue—while warning Slovenia’s government still reflects EU/NATO “anti-Russian” lines. EU Foreign Policy Clash: Seven EU states criticised Slovenia for blocking former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming the EU’s special envoy to the Sahel; Slovenia has also opened criminal proceedings against her, which she calls political retaliation. Migration & Schengen Tensions: Italy says it will keep Schengen suspension and border checks on travellers from Spain, rejecting Spanish “ultimatums,” as Spain reinstates controls—an escalation tied to the Ceuta migration crisis. Jobs & Migration Administration: Slovenia launched an online platform for foreign nationals to find jobs and relocate, but stresses that work permits are required before starting work. Defense Industry: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote turret onto an ASCOD infantry vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone threats. Energy Under Heat: Romania approved rules allowing grid operator Transelectrica to curb industrial electricity use and exports during the heatwave and drought; Slovenia’s Krško plant is also reported to be operating at reduced output due to river temperatures.