AGP Executive Report

EU Enlargement Talks: The EU has opened the first accession negotiations cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, a process that usually takes years, with the bloc pointing to the long timelines seen in past Balkan accessions. Slovenian Politics: Slovenia’s parliament approved Janez Janša’s centre-right government, ending Robert Golob’s term and reviving concerns in Brussels and the Western Balkans about democratic norms. Global Peace Watch: The Global Peace Index 2026 says global peacefulness fell for a 12th straight year as conflicts and militarisation deepen instability; Iceland tops the list, while Sri Lanka climbed 14 places to rank 67th. World Cup 2026: Group C spotlight turns to Brazil vs Morocco at MetLife Stadium, while Qatar vs Switzerland kicks off Group B in San Francisco; Slovenia’s referee Slavko Vinčić is set to officiate. ECB & Banking: A new ECB rate hike is expected to widen the loan-deposit gap, adding about €147m to Greek banks’ interest income. Digital Interference: France’s VIGINUM suspects Israeli firm BlackCore of election meddling across multiple countries. Local Tourism: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje, opens in Prekmurje with a low-impact, wood-built design aimed at slower travel.

World Cup 2026: The US opened with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, while Canada finally earned a first-ever World Cup point after a late equaliser against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Slovenian Politics: Janez Janša’s centre-right government was approved by parliament, ending four years of Robert Golob’s rule and reviving EU and Western Balkans concerns about democratic norms. EU Security & Finance: The EU Council approved fiscal flexibility for Spain to boost defence spending, using the stability pact’s escape clause. Middle East Policy: Slovenia reversed its earlier stance, lifting an arms embargo and entry ban tied to Israel’s leadership, as sanctions against Israeli ministers spread across Europe. Global Peace Index: Iceland topped the 2026 GPI for the 19th straight year, with Slovenia listed among the world’s safest countries. Slovenian Economy: NLB Skladi—Nepremičnine announced a rare Ljubljana Stock Exchange IPO, aiming to raise up to €100m via a public share offering. Green Tech in Zasavje: A €32m zero-carbon technologies centre opened in Kisovec, backing carbon-free materials and pilot projects after the coal era. Travel & Borders: New EU entry rules are adding friction for travellers, with EES rollout and ETIAS preparations affecting planning across Europe.

Slovenia–Israel Policy Reversal: Slovenia lifted its 2025 arms embargo and also removed entry restrictions on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, saying the move restores “normal political dialog” and returns military trade to standard EU-regulated channels. Border Controls: Slovenia ended temporary border checks with Hungary and Croatia, dismantling equipment and stopping officer presence at crossings after the government said the original security reasons no longer apply. Finance & Markets: NLB Skladi – Nepremičnine announced a rare Ljubljana Stock Exchange IPO, offering up to 10 million shares at €10 each (subscription runs 16 June–16 October). Energy Transition: A €32m carbon-free technologies centre opened in Kisovec (Zasavje), backed largely by the EU Just Transition Fund, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free tech. Global Peace Index: Slovenia stayed in the top tier of the 2026 Global Peace Index, ranked among the world’s safest countries. World Cup Focus: Slovenia’s referee Slavko Vinčić is set to officiate a major 2026 opener as the tournament begins across the US, Canada and Mexico. Science & Culture: Ancient DNA studies from Tuscan grape seeds trace long-lived wine varieties from Etruscan and Roman times to modern winemaking, while Slovenia’s Women Writers Route highlights living heritage through Council of Europe cultural routes.

Border Policy: Slovenia ended temporary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, with officers and equipment set to stop at midnight after the government said the original security and terrorism risks no longer justify stationary checkpoints. Israel–Slovenia Reset: Janez Janša’s conservative government lifted entry bans on Netanyahu and two ministers and revoked the 2025 arms embargo, saying existing national and EU rules already cover licensing and controls; the move also includes ending restrictions on imports from Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Energy & Industry: A new carbon-free technologies centre opened near Zagorje in Kisovec, backed largely by the EU Just Transition Fund, aiming to bridge research and industrial scale-up for batteries and hydrogen. Global Peace Watch: Cyprus dropped nine places to 80th in the 2026 Global Peace Index, while Slovenia ranks among the most peaceful countries; Greece climbed to 53rd. Sports & Culture: Slovenia made a five-set upset over world No. 1 Poland in volleyball, while the week also brought major World Cup coverage and Tribeca Festival winners.

Israel-Slovenia Reset: Slovenia’s new conservative government led by Janez Janša has repealed the previous administration’s entry ban on Netanyahu and two ministers, scrapped the ban on imports from Jewish settlements, and ended the embargo on export and transit of arms and military equipment—moves framed as restoring basic political communication and aligning with EU rules. Weather & Damage: A severe summer storm hit Slovenia on 10 June with destructive winds, heavy rain, hail, widespread outages, and damage to 150+ buildings, especially in Gorenjska and around Komenda, with crop losses reported. World Cup Focus: Slovenia’s volleyball team stunned world No. 1 Poland in the VNL, while the World Cup spotlight keeps rolling with referee selections and match coverage as the tournament begins. Peace Index Watch: The Global Peace Index 2026 shows peace is declining globally for the 12th straight year; Taiwan fell to 42nd, and the safest/least safe rankings highlight how conflict drives the shift. Tech & Industry: SCW.AI announced an Industry Advisory Board to guide pharma manufacturing digital transformation, and YouTube is rolling out a revamped DMs feature in select countries.

Severe Weather: A powerful summer storm hit Slovenia on 10 June, with destructive winds, heavy rain and hail damaging more than 150 buildings, knocking out power and hurting crops—Komenda was among the worst affected. Regional Cooperation: Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar joined leaders at the SEECP summit in Sofia as the forum marked its 30th anniversary, with Romania set to take the rotating chairmanship for 2026–27. EU Enlargement: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos outlined progress toward membership for candidates including Ukraine, saying the bloc is accelerating talks after Russia’s invasion. Energy & Industry: Renault says EV demand has surged since the Iran war began, pushing its order book up and prompting possible extra production shifts, including at its Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia. Tech & Culture: A new AI-and-data exhibition opens at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague, with Slovenian partner Projekt Atol, asking who controls personal data and political power. Health Research (Slovenia): A Slovenian multicenter study links peanut allergy severity to stronger skin test reactions and higher peanut-specific IgE, with lower responses tied to later tolerance. Business/Innovation: Genesis Pharma and Alnylam expand RNAi therapeutics commercialization across the Nordic region, adding Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden to a wider Southeast Europe footprint that includes Slovenia.

EU Migration & Asylum Pact: The EU’s migration pact kicks in Friday, aiming to streamline rejection and removal of illegal entrants—while some countries still aren’t ready for full implementation. EU Competition/Media: The European Commission is investigating the $111bn Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger after Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds backed the deal, with foreign-subsidy rules now in focus. Slovenia in the spotlight (peace): Slovenia climbed into the top five of the 2026 Global Peace Index, ranking fourth for the first time in two decades. Slovenia & energy/industry: A Horizon Europe project, INDTEGRATE, is pushing green hydrogen integration for hard-to-decarbonise industries, while Slovenia’s Novo Mesto EV plant is mentioned in Renault’s demand surge story. Health & biotech: Cosylab and Heron Neutron Medical Corp. signed an LOI to expand global deployment of accelerator-based BNCT cancer therapy, and Genesis Pharma with Alnylam is extending RNAi therapeutics commercialization to Nordic markets including Slovenia. Local education: University of Primorska launches a new wood-industry degree focused on sustainability and digital transformation. Sports: Slovenia beat China in a five-set thriller in the men’s VNL opener.

EU Recovery Funds: The European Commission has greenlit Slovenia’s sixth RRF payment request worth €41 million, tied to labour market, education, renewable energy and green upgrades like wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure, plus digital steps in healthcare and policing. Border & Migration: As the EU migration pact takes effect, internal border checks are still under debate; Slovenia’s government is also weighing lifting Schengen border controls with Hungary and Croatia, which could ease summer travel. Foreign Policy & Israel: A group of 460+ European political figures urges tougher EU action against Israel, including suspending preferential trade access; meanwhile France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over settler violence, joining a growing list of countries. Business & Industry: TOSLA opened its new “Super Factory” (TOSLA 3) and headquarters in Ajdovščina, tripling capacity to up to 100,000 bottles a day to speed liquid nutraceutical launches. Global Peace Watch: Slovenia ranks among the world’s most peaceful countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, while the report warns global peace is deteriorating amid rising conflicts and faster drone-driven warfare. Culture & Heritage: Research links ancient Roman-era white grapes in Chianti to modern winemaking, with ties to Slovenia’s grapevine legacy.

Balkan Diplomacy: Türkiye’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the SEECP summit in Sofia, stressing connectivity projects and peace efforts, while warning that Israel’s Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon policies fuel instability. Sanctions & Gaza: France banned far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing his role in promoting West Bank annexation and “re-colonisation” of Gaza, joining a wider European travel-ban push that already includes Slovenia. Slovenia–Egypt Ties: Slovenia’s new foreign minister Toni Krajcer spoke by phone with Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty on expanding political and economic cooperation, including trade routes and port links between Koper and Alexandria. Tourism & Travel Pressure: WTTC warns Europe’s Entry/Exit System could cut Schengen visitors by a third, with up to 41 million arrivals at stake, while Slovenia’s A1 motorway near Postojna adds night work to ease summer bottlenecks. Local Sports & Culture: BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana crowned Pavel Dailidko as heavyweight champion again, and Croatia’s tourism keeps climbing with 5% more visitors and 7% more overnight stays in early 2026. Tech & Business: Vinted’s CEO says the US is a major growth opportunity for the €8bn secondhand marketplace, but expansion may take years.

Slovenia’s new government: Janez Janša is back in power as Slovenia confirms an all right-wing cabinet, with foreign-policy reset signals and renewed attention on Israel-linked issues. Israel–Slovenia tensions: Slovenia has blocked an Israeli charter flight from landing in Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Croatia, as debate grows over embassy plans and Ljubljana’s shifting stance. Energy policy: Borzen has published a €10m battery storage rebate scheme, offering non-repayable grants up to 45% (capped at €225/kWh) for BESS installed between Oct 1, 2025 and Jul 31, 2026. City logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the pedestrian zone. EU security debate: A Brussels protest rally “Welfare not Warfare” targets the EU’s rearmament push and €800bn extra military spending. Global context: The 2026 Global Peace Index says conflicts are at WWII-level highs, with 99 countries less peaceful than last year. Sports (Slovenia in focus): Croatia edged Slovenia 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up, while BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana crowned local dominance with Pavel Dailidko defending his title.

New Janša Government: Slovenia’s parliament has approved Janez Janša’s right-of-centre cabinet in a 49–30 vote, replacing Robert Golob and setting out plans for tax cuts, less bureaucracy, and tougher action on corruption. Energy Policy: Borzen has launched a €10m battery storage rebate scheme, offering non-repayable grants covering up to 45% of eligible costs for grid-connected battery systems. City Logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana are testing assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the pedestrian zone, starting with a City Hall-to-Soline route. EU Digital Safety: Australia’s under-16 social media ban is driving a wave of similar proposals across Europe and beyond, as lawmakers push for age checks and stronger protections. World Cup Build-Up (Croatia–Slovenia): Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in the final friendly; coach Zlatko Dalić says the England opener could “destroy everything” and insists his starting XI is set. Sports (Slovenian Talent Abroad): UCLA has signed Slovenian guard Lina Jerkovic, adding international depth to the Bruins’ women’s roster. Tech & Space (Czech link): ESA, via the Czech Republic, has signed with Vast for a private astronaut mission to the ISS, with Czech reserve astronaut Aleš Svoboda slated as pilot.

New Slovenian Government: Parliament has approved Janez Janša’s first fully right-of-centre cabinet, ending Robert Golob’s term and setting a more business-friendly agenda focused on tax cuts, less bureaucracy, and anti-corruption. Israel-Slovenia Reset: In the wake of the government change, Israel says it will open its first embassy in Slovenia, while President Nataša Pirc Musar escalated a flag dispute by raising the Palestinian banner at her palace after Janša removed it from the government building. EU Economic Push: The European Commission unveiled the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, urging reforms to boost resilience, competitiveness, housing affordability, and skills. Energy Pressure: With fuel costs still biting households across Europe, Slovenia is among countries facing elevated prices amid wider geopolitical strain. Football & Sport: Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up; in Ljubljana, Pavel Dailidko defended his BRAVE CF heavyweight title with a quick stoppage of Miha Frlic. EU Diplomacy: The EU appointed Nicola Bellomo as Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, keeping engagement without recognition.

Slovenia–Israel Diplomacy: President Nataša Pirc Musar escalated the flag dispute, accusing Israel of “genocide” and saying she will raise the Palestinian flag at the presidential palace after the new right-wing government removed it from the parliament building; meanwhile, Israel’s foreign minister says an embassy in Ljubljana is set to open, marking a major shift in ties. EU Foreign Policy: The EU appointed Nicola Bellomo as Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, keeping engagement “without recognition” as the delegation adjusts its diplomatic level. EU Economic Outlook: The European Commission adopted the 2026 Spring Semester package, pushing member states toward resilience, competitiveness, housing solutions, and social cohesion amid energy and cost-of-living pressure. Transport & Investment: Croatia signed a €13m contract to modernise the Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica railway line, funded via an EIB loan, to improve regional rail links. World Cup Build-up: Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in their final pre-World Cup friendly, with Luka Modrić scoring after the restart. Fuel Costs: Rising oil prices continue to squeeze household budgets across Europe, with Slovenia listed among the higher diesel and gasoline prices.

Israel–Slovenia Reset: After Janez Janša’s rightwing government took office, Slovenia removed the Palestinian flag from the government palace and Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar said Israel will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana, marking a diplomatic shift away from the previous administration. Palestine Flag Fallout: President Nataša Pirc Musar hit back by raising the Palestinian flag at her palace for a week, calling Gaza and the West Bank still defined by “grave violations,” and a UN rapporteur praised her stance. EU/Regional Politics: Ireland also banned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering, joining a wider European list that includes Slovenia. Household Pressure: Fuel prices are rising again across Europe, with Slovenia listed among the higher-cost markets, squeezing budgets as incomes shape how painful commuting gets. EU Social Rules: Cyprus is among EU states missing the pay transparency directive deadline, while Slovenia is also flagged as having no draft or timeline yet. Sports Spotlight: BRAVE CF returned to Ljubljana with Pavel Dailidko defending his heavyweight title by stopping Miha Frlic in the first round.

Slovenia–Israel Diplomacy: Slovenia’s new right-wing government has sparked a fresh “flag war” over Palestine, after PM Janez Janša removed the Palestinian banner from the government palace and President Nataša Pirc Musar ordered it raised at her residence for a week, drawing praise from UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Foreign Policy Reset: Slovenia’s new FM Tone Kajzer exchanged messages with India’s S. Jaishankar, inviting him to visit and signaling deeper cooperation. EU Mobility Rules: The European Commission urged Schengen states, including Slovenia, to gradually phase out internal border checks as conditions improve. EU Pay Transparency: A new EU-wide look at the Pay Transparency Directive shows Slovenia has not yet started implementing the rules, with many countries missing the June 7 deadline. Regional Security/Politics: Kosovo faces another election cycle amid institutional deadlock, with instability described as structural. Sports—Local Spotlight: BRAVE CF 106 returns to Ljubljana with a full 10-bout card, headlined by Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlic. International—Ireland’s Move: Ireland banned Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich from entering, citing Gaza-related conduct—one more sign of widening European pressure.

Slovenia–Israel Reset: Slovenia’s new right-wing government has moved quickly to reframe ties with Israel: the Palestinian flag was removed from the main government building, while President Nataša Pirc Musar raised it at the presidential palace and said it will stay for a week; meanwhile Israel says it will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana, with Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer pledging support for a swift setup. EU Diplomacy & Human Rights: UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese praised Musar’s stance, calling Palestine a “moral compass” for Europe. Regional Fallout: Ireland also escalated action, banning Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over Gaza flotilla conduct and anti-Palestinian remarks. Sports in Slovenia: Ljubljana hosts BRAVE CF 106 with a heavyweight title defense Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlić and a heated rematch undercard. EU Social Policy: The Commission approved Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan for a cleaner transition, including home renovations and transport support. Pay Transparency Watch: A new EU directive on salary transparency is due by 7 June 2026, but many countries are still lagging.