AGP Executive Report

Eurovision in the spotlight: Organisers picked Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas for Eurovision 2027, with the semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15—Burgas beat Sofia after an evaluation tied to EBU requirements. Rules tightening: The EBU is also weighing a major 2027 voting overhaul, including fully online public voting where viewers pick their top three acts, aiming to curb coordinated voting campaigns. Slovenian economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, the fastest pace since early 2022, driven by domestic spending and stronger exports, though the outlook remains uncertain amid the Middle East war and European drought. Local politics debate: A Celje-based commentary attacks Levica’s stance on education reform, arguing the party’s opposition is rooted in protecting funding for “privileged groups.” Legal/Slovenia link: Luka Dončić’s California child-support petition was dismissed without prejudice after his ex-fiancée withdrew it, with arguments that the children live in Slovenia.

Eurovision Hosting Rules Overhauled: The EBU says any winning country tied to an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation” that affects security, safety or stability will be automatically ineligible to host next year, with an independent security assessment possible—aimed at ending the Israel-linked hosting row after boycotts. Eurovision 2027 Location Set: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas was selected for Eurovision 2027, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15 at Arena Burgas, beating Sofia after a formal host-city evaluation. Slovenia in the EU Language Fight (via Croatia): Croatia’s foreign ministry signals it would not block adding Catalan, Basque and Galician as EU official languages if the EU Council’s legal services deem Spain’s request justified. Slovenian Economy Angle (youth participation): Coverage also points to growing willingness among young people in Slovenia to take part in decisions about their future. Sports & Politics Spillover: Separate reporting highlights how international events keep colliding with geopolitics and governance—whether in Eurovision rules or broader regional tensions.

Eurovision Hosting Rules: The EBU says the next Eurovision host can be blocked if the winning broadcaster’s country is in “an armed conflict” or a “sensitive geopolitical situation,” with a broad clause tied to security, safety and stability—an update widely read as aimed at the Israel/Gaza controversy and potentially affecting other war-hit states too. Eurovision 2027 Location: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas has been confirmed as host for Eurovision 2027, with semifinals on 11 and 13 May and the grand final on 15 May at Arena Burgas. Slovenian Government Oversight: A review of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning points to leadership restructuring, low EU-fund drawdown by mid-June, and a reported €19.9m gap tied to disaster repairs and the Velenje Coal Mine closure. Diplomatic Friction: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi hit back at France and other states after a joint EU-backed condemnation of alleged protest executions in Iran. Sports & Politics Spillover: A Slovenian president’s office account of a traffic accident is being challenged by analysts over seatbelt and timing claims, feeding a wider rule-of-law debate.

Eurovision Hosting Rules: Eurovision confirmed Burgas, Bulgaria, will host the 2027 contest, while also tightening rules so a winning broadcaster can be “automatically ineligible” to host if their state is in armed conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation—an update aimed at clarifying safety decisions amid the Israel/Gaza controversy and related boycotts. Slovenian Governance Watch: An audit into the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning points to a major financial gap, with a reported €19.9 million hole and low EU fund drawdown by mid-June, alongside staffing and leadership reshuffles. Presidential Accountability: Commentators reacted to the fallout from President Nataša Pirc Musar’s traffic-incident claims, arguing the Office of the President offered shifting explanations, including contradictions over seatbelt use and timing. Diplomacy & Rights Row: Iran’s foreign minister hit back at France and EU-backed condemnation of alleged executions in Iran, accusing them of hypocrisy over Gaza and “aggression against Iran,” keeping Slovenia and other EU states in the spotlight. Sports Business: The Los Angeles Lakers were reported sold again for a record $12.5bn to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, adding fresh political and business attention to the ownership change.

Slovenia in the EU crypto spotlight: Dinaro d.o.o. became the first Slovenian issuer added to ESMA’s interim MiCA stablecoin register, expanding MiCA-compliant e-money token issuance across the EU. Energy & climate policy: Borzen closed its battery storage grant scheme early after more than twice the available €10m was applied for, with support up to 45% of eligible costs; more funding is expected under a newly approved €59m EU program for 370 MWh of new capacity. Local governance & housing finance: Slovenia’s storage grant scheme shut early after massive interest, underscoring how quickly demand can outstrip public funding. International security coordination: A 41-nation call urged nuclear-armed states to give at least 24 hours’ advance notice for ballistic missile and space launch tests, citing risks from unannounced launches. Culture & rules: Eurovision tightened rules for 2027—raising the minimum performer age to 18 and limiting recorded vocals—while also changing hosting rights when countries face armed conflict or security instability.

Diplomatic Missile Transparency: The US and 42 allies, including Slovenia, urged all countries—especially nuclear powers—to give at least 24 hours’ advance notice of ICBM, SLBM and space-launch tests, after recent Pacific activity allegedly skipped standard notification practices. Presidential Scrutiny in Slovenia: President Nataša Pirc Musar faces mounting questions after a motorway accident raised issues about how her injuries were communicated and whether she travelled with a Russian-Slovenian friend; police referred the case over alleged negligence. RTV Fee and Constitutional Court: A column argues the Constitutional Court’s ruling effectively blocks reform of RTV Slovenia and keeps the public broadcaster fee in place, with a consultative referendum on abolishing the fee expected in autumn. India-Slovenia Diplomatic Fallout: India condemned the defacement of its embassy in Slovenia, citing the Vienna Convention and pressing Ljubljana for immediate action against those responsible; India also renewed calls for accountability over PoJK rights violations. Energy & Storage Deal: GEN-I took over commercial management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and will expand to nine more projects under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. EU AI Oversight: Slovenia’s insurance regulator AZN selected Modulos to govern its AI systems under EU AI Act and related rules, using it as an AI sandbox for approvals. Local Politics in Focus: Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer rejected claims that seven EU states “criticised Slovenia,” saying the dispute was about EU nomination procedures, not attacks on the Slovenian government. Sports with Slovenian Links: Hull City’s coach Jakirovic cast doubt on a second bid for Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik, while Slovenia’s presence also shows up in international football transfer chatter.

Diplomatic Incident: India has strongly condemned the defacement of its Embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling it a violation of the Vienna Convention and urging Slovenian authorities to identify and punish the culprits, while also warning against “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” Foreign Relations: The MEA says it has raised the issue with both Slovenian and Indian counterparts in New Delhi and Ljubljana, in parallel with recent high-level India–Slovenia diplomatic contacts aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. EU/Regulation Watch: Slovenia’s national insurance supervisor AZN has selected Modulos’s AI governance platform to meet EU AI Act and related compliance expectations, signaling how regulators are preparing for upcoming AI oversight deadlines. Energy & Industry: GEN-I has taken over commercial management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and will also manage nine more projects, expanding regional energy storage operations. Transport & Trade: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more EuroDual locomotives from Stadler, with homologation including Slovenia, tied to freight growth between Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans.

Diplomatic Tensions in Ljubljana: India condemned the vandalism and defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling on Slovenian authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators and to act against “hateful propaganda and disinformation,” stressing that diplomatic premises are inviolable under the Vienna Convention. EU Foreign Policy Dispute: Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer rejected claims that seven EU member states “criticised Slovenia,” saying the discussion was only about internal EU nomination procedures and the conduct of EU institutions—not criticism of Slovenia or its government. AI Governance for Regulators: Slovenia’s insurance supervisory authority AZN selected Modulos’s AI governance platform to meet EU AI Act, NIS 2 and DORA requirements, with AZN also planning to use the platform as an AI testing sandbox. Transport & Industry: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, expanding approvals for Germany, Austria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia and supporting freight links between Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans. Local International Link: DP World completed a rail pilot moving finished vehicles from Zeebrugge to Aiud, with plans to connect to other ports including Koper in Slovenia.

Diplomatic Security: India condemned the defacement of its Embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling it the work of “anti-India elements” and urging Slovenian authorities to hold perpetrators accountable, citing the Vienna Convention and warning against “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” Foreign Policy & EU Politics: Separate reporting says France and Spain criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon from a top EU External Action Service role, after a last-minute move by the Janša-led government. Regional Economy & Mobility: A new DP World rail corridor links Belgium’s Zeebrugge to Romania’s Aiud terminal, with plans to expand similar connections to Koper in Slovenia—aimed at cutting emissions and reducing reliance on long-haul trucking. Tourism Backdrop: Croatia posted its strongest July in two years, while Slovenia-linked travel demand appears in the wider regional mix; the contrast underlines how quickly European tourism fortunes are shifting. Social Policy Debate: A Slovenian lawyer criticised social welfare recipients—especially targeting the Roma community—arguing benefits are being misused and calling for a rethink of support systems.

Diplomatic Tensions: India condemned the alleged defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana and urged Slovenian authorities to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable, citing the Vienna Convention and warning about “hateful propaganda and disinformation.” EU Foreign Policy Clash: Reports say France and Spain criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon’s bid for a top EU foreign affairs role, after a last-minute intervention linked to Janez Janša’s government. Russia-Slovenia Dialogue: Russian officials say the speakers of the two parliaments exchanged messages for the first time in four years, framing it as a Ljubljana-initiated step toward restoring dialogue. Defense Industry Update: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone-era threats. Trade & Logistics: Temu is expanding its local-seller and logistics footprint in Slovenia as EU rules tighten for low-value cross-border e-commerce, while Pošta Slovenije is set to support Temu’s delivery program.

EU Foreign Policy Clash: France and Spain criticised Slovenia after Ljubljana blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming an EU special envoy for the Sahel, with seven EU states also weighing in and Slovenia opening criminal proceedings that Fajon says are politically motivated. International Dialogue: Russia and Slovenia’s parliamentary speakers exchanged messages for the first time in four years, with Moscow pointing to a Ljubljana initiative and urging restored dialogue while warning Slovenia’s government still follows EU/NATO anti-Russian lines. Defense Industry Update: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA in Spain, highlighting drone-focused battlefield needs. Energy & Climate Pressure: Romania’s drought and heatwave-driven power strain has led to plans to curb industrial electricity use and exports, while Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plant reportedly reduced output due to high river temperatures. Community & Diplomacy: Slovenia and Montenegro’s Roma and Jewish community stories surfaced alongside international events, including a Slovenia-hosted Roma conference and Montenegro’s Jewish community reporting rising hostility.

Parliament-to-Parliament Dialogue: Russia’s MFA says the speakers of the Russian and Slovenian parliaments exchanged messages for the first time in four years, framing it as a Ljubljana initiative and urging renewed dialogue—while warning Slovenia’s government still reflects EU/NATO “anti-Russian” lines. EU Foreign Policy Clash: Seven EU states criticised Slovenia for blocking former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming the EU’s special envoy to the Sahel; Slovenia has also opened criminal proceedings against her, which she calls political retaliation. Migration & Schengen Tensions: Italy says it will keep Schengen suspension and border checks on travellers from Spain, rejecting Spanish “ultimatums,” as Spain reinstates controls—an escalation tied to the Ceuta migration crisis. Jobs & Migration Administration: Slovenia launched an online platform for foreign nationals to find jobs and relocate, but stresses that work permits are required before starting work. Defense Industry: Slovenian firm Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote turret onto an ASCOD infantry vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone threats. Energy Under Heat: Romania approved rules allowing grid operator Transelectrica to curb industrial electricity use and exports during the heatwave and drought; Slovenia’s Krško plant is also reported to be operating at reduced output due to river temperatures.

EU Foreign Policy Clash: Seven EU countries criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon’s bid to become a special envoy to the Sahel, after Ljubljana opposed her appointment and opened criminal proceedings she says are politically motivated. Schengen & Borders: Spain and Italy escalated their dispute over Ceuta by reintroducing temporary border checks on each other, with Rome refusing to lift its suspension of Schengen for third-country arrivals from Spain. Slovenian Migration Policy: Slovenia launched an online jobs portal for foreign nationals via the Employment Service, but job offers still require a work permit before anyone can start working. Just Transition Rule of Law: A UN report says countries are turning “just transition” pledges into laws, policies, institutions and court decisions, tying climate action to fairness and human rights. Ljubljana Sports/Defense Angle: Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote turret onto a Slovenian-linked ASCOD demonstrator, highlighting drone-focused battlefield needs. Diaspora & Culture: The Slovenian Union of America marked its centennial in Ely, ending with a rediscovered painting celebration.

EU Border Row: Spain has started temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, escalating the Schengen dispute after Rome refused Madrid’s demand to end its own controls tied to the Ceuta migration crisis. EU Diplomacy: Italy says it won’t accept “ultimatums” and will keep Schengen suspension for third-country nationals from Spain at least until Aug. 15, citing security and a possible new Ceuta wave. Slovenia-EU Politics: Seven EU states criticised Slovenia for blocking former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming the EU special envoy to the Sahel; Ljubljana has also opened criminal proceedings against her. Local Migration/Work: Slovenia launched an online jobs platform for foreign nationals via the Employment Service, but work still requires a permit before starting. Sports & Public Life: Luka Dončić’s ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes filed a new Slovenia claim seeking $50m and reduced custody time, reigniting a high-profile family dispute.

EU Foreign Policy Clash: Seven EU states criticised Slovenia for blocking Tanja Fajon’s appointment as special envoy to the Sahel, after Ljubljana opposed her bid and opened criminal proceedings she says are politically motivated. Immigration & Borders: Spain and Italy escalated their Ceuta dispute: Spain moves to impose border controls on travel from Italy, while Rome rejects “ultimatums” and keeps checks until at least Aug. 15, citing security and expected new migration pressure. Slovenia Migration Policy: Slovenia launched an English-language jobs portal for foreign nationals via the Employment Service, but job offers still require a work permit before starting work. Energy & Drought: Romania approved a mechanism letting grid operator Transelectrica restrict industrial electricity use and curb exports amid heatwave and low Danube water levels; the report notes Slovenia’s Krško plant also cut output due to river temperatures. Domestic Politics: A week of coverage also highlighted Janša’s government pushing an unprecedented “superreferendum” plan for 11 October, bundling multiple votes to reshape institutions and voting rules.

Superreferendum Push: Prime Minister Janez Janša’s conservative government is lining up an 11 October “superreferendum day” bundling four votes, including changes tied to parliamentary investigations, public broadcasting funding, social assistance rules, and local voting eligibility—sparking warnings from civil society that it could weaken judicial independence. EU Foreign Policy Clash: Seven EU countries have criticised Slovenia’s move to block former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from an EEAS top Sahel post, with France and Spain calling the process insufficiently transparent and Slovenia filing a criminal complaint. Ljubljana Courtroom Drama: Luka Dončić’s ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes has shifted the fight to Slovenia, reportedly seeking about $50m and reduced parenting time after withdrawing a California child-support petition. Sports Governance Spotlight: UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin says he’s not seeking FIFA’s top job, while the Slovenian football chief remains locked in a broader power struggle with Gianni Infantino. Church Abuse Case: Unpublished letters from women in the Slovenian Loyola community are now reported to be part of the records in the Vatican-linked Rupnik abuse allegations. Tourism & Travel Context: Europe’s summer travel is up modestly, with growth uneven across countries, and Ljubljana appears among destinations benefiting from the shift toward more varied weekend travel.