AGP Executive Report

Israeli–Slovenian Aviation Row: Slovenia refused landing permission to an Israir flight to Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Zagreb; Israir CEO Uri Sirkis calls it a “blatant” breach of EU air rules tied to political opposition to Israel, while Israel’s foreign ministry says it expects relations to improve after the new Ljubljana government. Government Transition: The National Assembly is set to vote on Slovenia’s 16th government, expected to confirm Janez Janša’s fourth premiership after ministerial candidates cleared hearings. Energy Governance: The human rights ombudsman says the government and the environment/energy ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, breaching separation of powers. EU Policy Pressure: The European Commission urges nine Schengen states, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks, arguing systems like EES reduce the need for controls. Ljubljana Local Politics: A parking dispute is heading toward a vote, with opponents warning the mayor’s coalition may expand contentious paid parking rules across residential areas.

Israel-Air Dispute: Slovenia denied landing to an Israir flight from Tel Aviv, forcing diversion to Zagreb; Israir calls it politically motivated and says it breaches EU air rules, while Slovenia has yet to issue an official response. Ombudsman vs Government: The Human Rights Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the independence of the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, raising separation-of-powers and fairness concerns. Schengen Pressure: The European Commission urged nine Schengen states, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks, arguing they must stay temporary and that systems like EES reduce the need for controls. Ljubljana Local Politics: A parking fight is set to become a major test for Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, after court-linked disputes over paid parking expansion and a new city ordinance sparked a wider backlash and referendum push. Parliamentary Culture Clash: National Assembly Speaker Zoran Stevanović faced strong criticism after accusing female MPs of “streetwalker-like” behaviour on Facebook, with outgoing PM Golob hinting at possible legal action. Media Funding: The outgoing government approved EUR 4 million to co-finance journalists’ wages in 2026-27 under the new Media Act. Cyber & Tech: A Slovenian national cyber response center (SI-CERT) reports handling about 6,000 incidents a year, reflecting rising online fraud and ransomware cases.

Schengen Watch: The EU Commission has issued opinions urging Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden to keep internal border checks temporary, exceptional and proportionate, pointing to new migration rules and alternative police measures to phase controls out. New Slovenian Cabinet Moves: Parliamentary committees have advanced several ministerial nominees: Borut Rončević was confirmed for education, science and youth; Franci Matoz for interior and public administration with plans for separate wage systems and police criminal administration restructuring; and Mihael Zupančič for justice with a corruption crackdown and procedural changes. Foreign Policy Direction: Tone Kajzer, set to lead foreign affairs, says Slovenia will keep pushing Western Balkans EU integration, while also aiming for stronger ties with the US and a more pragmatic Israel-Palestine approach under the new government. Rule-of-Law Pressure: Nearly 13,400 signatures have been collected for a referendum on changes to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, with critics warning safeguards could be weakened. Local Politics: A Ljubljana parking dispute is set to go to a vote, as the city weighs contentious parking changes. Cyber Security: Slovenia’s SI-CERT (at ARNES) processes about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, handling fraud and phishing reports through a triage system.

New Government Watch: Slovenia’s incoming cabinet is moving fast: an emergency National Assembly session is set for Thursday to confirm ministers, while PM-elect Janez Janša defended nominating his lawyer Franci Matoz for interior on merit. Justice & Rule of Law: Justice minister nominee Mihael Zupančič says he’ll make an uncompromising fight against corruption central, overhaul procedures, publish court rulings, and shift some cases to notaries and lawyers. Interior & Public Administration: Interior nominee Franci Matoz outlined separate wage systems and a restructuring of the Criminal Police Administration. Foreign Policy: Foreign minister nominee Tone Kajzer pledged no deviation on EU Western Balkans integration, stressed rule-of-law expectations for Serbia, and signalled stronger economic diplomacy and closer ties with the US. EU Policy Pressure: The European Commission issued formal opinions urging nine Schengen states (including Slovenia) to phase out long-running internal border checks. Local Politics: Ljubljana residents may vote this summer in a referendum over a parking reform after a citizens’ initiative gathered enough signatures. Energy & Environment: ELES is rolling out “electricity sharing” from July 1, and environment nominee Polona Rifelj says she’ll speed siting and building permits and commission an external review of Ljubljana’s controversial CO project. Sports (Local): Ljubljana’s Cedevita Olimpija won a 23rd national basketball title, sweeping Krka.

Government Formation & Appointments: Prime Minister-elect Janez Janša defended nominating his lawyer Franci Matoz as interior minister on merit, while dismissing SLS complaints as premature. Public Finance & Tax Policy: Finance minister candidate Andrej Šircelj backed lower labour taxation, tighter control of public finances, and budget revisions to meet EU fiscal rules without new or higher taxes. Defence Priorities: Defence minister candidate Valentin Hajdinjak pushed for higher defence spending, stronger NATO commitments, recruitment, completion of the medium battalion battlegroup, and intelligence reform. Education Reform: Education minister candidate Borut Rončević outlined ideologically neutral education, changes to private school funding, and plans for a teachers’ chamber to restore teachers’ authority. Infrastructure & Energy: Infrastructure and energy candidate Jernej Vrtovec promised faster Krško 2-related procedures and a special law to speed up infrastructure siting. Agriculture Policy: Agriculture minister candidate Janez Cigler Kralj stressed food self-sufficiency, de-bureaucratization, and digitalization of agriculture. EU/Legal Oversight: Slovenia is among 20 EU states facing infringement steps over delayed transposition of green claims and sustainability label rules. Parliamentary/Constitutional Court: Slovenia’s Constitutional Court dismissed an appeal challenging Zoran Stevanović’s National Assembly election over marked ballots in a secret vote. Local Politics: Moravče mayor Milan Balažic was released from custody after questioning, alleging “state-sponsored political retaliation” ahead of local elections. Regional Business & Diplomacy: Slovenia and Serbia-focused business cooperation got a spotlight via the Slovenian Business Club’s role in regional connectivity and investment dialogue; President Nataša Pirc Musar also met Finland’s Alexander Stubb to push stronger multilateral cooperation. Ljubljana & Culture: Ljubljana’s museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition linking traditional dress and family histories.

Parliament & Courts: Slovenia’s Constitutional Court dismissed a Freedom Movement appeal over the 10 April secret vote for National Assembly president Zoran Stevanović, after STA reported 19 “yes” ballots were marked, a dispute tied to party discipline and coalition politics. Government Appointments: Defence minister candidate Valentin Hajdinjak backed by a parliamentary committee, stressing higher defence spending, NATO commitments, recruitment and intelligence reform; culture minister candidate Ignacija Fridl Jarc pushes cultural and media pluralism; education minister candidate Borut Rončević backs ideologically neutral schooling and changes to private school funding. Energy & Infrastructure: Infrastructure/energy candidate Jernej Vrtovec pledged faster Krško 2 procedures and a special law to speed infrastructure siting. EU Compliance: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against 20 Member States, including Slovenia, over delayed transposition of EU green-claims rules. Local Politics: Moravče mayor Milan Balažic was released from custody, alleging “inhuman torture” and political retaliation ahead of local elections. Media & Pluralism: The EFJ warned that the sale of Adria News Network outlets to Alpac Capital could threaten editorial independence across the region.

Media & Politics in the Balkans: The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and regional journalist groups warned that the sale of Adria News Network (ANN) outlets (including N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas) to Alpac Capital could threaten media pluralism and editorial independence, pointing to the wider political pressure on independent reporting across the region. Slovenian Government Transition: Outgoing PM Robert Golob urged “democratic forces” to unite and criticised the incoming coalition ahead of the new government’s swearing-in, while incoming PM Janez Janša used congratulatory posts to promise continued Western Balkans support toward EU accession. Local Governance & Integrity: Reports say the Moravče mayor is suspected of corruption after police searches, and a separate legal fight continues around parliamentary inquiry rule changes. Regional Policy: Večer argues it’s unlikely the National Assembly will introduce regions in this term, while praising Monika Kirbiš Rojs as a likely regional development minister candidate. Security & Compliance Context: EU cybersecurity governance is under strain from overlapping rules like NIS2 and DORA, with Slovenia noted as having legislation but not in the same form as others. Culture in Ljubljana: A Ljubljana museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition, bringing Ukrainian folk dress and family histories to the city’s public.

Government & Elections: Outgoing PM Robert Golob urged Slovenia’s “democratic forces” to unite while sharply criticising the incoming Janša government ahead of the Thursday swearing-in. Local Politics: Dnevnik reports Ljubljana’s local election campaign is effectively underway as residents push back against contentious paid parking expansion under Mayor Zoran Janković. Parliament & Rule of Law: Slovenia’s Constitutional Court dismissed the Freedom Movement’s challenge to Truth party leader Zoran Stevanović’s election as National Assembly president over alleged ballot-marking irregularities. Anti-Corruption & Security: Police suspect Moravče mayor of corruption, with searches reported earlier this week. Culture & Ukraine: A Ljubljana museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition, bringing Ukrainian folk dress and family histories to the Slovenian public. International/Regional: Bosnia and Herzegovina faces rising illegal migration pressure, with migrant arrivals up sharply and smuggling arrests linked to routes toward Croatia and the EU. Media Ownership: Alpac Capital and United Group confirmed an agreement to sell Adria News Network, stressing editorial independence and journalists’ rights.

Ljubljana Local Politics: A civil initiative against Ljubljana’s planned paid parking expansion is said to be gaining traction, with Dnevnik noting residents feel they can again influence the city’s political space—an early sign the local election campaign is already taking shape. Anti-Corruption & Courts: In Moravče, the mayor is suspected of corruption after searches tied to a court-issued warrant; meanwhile, the Constitutional Court dismissed a Freedom Movement appeal over the election of Truth party leader Zoran Stevanović as National Assembly president, after ballot-marking concerns. New Government Setup: Incoming PM Janez Janša has started thanking foreign leaders and reiterating support for Western Balkans EU paths, while opposition voices say the new ministers will be judged by their work. Media Ownership Watch: United Group’s sale of Adria News Network to Alpac Capital has triggered press-freedom concerns from journalists’ groups across the region, warning about pluralism and editorial independence. Culture in Ljubljana: The Slovenian Ethnographic Museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition linking folk dress to family histories and major historical traumas.

Media Ownership Shake-Up: Alpac Capital has agreed to buy United Group’s Adria News Network (ANN), covering N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas across the Western Balkans, with journalists’ groups warning it could undermine editorial independence despite Alpac’s pledge of “neutral, fact-based journalism.” Legal Fight Over the Sale: United Group founder Dragan Šolak and former CEO Victoriya Boklag have launched a London court challenge to block the disposal, arguing it breaches shareholder arrangements and changes the telecoms-and-media strategy. Anti-Corruption Watch: Slovenia’s anti-graft watchdog has stopped proceedings against former environment minister Andrej Vizjak over alleged integrity breaches tied to Climate Change Fund money for the hydro firm HESS. Government Formation: Janez Janša has moved closer to a fourth term, with coalition parties confirming ministerial candidates and parliamentary hearings set to follow; SLS says it’s disappointed it wasn’t included. Local Governance: Ljubljana’s planned expansion of paid parking faces a referendum push after signatures were collected, but the mayor has scheduled a council session to abolish the changes. Defence Spending Row: President Nataša Pirc Musar says NATO’s demand to honour core defence spending commitments is the responsibility of multiple governments, after NATO chief Mark Rutte questioned Slovenia’s reported figures. EU Policy: Slovenia backed the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act but warned high energy prices remain a long-term competitiveness problem.

Moravče Corruption Probe: Police searched dozens of premises and the Ljubljana District Court issued a warrant after the Moravče mayor Milan Balažic was suspected of multiple corruption offences; deputy mayor Marko Kladnik is suspected of aiding bribery. RTV Slovenija Dismissal Case: The Ljubljana Labour Court rejected, in a retrial, a lawsuit by former RTV Slovenija director general Andrej Grah Whatmough seeking reinstatement after his 2023 dismissal. Adria News Network Sale Fallout: United Group agreed to sell Adria News Network to Alpac Capital, triggering legal challenges by United Group founder Dragan Šolak and Victoriya Boklag and alarm from journalists’ groups over risks to editorial independence across the Western Balkans. New Janša Government Takes Shape: Janez Janša was elected PM for a fourth term and coalition parties confirmed 15 ministerial candidates; hearings are set to follow, with SLS complaining it was left without a ministerial post. Defence Spending Clash: President Nataša Pirc Musar said defence spending commitments must be honoured, after NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Slovenia’s “core” spending is below the reported 2% target. Ljubljana Parking Referendum: A Ljubljana civil initiative collected signatures to demand a referendum on expanded paid parking, but the mayor moved to abolish the changes by calling a city council session.

Parliamentary Oversight Clash: Mladina warns that recent changes to Slovenia’s Parliamentary Inquiry Act cut legal protections for journalists, raising fears of weaker safeguards for sources and more room for political pressure. New Janša Government Personnel: Coalition parties have confirmed 15 ministerial candidates for Janez Janša’s incoming cabinet, with SDS naming lawyer Franci Matoz as interior/public administration pick; Democrats also released their own nominees. Corruption Probe in Moravče: Police searched dozens of premises tied to suspected corruption offences, including allegations involving Moravče mayor Milan Balažic. EU Rule Pressure on Slovenia: The European Commission opened infringement proceedings against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose 2024 consumer-green-transition rules. Defence Spending Warning: NATO chief Mark Rutte told outgoing PM Robert Golob Slovenia’s core defence spending is below the 2% figure claimed by government. Local Funds for Roma Settlements: Government approved €9.8m for municipalities with registered Roma settlements. Entrepreneurship Push: SPIRIT Slovenija launched a free database of Slovenian startups to boost visibility and match firms with investors and partners.

Government Formation Watch: Slovenia’s new Janez Janša government is moving fast, with coalition parties confirming ministerial candidates; Democrats have already named picks for economy/labour (Anže Logar), health (Tadej Ostrc) and justice (Mihael Zupančič), while National Assembly President Zoran Stevanović signals he wants a careful interior minister choice and transparent coalition cooperation. Anti-Corruption & Local Power: Police searched 42 premises plus one municipality in Moravče over suspected corruption offences, with reporting pointing to Mayor Milan Balažic and Deputy Mayor Marko Kladnik. Public Administration & Oversight: The Slovenian Association of Journalists warns that amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act could weaken protections for reporters and sources. Labour & Workplace Safety: The Labour Inspectorate reported 18,200 violations in 11,300 inspections in 2025, with the most in construction. EU Pressure: The European Commission opened infringement proceedings against Slovenia over consumer-protection rules tied to the green transition and anti-greenwashing. Migration Policy: The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is set to apply from 12 June, with Slovenia listed among countries where the EC report left implementation status unclear. Economy & Funding: The government adopted the Alliance for Research and Innovation 2026–2028, aiming for up to 1.25% of GDP in public research/innovation funding. Local Development: EUR 9.8m was approved for municipalities with registered Roma settlements. Transport & Permits: Ljubljana–Tel Aviv flights continue despite an Israir permit delay, as security protocol checks reportedly drag on. Energy/Finance: Addiko Bank management backed Raiffeisen’s takeover bid over NLB’s, citing higher certainty despite a lower price.

Assisted Dying Referendum Fight: Slovenia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a constitutional appeal after voters rejected assisted dying, with initiators arguing campaign-rule violations and constitutional breaches. Local Elections Rules: SDS, NSi and Truth have filed changes to the Local Elections Act that would strip voting rights in local elections from third-country nationals and adjust representation on local councils. Post-WWII Memory Law: A new coalition-backed amendment reinstates 17 May as a national remembrance day for victims of communist violence and mandates burials at Ljubljana’s Žale cemetery, raising fears of further polarisation. EU Recovery Cash: Slovenia has received €1.77bn from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility since 2021 (85% of the total), with 81% as grants. Ljubljana Higher Education: The Faculty of Pharmacy in Ljubljana laid the foundation stone for a €100m Brdo Campus project, aiming to expand capacity to 2,000 students by 2030. Public Finance & Markets: Slovenia priced a €350m seven-year floating-rate bond, with strong demand and a spread around 20 bps over 6-month Euribor. EU Enlargement Politics: EU states are debating Ukraine’s accession pace, with some insisting Western Balkans candidates not be left behind.

Assisted Dying Referendum Challenge: Slovenia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a constitutional appeal over the referendum result that rejected assisted dying, after earlier campaign-rule objections were dismissed. Local Elections Rights: MPs from SDS, NSi and Truth have filed changes to the Local Elections Act that would strip voting rights in local elections from third-country nationals, alongside proposals to rebalance representation on local councils. Post-WWII Burial Law: Parliament passed an amendment restoring 17 May as a national remembrance day for victims of communist violence and mandating burials at Ljubljana’s Žale cemetery, raising fears of further polarisation. EU Sanctions & Israel Debate: A new push in EU politics continues as an Israeli civic group urges the US to block Ireland’s bill banning imports from Israeli settlements, while EU sanctions and legal disputes over Israel-linked measures remain in focus. Ljubljana Education & Industry: The Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy laid the foundation stone for a €100m new Brdo Campus building, aiming to expand capacity to 2,000 students by 2030. Public Finance & Markets: Slovenia issued a €350m seven-year floating rate bond, with strong demand and heavy participation from domestic investors.

Šutar Case Closure: Dnevnik says the near-final legal epilogue in the Aleš Šutar assault case should “satisfy everyone,” but also warns that violence keeps reproducing violence—while Večer adds the tragedy will echo for a long time. Media Ownership Fight: Dragan Solak and Victoriya Boklag have filed a lawsuit in London to block BC Partners’ sale of United Group’s media business, arguing the process breaches their shareholders’ consent rights and would break up the integrated telecom-media model. Parliamentary Rules: Slovenia’s National Assembly passed changes to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, narrowing who can challenge inquiry launches at the Constitutional Court and banning back-to-back inquiries into the same matter. EU Politics: EU talks on grid permits are heating up over “silent approval” rules if states miss deadlines, with capitals worried Brussels is shifting power. International Spotlight: UN member states, including Slovenia, condemned Russia’s renewed attacks on civilians and diplomatic institutions in Ukraine.