AGP Executive Report

Eurovision 2027 Boycott: Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS says it will not take part in Eurovision 2027, arguing the contest “can no longer be considered neutral” amid Gaza-related divisions and limits on press freedom; it has handed the decision on any Dutch participation back to the umbrella public broadcaster NPO, while Eurovision organisers’ recent neutrality rule changes are deemed insufficient. FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin (Slovenia) ruled out running for FIFA president, but warned Gianni Infantino could face a rival in March 2027 elections, as pressure grows over Infantino’s abandoned plan to bring private investors into FIFA tournament governance. Ukraine Diplomacy: Kyiv hosted the Sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen on Independence Day, with representatives from 14 countries including Slovenia’s first gentleman Aleš Musar, focusing on resilience and stability amid uncertainty. Local Economy/Transport: Slovenia’s port of Luka Koper reported 5% higher container throughput in H1 2026 (656,150 TEUs), driven by new hinterland cargo flows, while vehicle volumes fell 9% year-on-year.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin (Slovenian) says he’s “not interested” in replacing Gianni Infantino, but warns Infantino must quit or face a leadership challenge at FIFA’s March election in Morocco, after Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournament rights sparked a backlash and threatened boycotts. Eurovision Fallout: The Netherlands’ public broadcaster AVROTROS will not participate in Eurovision 2027, arguing the contest “can no longer be considered neutral” amid Gaza war divisions and Israel’s involvement, with the broadcaster saying EBU rule changes don’t restore independence. EU-Serbia Fire Response: EU emergency firefighting help is being sent to Serbia as wildfires rage, after Belgrade sought support from Russia first and drew criticism from the European Commission—while President Vučić publicly compares Serbia’s firefighting capacity to EU assets. Local Spotlight (Culture/Events): Aquaculture Europe’s 50th-anniversary conference is set to head to Ljubljana this September, framed around “Aquaculture in Global Change” and sustainability. Slovenia in the Spotlight (US ties): First Lady Melania Trump discussed her childhood in Sevnica, Slovenia, during an IndyCar event, linking her personal story to her foster-care initiative.

Slovenian Security Scrutiny: Slovenia’s parliamentary security committee has demanded an urgent briefing from SOVA over allegations that President Nataša Pirc Musar may have links to Russian intelligence, after reports about her Russian-born friend Viktoriya Krivalutskaya and a past relationship involving former intelligence officer Roman Jeglič; Sports & National Team Fallout: In Ljubljana’s basketball spotlight, Luka Dončić’s absence from Slovenia’s World Cup qualifying push is being handled with distance and “personal obligations” language from veteran Alen Omic, as the national team tries to move on without its star; EU Banking Rules: A key EU court ruling on the Jenec case says banks can’t refuse basic payment accounts just because an applicant appears on a third-country sanctions list, requiring an individual risk assessment; Local Tech Access: Bosnia’s IDDEEA is again offering free qualified electronic signatures despite an ongoing legal dispute over who can process such data; Culture & Church: Bishop Jean-Marc Micas says the controversial Rupnik mosaics at Lourdes will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit and remain covered indefinitely; Sports Governance in Focus: UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin attacks FIFA’s Infantino World Cup “Football Forward Enterprise” plan as worse than the Super League and warns of a fight over re-election.

Slovenian Security Scrutiny: Slovenia’s parliamentary security committee is pressing SOVA for urgent answers over alleged links between President Nataša Pirc Musar and Russian intelligence, after reports about her Russian-born longtime friend Viktoriya Krivalutskaya and a past relationship involving former intelligence officer Roman Jeglič; Musar’s office denies any cooperation. Public Media Funding Debate: A consultative RTV Slovenia referendum is framed around abolishing the €14.02 monthly public broadcasting contribution, but critics warn voters may be answering a narrower question than the real one: how public media should be financed and who controls it. Sports & National Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar kicked off La Vuelta a España with a razor-thin Monaco time-trial win, setting up a major Slovenian storyline for the race. Culture in Ljubljana: The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra made its Ljubljana Festival debut at Cankarjev Dom, bringing an East–West classical program to the city. Local Environment Watch: A call is growing to phase out and ban cherry laurel sales over biodiversity harm, with a risk assessment now open for public consultation.

Security Oversight: Slovenia’s parliamentary security committee has demanded urgent briefings from SOVA over allegations of possible links between President Nataša Pirc Musar and Russian intelligence, tied to her longtime Russian-origin friend Viktoriya Krivalutskaya; the president’s office denies any cooperation and lawmakers are set to meet intelligence representatives next week. Public Media Funding Debate: A consultative RTV Slovenia referendum question asks voters whether to abolish the mandatory €14.02 monthly contribution, but the coverage stresses it won’t automatically change the law—raising the bigger issue of how public broadcasting should be financed and who controls it. Sports & International Spotlight: Shakhtar Donetsk says it has agreed to play Champions League home games at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge due to security limits in Ukraine, with opponents decided at the Monaco draw. Culture & Governance in Practice: Slovenia’s president-linked controversy and the RTV vote both underline how national security and public media funding are being pushed into sharper political scrutiny.

Slovenian Security Scrutiny: Slovenia’s parliamentary Security Committee is pushing for an urgent briefing from SOVA over allegations that President Nataša Pirc Musar may have links to Russian intelligence, after reports about her Russian-born friend Viktoria Krivolucka being in the president’s car during a July accident and earlier ties involving former intelligence officer Roman Jeglič; Local Politics & Oversight: opposition lawmakers also want the president’s access to classified information reviewed and have called for a halt to intelligence-sharing with the Office of the President while checks are underway; Regional Finance: Ljubljana-based NLB has lost its bid for Austria’s Addiko Bank, with Raiffeisen clearing the required majority, though NLB says it will keep pursuing a broader financial-services strategy across the region; International Security: NATO says Belgium has taken over air defense and surveillance of Iceland’s airspace under “Arctic Sentry,” deploying F-16s to Keflavik for enhanced monitoring; EU Media Funding Debate: Slovenia’s RTV referendum question is framed as a consultative vote on abolishing the €14.02 monthly RTV contribution, raising concerns that voters may be answering a narrower question than the one that matters for public broadcasting financing.

RTV Referendum & Public Media Funding: A consultative vote asks whether to abolish the mandatory €14.02 monthly RTV Slovenia contribution, but the coverage stresses the question may be narrower than the real issue: how public broadcasting is financed and who gets influence over that money. Presidential Security Scrutiny: Slovenia’s president Nataša Pirc Musar faces rising political pressure after revelations about her close friend Viktorija Krivolucka, including reported links to former intelligence figure Roman Jeglič; a parliamentary security committee has asked intelligence agencies to review the case and the opposition wants access to classified information rechecked. NLB vs Addiko Deal: Nova Ljubljanska banka has lost its bid for Austria’s Addiko after failing to reach the 50%+1 threshold, but the bank signals it will keep pursuing regional acquisitions and widening into services like insurance and asset management. International Court Clash: The US has sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane, warning of a “demise” of the rule of law, while the ICC and EU leaders say the move attacks judicial independence. Defense & Security Context: Estonia is reportedly preparing to choose a long-range air defense system (Patriot, David’s Sling, or SAMP/T) to protect strategic sites, with a decision targeted during state budget talks. Sports & International Links: Shakhtar Donetsk says it will host Champions League home games at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge due to security constraints in Ukraine, with UEFA approvals still needed.

Presidential Security & Intelligence Oversight: MP Žan Mahnič has filed a parliamentary initiative demanding Slovenia’s intelligence services stop sending intelligence and security reports to the Office of the President, after renewed scrutiny of the President’s friend Viktorija Krivolucka and her alleged links to Roman Jeglič, a former SOVA figure tied to the JBTZ case. Political Culture & Polarisation: A commentary piece claims a “coup” narrative around a traffic accident involving the President, arguing the incident is being framed through partisan and Russia-linked suspicions—highlighting how quickly security incidents become political weapons. EU Migration & Schengen Pressure: EU officials faced fresh criticism over Ceuta-related events and the Schengen Border Code, with debate focused on whether internal border controls are being used for political ends rather than security needs. International Diplomacy: Slovenia’s president is again in the spotlight amid claims about Russia ties after a car crash involving a long-time Russian friend, keeping the country’s foreign-policy credibility under pressure. Media Pluralism: Bosnia’s journalists’ association warns that dismissals tied to Adria News ownership changes could undermine editorial independence, pointing to similar concerns across Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. Sports & National Spotlight (minor): Coverage also notes Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta return and Monaco’s historic cycling opening-stage plans.

Media & Democracy: Slovenia’s president Nataša Pirc Musar faced fresh public scrutiny after a traffic accident, with critics pointing to unresolved questions while she appeared publicly baking charity pancakes in Portorož. EU Border Politics: The European Commission was accused of not doing enough to stop Schengen rules being used for political purposes after the Ceuta crisis reignited debate over internal border controls, with Slovenia among countries urged to lift suspensions. Energy & Climate: Europe’s worst drought in decades is exposing historic wrecks and disrupting power generation; Slovenia also had to reduce output at Krško amid heat and low river flows. Foreign Policy & Recognition: A commentary links shifts in Israel’s global stance to changes in countries including Slovenia, alleging the government moved to freeze recognition of Palestinian statehood and adjust embassy policy. Business & Regulation: The EU’s new foreign direct investment screening regulation entered into force, to be implemented by Member States by January 2028, reshaping how cross-border deals face national security reviews. Local Economy & Mobility: easyJet promoted “Bank Holiday Loophole” short breaks, including new routes to Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Slovenian Presidential Controversy: President Nataša Pirc Musar denied links to Russian intelligence after a traffic accident in late July reignited questions about her close circle, including a friend reported to have lived with a disgraced former intelligence figure in Russia; the president’s office says there’s no collaboration. Energy & Industry: GEN-I Sonce’s 220 MWh battery storage project in Romania is set to be delivered via an EPC contract signed with Waldevar Energy, with delivery targeted by Q3 2027—another sign of Slovenia-linked investment pushing grid flexibility. Regional Energy Crisis: A heat-and-drought squeeze across Central and Southeastern Europe is forcing countries to cut power output and lean more on imports and fossil generation, with Slovenia’s Krško plant among those affected. EU Policy Watch: The EU’s new foreign direct investment screening rules have entered into force, requiring national implementation by January 2028 and changing how cross-border deals in sensitive sectors are assessed. Diplomacy & Mobility: A new Air China route will connect Beijing and Zagreb via Bucharest from 4 September, the first regular link between China and Croatia, aimed at boosting tourism and trade ties. Sports & Talent: Purdue signed Slovenian guard Zoja Štirn, while Slovenia’s president-linked political storm remains the week’s domestic headline.

Slovenian Presidency Under Fire: President Nataša Pirc Musar denied any links to Russian intelligence after a traffic accident raised questions about her close friend Viktorija Krivolucka, whose alleged ties to disgraced former intelligence official Roman Jeglič have been reported by Dnevnik and Austria’s APA. Foreign Policy Scrutiny: A ruling conservative party is pushing for the government to bar the president from intelligence reports while the controversy grows. Regional Energy & Cost Pressure: Croatia extended regulated fuel-price rules, while Slovenia also saw updated maximum retail prices for petrol, diesel and LPG. Infrastructure Watch: Croatia’s government started the €38.5m second and third phases of the Drniš bypass, with Slovenian contractor CGP in the consortium. International Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev received credentials from ambassadors including Slovenia’s Branko Rakovec, alongside others from Europe and Africa. Health & Rights Debate: A renewed push for legal euthanasia for the elderly is back in the spotlight, framed as a potential “right.”

Presidential Intelligence Row: Slovenian MP Žan Mahnič (SDS) wants the government to stop sending intelligence/security reports to President Nataša Pirc Musar, alleging links to a Russian spy network; the president’s office denies the claims and says she has never met Roman Jeglič. Investigative Fallout: New reporting ties Pirc Musar’s long-time Russian friend Viktorija Krivolucka to Jeglič, and highlights alleged Russia travel patterns and a Ljubljana villa linked to the Musar family, reigniting questions about security and foreign influence. Energy Costs: Fuel price caps are being adjusted in Croatia and Slovenia, with regulated petrol and diesel prices rising for the new weekly period. Sports & Politics Crosswinds: Slovenia’s football scene gets a boost as NK Olimpija Ljubljana signs Sierra Leone forward Yayah Kallon on a free transfer through 2029. Local Governance Watch: The week also includes debate over how public institutions handle sensitive information—now centered on the president’s access to intelligence reporting.

National Security Clash: SDS MP Žan Mahnič urged the government to stop sending intelligence/security reports to President Nataša Pirc Musar over alleged Russia links tied to her circle; her office rejected the claims. EU Digital Justice: The EU’s e-Evidence rules fully kick in, letting investigators in member states request digital data from tech firms with faster deadlines, reshaping cross-border criminal probes. Media Ownership Pressure: Journalists’ groups asked the EU media regulator for urgent scrutiny of the proposed Adria News Network sale to Alpac Capital/European Future Media Investment, warning about transparency and editorial independence. Energy Resilience Watch: A new EU assessment highlights how extreme summer heat and weaker hydropower can strain electricity systems even without full blackouts. Slovenian Economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, with stronger consumption and investment driving the acceleration. Sports & Politics Spillover: NK Olimpija Ljubljana signed Sierra Leone forward Yayah Kallon on a free transfer until 2029, as the club looks to strengthen its attack.

EU Migration & Rule Change: The Gaza war is driving a major revision of Eurovision’s host-country rules, with winners no longer automatically eligible to host if their country is in a state of war—raising fresh political pressure around the 2027 contest. EU Border Politics: A debate over the EU’s “return regulation” and the Ceuta crisis keeps widening the immigration divide inside Europe, with far-right lawmakers pushing for faster, harsher deportation practices. Slovenia Economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP growth is reported at 5% year-on-year, the strongest in four years, alongside a broader picture of accelerating domestic demand and investment. Working Holiday Visa Shock (Australia, incl. Slovenia): Australia has paused working holiday visa processing for 24 countries, including Slovenia, with agriculture and regional tourism warning of labour shortages. Energy Prices: Gasoline and diesel prices across Europe are up sharply year-on-year, linked to the Iran-related energy shock and ongoing uncertainty in global supply routes. Slovenia–Kazakhstan Ties: Kazakhstan and Slovenia reaffirm closer cooperation across agriculture, energy, digitalization, construction, and culture after meetings involving diplomats and ambassadors.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Kazakhstan and Slovenia reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation after meetings involving Astana’s deputy foreign minister and Slovenia’s newly appointed ambassador, with agriculture, energy, digitalization, construction, culture, science, healthcare, education and tourism on the agenda. Foreign Policy in the Balkans: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić received new ambassadors from Algeria, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Austria and Germany, using the meetings to push EU-path dialogue and economic cooperation. EU Politics & Media Scrutiny: A Slovenian minister disputed claims that “seven countries” criticized Slovenia over the Tanja Fajon nomination process, arguing the issue was about EU procedure rather than Slovenia’s conduct. International Politics & Human Rights: Opposition to the imprisonment of Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk grew internationally, with petitions, letters and support from historians, doctors and workers. Local/Regional Culture & Funding: CEE Animation launched the CODA co-development awards, inviting early-stage animation projects across Central and Eastern Europe. Sports & National Identity (Non-domestic): Scotland confirmed Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke’s successor, pitching “evolution” and attacking football to the Tartan Army.

Scotland Football: Sébastien Pocognoli has been confirmed as Scotland’s new head coach on a two-year deal, replacing Steve Clarke after the World Cup exit; the SFA says he’ll bring an aggressive, front-foot style, with Nations League matches coming up against Slovenia and Switzerland. EU Media & Politics: Slovenian officials are pushing back hard on claims that “seven countries” criticised Slovenia over Tanja Fajon’s EU nomination process, arguing the dispute was about EU procedures and institutions—not Slovenia itself. Human Rights: A growing international campaign is demanding the release of jailed Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk, with historians, doctors and workers across multiple continents urging judges to overturn his 15-year sentence. Ljubljana in the Spotlight: Slovenia’s DELO (Ljubljana) has been named among new members of WAN-IFRA’s International Color Quality Club 2026–2028, highlighting print-quality standards. Energy Policy: A new EU/Norway policy review says governments responded to Europe’s 2026 energy price shock with short-term relief plus longer-term moves to diversify supply and cut dependency.