AGP Executive Report

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.

Parliamentary Rules Tightened: Slovenia’s National Assembly passed changes to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, narrowing who can challenge an inquiry at the Constitutional Court, banning back-to-back inquiries on the same issue, and adding new remedies for people under investigation. Occupied Territories Trade: Ireland moved to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank by mid-July, with the bill still limited to products (not services) after business and political pushback—an approach some EU states, including hopes for Slovenia, are watching closely. Foreign Policy Friction: In Dublin’s Dáil, the Taoiseach accused Sinn Féin of attacking the coalition “sometimes even more than the Israeli government,” as the debate over the Occupied Territories Bill’s scope heats up. Local Spotlight: Ljubljana’s nuclear research legacy got a fresh spotlight as TRIGA marked 60 years, with the Jožef Stefan Institute receiving a major national honour. Sports & Politics Collide: Slovenia coach Bostjan Cesar publicly questioned Manchester United’s handling of Benjamin Šeško’s fitness, adding another club-vs-country flare-up.

Ukrainian Rights in Slovenia: The Ukrainian Ombudsman’s office has appointed Ross Fedorov as an adviser in Slovenia to help Ukrainians navigate legal and social services, document rights violations, and coordinate with Slovenian institutions—covering issues like temporary protection, education, healthcare, housing, work, and children’s rights. Slovenia’s Political Turn: Coalition talks on cabinet posts are underway as incoming PM Janez Janša moves to finalise a new government within two weeks, while outgoing PM Robert Golob denies misuse of the government’s X account in a row involving Benjamin Netanyahu. EU Budget Fight: EU net payers are preparing a revolt as the bloc’s €1.8 trillion budget takes shape, with cohesion, agriculture and fisheries facing pressure. Sports Spotlight: Luka Dončić made a rare family update amid reported custody turmoil, while Slovenia’s Benjamin Šeško’s club-vs-country injury dispute with Manchester United continues to flare. Tourism Costs: Croatia’s summer parking prices are rising fast, adding to broader coastal cost complaints.

Slovenia’s Government Clash Over X Account: Outgoing PM Robert Golob denied misusing the government’s official X profile in a row with incoming PM Janez Janša over Netanyahu—an early sign of a sharper political tone after the liberal era. Israel Policy Reset: Janša’s return is framed as a shift away from Golob’s pro-Palestine line, with Slovenia expected to realign with Israel after years of sanctions pressure and recognition moves. Parliamentary Rules Tighten: A committee approved changes to inquiry legislation, adding legal recourse for people under investigation—while critics warn judicial protection is still being narrowed. EU Enlargement Debate: Germany’s Chancellor Merz floated “phased” Western Balkan and Ukraine/Moldova EU entry with limited voting rights first, echoing ideas also raised in an internal note by several EU states including Slovenia. EU Diplomacy Abroad: EU ambassadors arrived in Nepal for a two-day mission to meet the new Balendra Shah government and discuss cooperation. Border Travel Friction: Denmark’s rollout of the EES system is already triggering longer queues for UK-linked travellers.

Slovenia’s Political Reset: Janez Janša has been re-elected prime minister for a fourth term, backed by 51 votes, after years of hostility toward Israel under Robert Golob—now the Jewish community is approaching the new government with “cautious hope,” while Netanyahu has already sent congratulations and promised renewed cooperation. Coalition Tensions: President Nataša Pirc Musar says she doesn’t understand some Janša-era moves, including plans touching RTV Slovenia and the anti-graft watchdog, as MPs also debate border and security policy. EU Pressure Point: France has banned far-right Ben-Gvir from entering its territory over his taunting of Gaza flotilla detainees, adding to a wider European diplomatic backlash. Everyday Impact: Slovenia also announced a toll-free change on a key Adriatic motorway stretch from 1 January 2026—good news for travellers heading toward Croatia and Italy. Regional Context: Border controls with Croatia and Hungary have been extended until December amid ongoing security concerns.

Slovenia’s pro-Israel turn: Janez Janša has been re-elected Prime Minister for a fourth term, winning 51 votes in parliament and signaling a sharp break from Robert Golob’s years of hostility toward Israel—during which Slovenia recognized Palestine, sanctioned Israeli leaders, imposed a Netanyahu travel ban, and even boycotted Eurovision in Vienna. Israel ties reset: Netanyahu immediately congratulated Janša and the two agreed to revive Slovenia–Israel cooperation. EU friction risk: President Nataša Pirc Musar says she doesn’t understand some of Golob’s concerns about the incoming coalition’s plans, while broader debate is already shifting toward what Janša’s return could mean for Slovenia’s EU line. Diplomatic blowback abroad: France and Poland have moved to ban Itamar Ben-Gvir after flotilla-related taunting and abuse allegations, keeping the Gaza dispute at the center of European politics. Cost-of-living angle: Slovenia also announced a major Adriatic travel toll change for 2026, making a key coastal route toll-free for many drivers.

Slovenia’s Political Reset: Janez Janša has just been elected prime minister for a fourth term, winning 51-36 and setting up a new right-of-centre coalition after Robert Golob’s liberal government failed to form a majority. Coalition Tensions: President Nataša Pirc Musar has already flagged worries about the incoming plans, including moves touching RTV Slovenia, the anti-graft watchdog, and trade unions—while unions and parts of civil society warn rights could be rolled back. EU Friction Ahead: Janša’s Trump-friendly, EU-skeptical stance raises questions about how far Slovenia will push back in Brussels, especially as border controls with Croatia are extended and EU-level debates on sanctions and Israel-related trade intensify. Security & Governance: Slovenia keeps border checks in place until December, citing wider instability and hybrid threats. What’s Next: Janša now has 15 days to propose ministers, with cabinet approval expected soon.