AGP Executive Report

Border Policy Reset: Slovenia ended temporary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, dismantling checkpoints and equipment after the government said the security rationale for stationary checks no longer holds. Israel Policy Shift: The new Slovenian government lifted the ban on arms sales to Israel and reversed entry restrictions on Israeli PM Netanyahu and ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, framing it as restoring “normal political dialogue.” Energy Cost Control: Ljubljana extended fuel price controls for gasoline sold outside highway service stations until Dec. 15, keeping weekly formula-based adjustments to smooth global oil swings. Regional Security: NATO said it will gradually reduce KFOR in Kosovo over the next year, citing improved conditions after the 2023 reinforcement. EU/Research & Industry: A €32m zero-carbon technologies centre opened in Kisovec (Zasavje) with EU Just Transition Fund support, aiming to scale carbon-free tech from batteries to hydrogen. Global Context (Slovenia in rankings): The Global Peace Index 2026 put Slovenia in the top five for safety, while Afghanistan ranked among the least peaceful.

Israel Policy Shift: Slovenia’s new conservative-led government lifted the arms embargo on Israel and removed entry bans on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, saying it restores “normal political dialogue” and that the embargo is “unnecessary” under existing defense and EU export rules. Diplomatic Reset: The government also ended a ban on imports from Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and has moved to reframe ties after last year’s Gaza-related measures under PM Robert Golob, with Israel planning to open an embassy in Slovenia. Border Management: Slovenia also ended stationary police checks at its borders with Croatia and Hungary from 12 June, shifting to more mobile, targeted controls to ease summer traffic while addressing migration concerns. Human Rights Watch: Ukraine’s ombudsman representative told the UN that the number of people with disabilities has risen by about 600,000 since 2022, reaching 3.4 million, with further increases feared as veterans return. Global Context: The 2026 Global Peace Index put Slovenia among the most peaceful in Europe, while Cyprus fell nine places to 80th.

Israel Policy Reset: Slovenia’s new conservative government led by PM Janez Janša scrapped the previous administration’s entry ban on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and two ministers, lifted a ban on imports from Jewish settlements, and ended the embargo on export and transit of military weapons and equipment to and from Israel—moves framed as restoring basic political communication and shifting away from Robert Golob’s Gaza-linked sanctions. Foreign Policy Coordination: Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha held his first call with Slovenia’s new foreign minister Tone Kajzer, discussing the security situation in Europe and inviting him to visit Kyiv. Diplomatic Meetings: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu met Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar, focusing on Moldova’s EU path and expanding cooperation on migration, social security, culture, and tourism. EU Court Ruling: The EU’s top court said a Slovenian bank can’t refuse a basic payment account solely because a person is listed on the US OFAC sanctions list without an individual risk assessment. Domestic Disruption: A severe storm hit northern Slovenia, damaging 150+ buildings, knocking out power, and hurting crops, with Komenda among the hardest-hit areas. Culture & Identity: Slovenia marked Primož Trubar Day, with officials stressing the role of the Slovenian language in culture and community.

EU Enlargement Watch: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos says the bloc is ready to accelerate accession talks for Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Moldova and Ukraine, arguing Russia’s invasion changed the urgency and that member states still need unanimous sign-off. Regional Diplomacy (SEECP): Bulgaria hosted the SEECP 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia, with Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar among leaders discussing security, connectivity and EU integration; Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova stressed merit and good-neighbourliness, while Romania is set to take the SEECP chairmanship from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Slovenia in EU Peace Rankings: Slovenia is listed among the world’s most peaceful countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, which also shows global peacefulness at its lowest since 2007. Media & Regulation (EU): The European Commission opened an investigation into the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger’s Middle Eastern financing under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, with a July 14 deadline. Culture & Tech Debate (Ljubljana): A new AI-and-data exhibition, “DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign,” opens at Galerie Rudolfinum, asking who controls personal data and what that means for political freedom. Sports (Slovenian officiating): FIFA appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić for the Morocco–Brazil World Cup match.

EU Foreign Subsidies Probe: The European Commission is investigating the $111bn Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery merger after filings showed about $24bn in backing from Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds, with a July 14 deadline and parallel competition reviews in the US/UK. Migration & Borders: The EU Migration and Asylum Pact takes effect Friday, while Slovenia’s government weighs ending reintroduced Schengen border checks with Hungary and Croatia—aimed at easing summer travel. Regional Diplomacy (SEECP): Foreign ministers met in Sofia under the South-East European Cooperation Process, with Slovenia among participants, as security and EU integration priorities were discussed. Slovenia in Global Rankings: Slovenia climbed into the top five of the 2026 Global Peace Index for the first time in two decades, ranking fourth overall. Tech & Culture: A new AI-and-data exhibition opens at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague’s partner network, and Slovenia’s University of Primorska launches a wood-industry sustainability degree for 2026/27.

Regional Diplomacy: Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar will attend the SEECP 30th anniversary summit in Sofia, with Bulgaria handing over the rotating presidency to Romania and leaders from across the Balkans and beyond expected to sign off on a declaration. Foreign Policy & Trade: Slovenia’s new foreign minister Toni Krajcer spoke by phone with Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty on boosting bilateral ties, including exports via Slovenia and port cooperation between Koper and Alexandria. EU Politics & Israel: A group of 460+ European political figures urges the EU to toughen its stance on Israel, including suspending preferential trade access under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Sanctions Watch: France banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, joining coordinated entry bans over settler violence. Domestic Infrastructure: DARS has started night-time works on the A1 motorway near Postojna to cut delays on one of Slovenia’s worst bottlenecks ahead of summer travel. Space Milestone: NASA selected astronaut of Slovenian roots Randy Bresnik to command Artemis III, targeting a late-2027 lunar mission. Business & Industry: TOSLA opened its “Super Factory” (TOSLA 3) and new HQ in Ajdovščina, aiming to scale liquid nutraceutical production. Sports (Local Interest): Ljubljana hosted BRAVE CF 106, where Slovenia’s Miha Frlic lost the heavyweight title to Pavel Dailidko by first-round TKO.

Diplomacy & Foreign Policy: Slovenia’s newly appointed foreign minister Toni Krajcer spoke by phone with Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty, with both sides focusing on boosting bilateral ties, expanding Egyptian exports into EU markets via Slovenia, and deepening port cooperation between Koper and Alexandria. Regional Infrastructure & Public Life: Night-time construction has started on a major A1 motorway bottleneck near Postojna, with DARS and contractors redeploying crews to cut the project timeline by an estimated 20–30 days ahead of the summer travel rush. EU/International Politics: France joined coordinated sanctions by banning Israeli far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing his role in promoting West Bank annexation and “re-colonisation” of Gaza; Slovenia is among the countries that have already imposed similar entry bans. Culture & Inclusion: The European Museum of the Year Award shortlist includes Lisbon’s MUDE and Palácio Pimenta, with the EMYA theme this year centered on “Inclusion for All.” Sports & Society: BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana reaffirmed the promotion’s Balkan pull, with Slovenia’s Miha Frlic losing the heavyweight title to Pavel Dailidko and another title changing hands in the co-main event.

Slovenian Government & Foreign Policy: Janez Janša’s return to power is framed as a major political shift, with attention on how Ljubljana’s stance is changing after the new government moves to align more closely with Israel, including the decision to raise a Palestinian flag only after earlier removals. EU Budget & Defence Debate: A Brussels demonstration under “Welfare not Warfare” targets the EU’s rearmament push, warning that higher military spending crowds out social spending. Energy Policy: Borzen has opened a €10m grant scheme for non-repayable support for battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped per kWh) for installations connected to the grid in 2026. Local Governance & Logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the pedestrian zone, starting with a route from City Hall to Soline. International Law & Israel: UK Labour MPs call for ending trade with illegal Israeli settlements, citing the E1 plan and warning current sanctions are not enough. Regional Diplomacy: SEECP’s 30th anniversary summit is set for June 10 in Sofia, with Slovenia’s president among expected leaders.

Slovenian Government Shift: Parliament approved Janez Janša’s new right-of-centre cabinet in a 49–30 vote, replacing Robert Golob’s administration and pledging tax cuts, less bureaucracy, and a tougher line on corruption, alongside plans to raise defence spending and reshape areas like healthcare, education, and labour. Foreign Policy Flashpoint: Slovenia’s new course is again in the spotlight as Israel prepares to open its first embassy in Ljubljana after the government change, following earlier diplomatic tensions over flags and flight permissions. Energy Policy: Borzen published details of a €10m battery storage rebate scheme, co-financing up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) for grid-connected battery energy storage systems installed between Oct. 1, 2025 and Jul. 31, 2026. Regional Diplomacy: President Iliana Iotova will host the 30th-anniversary SEECP summit in Sofia on June 10, with leaders from across the region expected. Culture & Media: RE-ACT, backed by Slovenian and Croatian film institutions, expands with rotating European guest regions, starting with Montenegro. Sports (Local Angle): Slovenia’s World Cup preparations included a 2–1 friendly loss to Croatia, while Leeds defender Jaka Bijol continued his run of starts for the national team.

Slovenian Foreign Policy Reset: President Nataša Pirc Musar ordered the Palestinian flag raised outside the presidential palace for a week after the new Janša government removed it from the parliament façade, escalating a domestic “flag war” tied to Slovenia’s shift toward Israel and plans for Israel’s first embassy in Ljubljana. EU Economic Governance: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing a roadmap for resilience, competitiveness, housing and social cohesion as cost-of-living pressure and geopolitical risks persist. Energy Security Debate: A new report warns Europe is moving from fuel rationing fears to electricity stress, with data centres singled out for heavy power demand and the policy question of how the EU will manage it. Ljubljana’s Neighbour Watch (Sports): Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up, with Luka Modrić scoring and Mario Pašalić netting a stoppage-time winner—an upbeat send-off for Croatia ahead of the tournament. Local Governance (Cross-border): Slovenia’s political spotlight also comes alongside EU-level enforcement moves, including infringement pressure on member states over aviation fuel penalties.

Israel-Slovenia Diplomatic Reset: Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar ordered the Palestinian flag to be raised outside the presidential palace for a week after the new pro-Israel government removed it from parliament, escalating the “flag war” around Slovenia’s Gaza stance and the country’s foreign-policy shift under PM Janez Janša. Embassy Move: The dispute runs in parallel with Israel’s plan to open its first embassy in Slovenia, following Janša’s cabinet confirmation and a pledge to deepen ties with Jerusalem. New Slovenian Foreign Minister: Tone Kajzer was confirmed as Slovenia’s foreign minister, and India’s S. Jaishankar publicly congratulated him and invited cooperation. EU External Action: The EU appointed Nicola Bellomo as Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, keeping engagement “without recognition” of the Taliban. EU Economy Watch: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing reforms on competitiveness, housing, skills and resilience. Local Infrastructure (Regional): Croatia signed a €13m contract to modernise the Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica rail line with EIB financing, part of a wider rail investment push. EU Law Pressure: The Commission launched infringement steps against 13 EU states, including Slovenia, for missing aviation fuel penalty rules under ReFuelEU.

Palestine Flag Diplomacy: Slovenia’s president Natasa Pirc Musar says she will raise the Palestinian flag at the Presidential Palace after Prime Minister Janez Janša’s government removed it from parliament, calling Gaza’s situation a continuing “genocide” and a test of respect for international humanitarian law. Government Reset: The flag row is tied to Janša’s return to power and a pro-Israel shift after months of strained relations under Robert Golob. EU/International Pressure: Ireland has banned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, joining a wider European list including Slovenia, over remarks and actions linked to Gaza flotilla activists. Foreign Policy Staffing: Slovenia’s new foreign minister Tone Kajzer has been congratulated and invited to cooperate by India’s S. Jaishankar, signaling a renewed push on bilateral ties. EU Rulemaking Watch: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against Slovenia and other states for missing deadlines on aviation fuel penalty rules under ReFuelEU. Labour Rights Angle: EU pay transparency implementation is lagging across member states, with Slovenia named among those yet to act. Ljubljana Local Governance: A parking dispute involving the Ljubljana mayor is set to go to a vote.

Slovenia–Israel Flag Fallout: Prime Minister Janez Janša’s new government moved fast on foreign policy symbolism, taking down the Palestinian flag from the main government building in Ljubljana, prompting President Nataša Pirc Musar to raise it outside her palace for a week and keep it inside afterward; UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese praised Musar’s stance as “hope for Europe.” New Diplomatic Reset: Israel says it will open its first embassy in Slovenia in Ljubljana, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar linking the move to Janša’s return to power and a pledge from incoming FM Tone Kajzer to support a swift establishment. Foreign Policy Outreach: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar congratulated Kajzer and invited him to visit, signaling continued momentum in Slovenia’s new international alignment. EU Migration Politics: The European Commission urged Schengen states, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks gradually, arguing conditions now allow a return to normal passport-free movement. Regional Security/Politics: Ireland banned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering over Gaza-related conduct, joining a wider European restrictions list that already includes Slovenia.

Slovenia–Israel Reset: Slovenia’s new right-wing government under PM Janez Janša moved quickly to reverse the prior pro-Palestinian stance, removing the Palestinian flag from the main government building and prompting a diplomatic thaw as Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar announced plans to open the country’s first embassy in Ljubljana, with Janša’s foreign minister Tone Kajzer pledging support for a swift setup. Presidential Pushback: President Natasa Pirc Musar kept the Palestinian flag visible by raising it at the Presidential Palace for a week and then keeping it inside, drawing praise from UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese and the State of Palestine. EU Enlargement Politics: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, leaders reaffirmed enlargement, with Germany’s Merz telling Serbia it must choose Europe over balancing with Russia and China, while Serbia’s Vucic backed a Macron–Merz idea for gradual EU integration. EU Social Policy: The European Commission approved Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan to fund energy-efficiency upgrades, social housing, and transport support for vulnerable groups. Pay Transparency Deadline: A new EU Pay Transparency Directive update shows several member states still lagging on implementing rules due by 7 June 2026. Security/Defense Tech: A Lockheed Martin UK-led NATO consortium unveiled a GBAD concept that includes Slovenia among participating nations.

Slovenia–Israel Reset: Hours after Janez Janša was sworn in, Slovenia signalled a sharp foreign-policy turn: the Palestinian flag was lowered from a government building and Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar announced Ljubljana will host Israel’s first-ever embassy, with Tone Kajzer appointed to drive the “swift establishment” of the mission. Government Turnover: The new cabinet also moved fast on personnel, bringing back “familiar faces” into senior ministry, police, intelligence and state-agency roles. EU Border Fight: Germany rejected EU pressure to scrap internal Schengen checks, arguing border controls still work against illegal migration and security threats. Economic & Labour Agenda: Janša’s government pledged tax cuts, fewer ministries (20 to 15), streamlined administration and a renewed push against corruption, while a handover at the Economy/Labour/Sport ministry placed labour policy under the same roof. Security Drills: Multinational helicopter exercise THRACIAN BLADE 2026 began in Bulgaria with Slovenia among participating forces. Health Enforcement: Europol backed an international crackdown on counterfeit medicines and supplements, targeting a network behind at least €240m in illicit sales.

Slovenian Government Switch: Slovenia’s parliament approved Janez Janša’s new right-leaning government in a 49-30 vote, ending Robert Golob’s term and setting up a 15-minister cabinet backed by a five-party coalition plus support from the Resnica party. New Cabinet Personnel: Key posts were filled as the government took office, including a new defence minister (Valentin Hajdinjak), foreign affairs leadership (Tone Kajzer), local government/regional development (Monika Kirbiš Rojs), economy/labour/sport (Anže Logar), justice (Mihael Zupančič), finance (Andrej Šircelj), environment/spatial planning (Polona Rifelj) and infrastructure/energy (Jernej Vrtovec). Israel-Slovenia Reset: Immediately after the vote, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana, framing it as a “new chapter” after years of strained ties under the previous government. Diplomatic Symbol Change: The Palestinian flag was removed from the Slovenian government building after Janša’s swearing-in, leaving only Slovenian, EU and Ukrainian flags. EU Border Controls Debate: Germany pushed back against an EU request to scrap internal Schengen border checks, arguing they remain “necessary” and “working,” with Slovenia named among countries asked to gradually lift controls. Local Politics Watch: A Ljubljana parking dispute is set to go to a vote, adding another pressure point for the city’s leadership.