AGP Executive Report

EU Summit Watch: EU leaders in Brussels are set to focus on Ukraine, China shock and the bloc’s next long-term budget, with Middle East issues, competitiveness, drug trafficking and migration also on the agenda after a G7 push to keep military support for Kyiv and sanctions on Russia moving. EU Inflation: Eurozone inflation rose to 3.2% in May (from 3.0%), driven mainly by services and non-energy industrial goods, keeping cost pressure in the spotlight for households and firms. Slovenia-Serbia Ties: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović, stressing good, stable relations and urging deeper economic cooperation and support for Serbia’s EU path. NATO & Defence Industry: NATO chief Mark Rutte told ministers the alliance needs more forces, resources and a stronger industrial base, pointing to a sharp jump in European defence investment in 2025. Aviation Connectivity: LOT is adding flights from Warsaw to Ljubljana and Zagreb from September, betting on continued demand in the region. Business & Trade Links: Univar Solutions expands its EMEA distribution partnership with American Distilling, extending access to natural specialty ingredients like alcohol-free witch hazel for personal care and pharma uses. Tech & Disputes: SVAMC is expanding its international arbitration network and AI-focused programs, aiming to help businesses and lawyers handle disputes shaped by new technologies. Local Economy Signal: Slovenia opens a EUR 10 million battery storage grant scheme, a direct nudge for energy investment and grid flexibility.

EU Inflation Watch: Eurozone inflation stayed on an upward path in May, reaching 3.2% (from 3.0%), with services and non-energy industrial goods driving the rise—another reminder for Slovenia’s cost and wage planning. Aviation Connectivity: LOT is boosting Warsaw–Zagreb and Warsaw–Ljubljana links from September, adding weekly flights to meet strong passenger demand and improve regional travel options. Business Expansion: Univar Solutions expands its EMEA distribution partnership with American Distilling, bringing witch hazel ingredients (including alcohol-free options) to personal care, cosmetics and pharma customers. AI & Dispute Resolution: SVAMC is widening its international network and education push around how AI is changing contracts and arbitration practice. Tech for Research: Ljubljana University unveiled “Frida,” a new AI-focused supercomputing system meant to serve researchers, students and companies, complementing the existing Vega setup. Regional Politics & Trade: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović in Belgrade, stressing stable ties and the economic upside of deeper cooperation. Energy Security Data: A new ranking highlights how heavily some countries rely on Middle East oil—useful context for energy-risk thinking in the region.

OECD Survey on Slovenia: The OECD says Slovenia’s growth can rise to 1.9% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027, but warns that sustaining it needs tighter public finances, more investment, trade resilience and faster AI adoption, with pension and labour-tax reforms still on the table. AI supercomputing in Ljubljana: The University of Ljubljana launched “Frida,” an AI-focused supercomputing facility meant to complement the existing Vega system and open new research and industry collaboration opportunities. EU fiscal consolidation debate: At a Sofia conference, experts discussed how fast EU countries should consolidate budgets under deficit rules, with calls for sharper adjustments to curb inflation. Slovenia-Serbia business ties: Parliament speaker Zoran Stevanovic met Serbia’s Ana Brnabic, stressing Serbia as Slovenia’s key Western Balkans partner and investment destination, with continued support for Serbia’s EU path. Balkan tech distribution: Westcon-Comstor secured Cisco distribution rights across the Balkans including Slovenia, boosting partner access to Cisco products and services. Radenska/Pepsi licence risk: Radenska faces losing its PepsiCo licence by year-end, raising job concerns and speculation about ownership moves. UK child social media ban: The UK plans to bar under-16s from major social platforms, a move that could reshape digital compliance expectations across Europe.

AI & Research Infrastructure: Ljubljana’s University unveiled Frida, a new AI-focused supercomputer meant to complement Vega and boost Slovenia’s research and industry collaboration. Public Finance & Policy: An OECD Economic Survey says Slovenia should keep improving public finances, cut barriers to investment and capital flows, and broaden AI adoption to sustain growth. EU Macro & Labour Signals: Eurostat data shows Cyprus’ job vacancy rate steady at 2.8% in Q1 2026, offering a snapshot of hiring pressure across the euro area. Digital Safety Regulation: The UK plans to ban under-16s from major social media and certain gaming/livestreaming features, raising enforcement questions for platforms and parents. Tech & Distribution in the Balkans: Westcon-Comstor secured Cisco distribution rights across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia, expanding partner support. Regional Business Ties: Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanovic met Serbia’s leadership, stressing Serbia as Slovenia’s key Western Balkans economic partner and backing Serbia’s EU path. Energy Transition Deal (CEE): Wolf Theiss advised Eurus Energy on a hybrid solar-plus-battery project in Hungary, supporting grid stability and expansion in the region. Corporate/Brand Update: Radenska will lose its PepsiCo licence at year-end, with workers concerned about jobs and possible licence reshuffling. Tech & Payments (Travel Insight): A Slovenian traveller in India highlights how QR-based UPI payments reduce reliance on cash for everyday purchases.

EU-Ukraine Accession: The EU and Ukraine formally opened the first stage of accession talks after Hungary’s Orban delay, with Hungary’s new PM saying minority-rights measures helped unlock the veto. EU Sanctions & Trade: EU foreign ministers debated options to harden the bloc’s stance on illegal Israeli settlements and Itamar Ben-Gvir, while the EU’s top diplomat said the Commission will be asked to develop an EU-wide ban on goods from settlements. Slovenia Energy: Borzen launched a €10m non-repayable grant for battery storage (up to 45% of eligible costs, capped at €225/kWh), with applications opening in August. Slovenia Finance/Policy: Slovenia’s new government reversed the previous administration’s arms embargo and entry bans tied to Israel, lifting restrictions on arms trade and Netanyahu/minister measures. EU Consumer/Travel Rules: EU lawmakers agreed to keep free cabin luggage and delay compensation for flights, with cabin-baggage fees ending from 2027. Slovenia Health/Industry Context: A study on retrieved knee and hip implants highlights how corrosion and wear can evolve inside the body over time. Tech & Youth Regulation: Britain announced a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a wider European push to restrict kids’ access. Crypto Tax Competition: Cyprus introduced an 8% flat tax on realised crypto profits from Jan 1, 2026, aiming to attract investors amid EU MiCA rules. Crime & Finance: A “ghost bank” in Italy allegedly moved €80–€100m a year via hawala-style payments tied to drug trafficking and illegal goods.

Slovenia Energy Push: Borzen opened a EUR 10m non-repayable grant for battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (cap EUR 225/kWh) with applications from Aug. 4 to Oct. 31, 2026, aiming to speed up grid-connected storage alongside solar. EU Trade & Politics: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says she’ll ask the Commission to develop options for an EU-wide ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, after pressure from several member states including Slovenia, with a July follow-up expected. EU Carbon Debate: A new push around EU ETS benchmarks for 2026–2030 highlights how member states are fighting over who pays for emissions and how rules should apply, with shipping singled out as a policy-physics mismatch. Local Business & Culture: A community-led effort has brought back Ljubljana’s lost “Sower” statue to the city centre, restoring a 1930s landmark on Štefanova Street. Tech & Youth Safety: Britain announced a plan to ban social media for children under 16, joining a growing European trend toward tighter age-based access rules. Health & Materials: A study of 240+ retrieved hip and knee implants examines corrosion and wear degradation inside the body, underlining that durability is not static. Drug Use Signals: EU wastewater data points to rising cocaine use in several cities, with Slovenia showing sharp increases around Velenje, Domžale and Kamnik.

EU–US Tech Dependence: A new report warns that Europe’s reliance on US big tech can become a political weapon, pointing to sanctions disrupting access to US platforms and services and raising fears over chips, cloud, and social media control. EU Politics & Sanctions Theater: An EU Parliament vote on Turkey’s justice minister is framed as mostly non-binding political noise, while real policy power sits with the Council and Commission. Slovenia–Israel Policy Shift: Slovenia’s new government reversed prior anti-Israeli measures, lifting entry bans, settlement import restrictions, and the arms trade ban—aiming to reopen “normal political dialogue” and cooperation. ECB & Banking Margins: A eurozone rate hike is expected to widen the loan-deposit gap, boosting bank profits (with Greece cited for about €147m in added interest income). Tourism & Local Economy: A new boutique hotel in Prekmurje (Sončno Polje) targets slower, nature-led stays, while a Pohorje–Kozjak long-distance trail adds a fresh outdoor draw for domestic and regional visitors. Global Peace Index: Portugal ranks among the world’s safest; Slovenia also appears in top tiers, as the index shows global peacefulness falling amid conflict and militarisation.

Global Peace Index Update: Portugal ranks among the world’s safest and most peaceful countries in 2026, with Slovenia also placing in the top tier—an upbeat signal for tourism and investment sentiment as conflict-driven insecurity drags down many other states. Slovenia’s Policy Shift on Israel: Slovenia’s new government reversed key anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, lifting entry bans for Netanyahu and other ministers and ending the arms trade ban—framing it as restoring “normal political dialogue” and opening cooperation. EU Human-Rights Pressure on Turkey: A European Parliament vote next week is set to push targeted sanctions against Turkey’s justice minister Akın Gürlek over politically sensitive prosecutions, underlining how EU politics keeps spilling into business and cross-border relations. ECB Banking Impact: A new ECB rate hike is expected to widen the loan-deposit gap and add about €147m to Greek banks’ interest income, a reminder that higher rates can boost lenders faster than they help savers. Local Tourism & Hospitality: A new boutique hotel in Prekmurje (Sončno Polje) leans into low-impact, nature-first stays, betting on a slower alternative to mass thermal tourism.

Slovenia’s Policy Reset: The new Janša government has reversed several anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, lifting entry bans on Netanyahu and ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, ending the ban on imports from West Bank Jewish settlements, and removing the arms-trade restriction with Israel. EU Banking Rules: The EU Court of Justice ruled that a US sanctions listing alone can’t justify refusing a basic payment account in the EU; banks must do an individual risk assessment. ECB & Banking Profitability: The ECB’s latest rate hike is expected to widen the loan-deposit gap and add about €147m to Greek banks’ interest income, while deposit rates lag. Household Costs: Slovenia extended fuel price controls for non-highway stations until mid-December, aiming to smooth global oil-market swings. Green Transition Investment: A €32m carbon-free technologies centre opened in Kisovec, backed by the Just Transition Fund, to link research and industry in the former coal region. Slovenia–India Business: A Ljubljana roadshow pushed plans for a Slovenia–India business council tied to the EU–India free trade context. Global Context: The 2026 Global Peace Index shows global peacefulness falling for the 12th year, while Slovenia remains among the safest countries.

Slovenia Capital Markets: NLB Skladi – Nepremičnine is preparing a rare Ljubljana Stock Exchange IPO, planning to issue up to 10m new shares at €10 each (min €5,000 investment), with subscriptions from 16 June to 16 October. EU Banking & Courts: The EU Court ruled that a US sanctions listing alone can’t justify refusing a basic payment account in the EU; banks must do an individual risk assessment. Energy & Industry Transition: A €32m zero-carbon tech centre opened in Kisovec (Zasavje) to bridge research and business for carbon-free materials and prototypes, backed by the EU Just Transition Fund. Slovenia–India Business: A Ljubljana roadshow explored new Slovenia–India tech and business cooperation, pointing to a future Slovenia–India Business Council tied to the EU–India trade framework. Macroeconomic Policy: Spain’s national escape clause under the EU fiscal rules was activated to allow higher defence spending, with Slovenia among the states approved. Local Economy: Slovenia extended fuel price controls for non-highway stations until 15 Dec to keep weekly pricing predictable for consumers. Employment Snapshot: Eurostat data shows Slovenia’s employment rate dipped slightly while Cyprus and other countries saw the biggest gains.

Slovenia–Israel Policy Shift: Prime Minister Janez Janša lifted the arms-sales embargo to Israel and also reversed entry bans on Netanyahu and key Israeli ministers, citing a return to “normal political dialog” after the previous government’s pro-Palestine measures. EU Court & Banking Access: The Court of Justice ruled that EU banks can’t refuse a basic payment account just because a person appears on a US sanctions list; they must do an individual risk assessment first, a case linked to Nova Kreditna Banka Maribor. Energy & Household Costs: Slovenia extended fuel price controls for non-highway stations until mid-December, keeping weekly adjustments tied to global oil movements to smooth price swings. Borders & Security: Slovenia ended temporary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, dismantling checkpoints and equipment after the government said the original security reasons no longer apply. Green Transition Investment: A €32m zero-carbon tech centre opened in Kisovec (Zasavje) with EU Just Transition Fund support, aiming to scale carbon-free battery and hydrogen technologies. Capital Markets: NLB Skladi plans a rare Ljubljana IPO for its real-estate vehicle, targeting up to 10m shares at €10 each. Labour Market Snapshot: Eurostat data show Slovenia’s employment rate dipped slightly in Q1 2026, while Cyprus and others posted gains. Digital Safety Regulation Trend: Canada proposed tighter rules that could ban social media accounts for children under 16 unless platforms prove they’re safe, joining a growing wave of child-focused restrictions.

Fuel Policy: Slovenia extends fuel price controls for non-highway stations until Dec. 15, keeping weekly adjustments tied to global oil moves to protect consumers from sharp swings. Retail & Investment: Off-price chain HalfPrice opens its first Estonian store in Tallinn’s T1 Center, signaling renewed momentum for the Baltics’ retail market. Green Transition & Industry: A €32m zero-carbon tech hub opens in Kisovec (Zasavje) with EU Just Transition Fund support, aiming to scale battery and carbon-free technologies from research to pilots. Capital Markets: NLB Skladi - Nepremičnine prepares a rare Ljubljana Stock Exchange IPO, offering up to 10m shares at €10, targeting both retail and institutions. Logistics & Transport: ENNA Logic buys five Siemens Vectron locomotives to expand cross-border freight capacity across 11 countries. Central Banking: ECB policymakers keep a July rate hike on the table but stress it’s too early to commit, watching for Iran-war-driven price pressure. Border & Trade: Slovenia ends stationary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, resuming unimpeded passage for travelers and freight. Slovenia–India Business: A Ljubljana roadshow explores new Slovenia-India tech and business collaboration, paving the way for a dedicated business council. Energy Costs: A new cross-country electricity price ranking highlights Europe’s high residential power costs, with policy and taxes driving big differences. Geopolitics & Trade Policy: Slovenia lifts its arms embargo and entry bans tied to Israel, reversing last year’s measures under the new government.

Slovenia–Israel Reset: Slovenia’s new conservative government lifted entry bans on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, ended the arms embargo, and scrapped a ban on imports from Jewish settlements—moves aimed at restoring “normal political dialogue” and reopening security and economic cooperation. EU Policy Watch: The European Commission has started infringement steps against 20 EU states for missing the deadline to transpose the EmpCo Directive on environmental claims, pushing tougher rules against greenwashing. Digital Safety & Youth: Canada proposed a ban on social media for children under 16, with age verification and platform exemptions still to be defined—part of a wider European and global trend. Pharma Tech in Focus: SCW.AI formed an industry advisory board to speed up digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, targeting AI readiness, compliance, and operational excellence. Energy & Storage: Sungrow and Sunotec commissioned a 150 MW/600 MWh battery storage project in Bulgaria, supported by EU-backed funding—another signal of grid flexibility investment in the region. Macro Backdrop: Eurogroup ministers discussed euro-area fiscal stance and energy security, linking resilience and investment to competitiveness. Global Peace Index: Greece climbed to 53rd in the 2026 Global Peace Index, while the report flags a broader global decline in peacefulness.

Arms Trade Reset: Slovenia revoked a 2025 ban on exporting and transiting weapons and military equipment to Israel, saying EU rules and national licensing already cover the issue. EU Court Ruling: The EU’s top court said a Slovenian bank can’t deny a basic payment account just because a person is on the US OFAC sanctions list without an individual money-laundering risk check. Storm Damage: A severe June 10 storm hit northern Slovenia hardest, damaging 150+ buildings, knocking out power and hurting crops. Pharma Digital Push: SCW.AI set up an Industry Advisory Board to guide modernization of pharmaceutical manufacturing and its Digital Factory push toward AI-ready, compliant operations. Healthcare IP: HeartSciences secured a European patent for ECG-based assessment of diastolic function, expanding its AI-ECG portfolio. EV Demand Signal: Renault says EV orders surged in Europe since the Iran war began and is considering more shifts at plants including Novo Mesto in Slovenia. Business Tech in Print: HP launched the Indigo 18K Value Pack and PrintOS Order Flow in Ljubljana, aiming to streamline production order management. Regional Diplomacy: Slovenia’s president met Romania’s PM/President counterparts to discuss EU integration support, entrepreneurship and tourism cooperation.

Regional Diplomacy: Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar joined SEECP leaders in Sofia for the 30th anniversary summit, with Bulgaria pushing a stronger focus on connectivity, economic cooperation and resilience. EV Supply & Demand: Renault says its EV order book is up 50% in some markets since the Iran war began, and it is weighing extra production shifts at plants including Novo Mesto in Slovenia. Slovenia in Global Rankings: Slovenia climbed into the top five of the 2026 Global Peace Index, now ranked 4th, as overall global peacefulness fell for the 12th straight year. Local Business Growth: RCF appointed LAV Projekt as its exclusive distributor for Slovenia, aiming to expand local access to its pro-audio portfolio with technical support. Logistics Expansion: Bergeijk Logistics acquired Visser Transport Agencies to strengthen operations across Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, targeting better coverage for perishable shipments via the Alpine-Adriatic corridor. EU Competition Watch: The European Commission opened a probe into the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger financing tied to Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, with a July 14 deadline under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. AI & Data Debate (Culture): A new AI-and-surveillance exhibition, DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign, opens at Galerie Rudolfinum with Slovenian partner Projekt Atol. Workplace Rules: Only three EU countries met the June 7 deadline for pay transparency laws, raising pressure on the rest to align with new gender-pay requirements.

EU Merger Scrutiny: The European Commission is investigating Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery after Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds backed the $111bn deal, with Slovenia among the foreign-investment approvals while EU Phase 1 runs through July 7. Slovenia’s EU Money: Brussels greenlit Slovenia’s sixth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request for €41m, tied to labour-market reforms, telemedicine, and water/wastewater upgrades. Local Industry Expansion: TOSLA opened its “Super Factory” TOSLA 3 and new Pavlina HQ in Ajdovščina, tripling liquid nutraceutical output to 100,000 bottles per day. Health Tech Deal: Cosylab and Heron Neutron Medical signed an LOI to speed global deployment of accelerator-based BNCT cancer therapy systems. Business & Trade Links: Egypt and Slovenia discussed expanding economic ties, including exports via Slovenia and potential port cooperation beyond Koper–Alexandria. Pay Transparency Deadline: Only three EU countries met the June 7 deadline for pay transparency rules, raising pressure on employers and national authorities. Energy/EV Demand: Renault says EV orders jumped after the Iran war, and it may add shifts at its Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia. AI & Society: A new AI/data-surveillance exhibition opens at Rudolfinum, asking who controls personal data and digital sovereignty. Audio Distribution: RCF appointed LAV Projekt as exclusive distributor for Slovenia, expanding local access to its pro-audio portfolio. Regional Diplomacy: Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar is set to attend the SEECP summit in Sofia, alongside regional leaders.