AGP Executive Report

Agri Tech Deal: Vogelsang is partnering with Slovenia’s BeTEC to develop slurry applicators, with BeTEC handling production and development while Vogelsang keeps European sales and after-sales outside Slovenia. Public Health & Environment: In Croatia, tens of thousands rallied over hazardous waste illegally dumped in Gospic, with fears of soil and groundwater contamination including PFAS “forever chemicals,” and demands for a clear cleanup plan with deadlines. EU Budget Talks: Slovenia’s PM pushed for a balanced EU budget that still funds cohesion, CAP, innovation, industrial transformation and energy, arguing the bloc must respond to new economic and security challenges. Energy & Industry Policy: Senior EU officials renewed calls for new EU-level taxes to finance the next long-term budget, clashing with “frugal” states over the size and funding approach. Circular Materials: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, with pilots across products like laptops, e-scooters and dishwashers. Business & Manufacturing: Interblock named Marco Balliano as COO for EMEA, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service. Nuclear Preparedness: Finland’s nuclear emergency readiness was reviewed by the IAEA, with recommendations to strengthen coordination and planning.

Vuelta a España Watch: Enric Mas kept pulling time out of Primož Roglič on the Sierra de la Pandera, again with a decisive assist from teammate Raúl García Pierna, while Felix Gall moved into second overall after managing the brutal heat on the climb. EU Foreign Policy: The EU’s enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladic’s death, citing “glorification” concerns. Environmental Pressure in the Region: Tens of thousands rallied in Croatia over hazardous waste illegally dumped near Gospić, demanding a clear remediation plan with deadlines. Slovenia in EU Budget Talks: Prime Minister Janez Janša pushed for a balanced EU budget that protects cohesion and the common agricultural policy while funding competitiveness, industrial transformation, energy and security. Slovenian Business & Manufacturing: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA president and COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality and procurement. Tax & Cross-Border Trade: Hong Kong and Slovenia signed a tax treaty aimed at cutting withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents. Energy & Industry Tech: EU-backed CIRCUIT4EU launched to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, targeting a more circular supply for EU industry.

Vuelta a España Spotlight: Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel grabbed a breakthrough Grand Tour stage win on debut with a dominant Calar Alto ride, becoming the youngest Slovenian to win a Vuelta stage and moving into the top GC group as the race reshuffles after Tadej Pogačar’s exit. Cycling GC Watch: Enric Mas extended his advantage after stage 12, holding a 1:45 lead over Primož Roglič, while UAE’s team leadership framed Mas as the favourite for the final push toward Granada. EU Budget Talks: Slovenia’s PM Janša urged a balanced EU budget in negotiations, arguing for funding for cohesion, CAP, innovation, industrial transformation and energy/security priorities. Public Finance Pressure: Janša also warned that Slovenia’s public spending has climbed above 50% of GDP and backed a fiscal “anchor” to limit expenditure and reduce admin burdens. Aviation Disruption: Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket attempt was scrubbed again at Andøya Spaceport, with the company notably silent as multiple commercial deadlines converge. Nuclear Preparedness: Finland’s nuclear emergency readiness was assessed by the IAEA, with calls for stronger coordination, a national radiation emergency plan, waste rules and lab capacity. Maritime & Fisheries: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries science unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen cooperation and sustainable, science-based management. Manufacturing Leadership: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA president and COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality and procurement. Circular Materials: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, targeting tech supply resilience for EU industries.

Slovenia’s Fiscal Watch: Prime Minister Janez Janša warned public spending has climbed from ~47% of GDP in 2022 to over 50% today, pushing a fiscal/tax “anchor” to cap growth and streamline administration to protect business predictability. EU Budget Fight: Senior EU officials in Dublin doubled down on new “own resources” taxes to fund the 2028–2034 budget, clashing with frugal states over how much revenue new levies can realistically raise. Critical Minerals Recycling: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recover metals from electronics (including laptops and e-scooters), aiming to boost recycled supply of critical raw materials by 2030. Adriatic Fisheries Science: A new FAO/GFCM Adriatic Sea technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region. Aviation Shockwaves: Brazil suspended Total Linhas Aéreas’ air operator certificate, and another carrier has halted flights for weeks—another reminder of how fast cashflow stress can hit operations. Energy & Industry Tech: HiPower 5.0 targets more efficient electric-mobility power electronics using advanced semiconductors, aiming for manufacturable, reliable components. Local Business Leadership: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service. Slovenian Innovation/AI: Nine CEE countries signed a Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy and connect computing capacity, with Slovenia among the signatories. Sports with Slovenian Angle: Jakob Omrzel won a Vuelta a España stage on debut, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner.

Sustainable Buildings & Renovation Finance: Kingston University is part of a Horizon Europe push to remake Europe’s old building stock via “Renovation-as-a-Service,” using design for adaptability/disassembly and a cloud Life Cycle Assessment tool to track environmental performance in real time. Power Electronics for Mobility: The EU-backed HiPower 5.0 project targets lower-loss, more reliable electric-drive components for European electric mobility, scaling wide-bandgap semiconductor tech into manufacturable subsystems. Manufacturing Leadership in Slovenia: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA COO/president, based in Mengeš, with responsibility for manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service across Europe, MENA. Critical Minerals Recycling: CIRCUIT4EU launches to recover strategic raw materials from printed circuit boards, magnets and electronics, piloting recovery from everyday devices like laptops, e-scooters and dishwashers. AI Cooperation in CEE: Nine Central and Eastern European countries, including Slovenia, signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacity and launch joint projects. Agriculture Under Drought Pressure: A study warns Hungary’s irrigation crisis is worsening—only about 3% of arable land is irrigated—calling for rule reforms and faster adoption of drought adaptation. Energy Security & Prices: Romania’s electricity prices jumped sharply in August as low river flows cut nuclear cooling and hydropower, forcing more expensive imports. Slovenian Policy Update: Slovenia eased Zois scholarship conditions to reduce administrative barriers tied to which competitions qualify, aiming to better reward top young talent. Transport & Industry Tech: A LegCo transport delegation visited Beijing to study ride-hailing regulation and smart transport planning, relevant for regional mobility governance.

Vuelta a España (Slovenian cycling): Primož Roglič’s GC hopes took another hit on Calar Alto as Enric Mas attacked late, but Roglič limited the damage with help from teammates and Felix Gall, leaving Mas with a 1:45 overall edge. Emerging talent: Jakob Omrzel delivered a dominant solo win on stage 12, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner. Injury update: Tadej Pogačar left hospital after surgery for a left collarbone fracture and other injuries, but his World Championships return date remains unclear. Film & creative industries: Slovenian director Urban Zorko began shooting his debut feature “Morning with the Devil” in Ljubljana. Education policy: Slovenia amended Zois scholarship rules to better reward top achievements and cut administrative barriers for young talent. Energy & power markets: Romania’s electricity prices jumped sharply in August amid low river flows and reduced nuclear/hydropower output, raising pressure on household offers. Business environment: Slovenia’s PM reiterated plans to remove administrative burdens and improve stability for entrepreneurs and small firms. Geothermal know-how: An Iceland geothermal expert argued Europe needs faster, more predictable permitting to unlock non-volcanic geothermal projects.

Minimum Wage Watch: Spain raised its 2026 minimum wage by 3.1%, but the increase is among the smallest in the EU—while Slovenia boosted its rate by 16% (still with different payment rules). Energy & Power Markets: Romania’s day-ahead electricity price jumped about 25% month-on-month in August and more than doubled year-on-year, driven by low Danube flows cutting nuclear cooling and hydropower, forcing costly imports. Nuclear Cooperation: Representatives from Armenia’s nuclear plant and Slovenia’s Elektro Slovenija met to exchange know-how on safe operation, long-term unit performance, modernization, and staff skills. Business Environment: Slovenia’s PM reiterated the government’s push for a stable, predictable climate for entrepreneurs, aiming to cut administrative burdens and support long-term planning. Agri-Food Pressure: European farmers report severe heatwave damage—Slovenian maize losses estimated at 50–70%—on top of higher fertilizer and energy costs, raising calls for more resilient CAP support. Media Stability Risk: RTV Slovenia faces worsening liquidity, with reporting pointing to loans, management issues, and internal disputes. Aviation Restructuring: AirBaltic plans to shrink its 2027 network, concentrating capacity around Riga while cutting Tallinn and Vilnius destinations. Tech & Industry: A consortium led by Kingston University launched a renovation overhaul project using “Renovation-as-a-Service” to upgrade buildings and track environmental performance.

EU Agriculture & Food Supply: Heatwaves are already cutting yields across Europe, with Slovenia hit hard: maize losses estimated at 50–70%, plus damage to potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables and permanent crops like fruit and grapes. Local Business Climate: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša told the Chamber of Crafts and Small Business that the government will remove “unnecessary administrative barriers,” stressing stability and predictability for firms planning 3–10 years ahead. Air & Connectivity: AirBaltic will shrink its 2027 summer network, concentrating capacity around Riga while cutting most at Tallinn and Vilnius, alongside a reduced A220 fleet and interim financing. Payments & Digital Finance: A new Payments Newsletter flags regulatory moves in the UK on Visa and Mastercard card-scheme fee transparency, alongside broader digital assets and stablecoin policy developments. Legal/Innovation: The Unified Patent Court and unitary patent system is getting fresh attention as the court’s appeal decisions grow and jurisdiction rules keep evolving. Energy/Industry: Slovenia’s charcoal craft gets a spotlight, showing how local kilns and forest villages keep a living production tradition going. Media Sector Stress: RTV Slovenia is described as nearing liquidity collapse, with concerns over loans, salaries and management disputes.

RTV Slovenia Crisis: Slovenia’s public broadcaster is facing a liquidity squeeze, with reports pointing to loan use to cover salaries and calls for a special audit as debt to the state treasury grows. Digital Subscriptions Divide: Eurostat data shows big gaps across the EU in paid streaming take-up—Bulgaria is lowest (9.3%) while Ireland leads (63.9%); Slovenia sits low at 13.7%, underlining weaker consumer willingness to pay for online video and sports. Central Europe EU Push: Leaders at Slovenia’s Bled Strategic Forum urged Central Europe to coordinate more tightly to defend competitiveness, cohesion funding and energy security in EU budget talks, with calls for coalitions of “friends of competitiveness” and “friends of cohesion.” Agri-Food Under Weather Pressure: Farmers’ groups warn that heat and drought are hitting crops hard—Slovenia’s corn losses are estimated at 50–70%—while fertilizer and energy costs threaten the profitability of the sector. Tech for Industry: The 69th IT Press Tour in Ljubljana featured ExpectedIT’s pitch on a server-to-server boundary-free approach, highlighting how European deep tech is trying to scale in data infrastructure. Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines plans new A321XLR nonstop routes to Europe, including Ljubljana, signaling continued demand for long-haul links with smaller aircraft.

Agriculture & Food Security: European farmers are pushing for a more resilient CAP as heatwaves cut yields hard—COPA-Cogeca cites Slovenia losing 50–70% of corn and major damage to potatoes, vegetables, and permanent crops, with feed shortages also hitting livestock. EU Policy & Regional Power: Central European leaders at Slovenia’s Bled Strategic Forum urged the EU to reform and speed up enlargement, arguing the region now has the weight to shape EU direction and that competitiveness must come before bureaucracy. Energy & Industry Leadership: Slovenia’s Petrol Group named Uroš Bider as incoming Geoplin CEO from 1 November 2026, aiming for continuity in gas-sector development. Transport & Logistics: Balkan truckers protested Schengen stay limits for professional drivers, demanding changes to the 90/180-day rule that they say disrupt cross-border work. Inflation Watch (Slovenia): Slovenia’s consumer prices rose 3.0% year-on-year in August; transport and housing/utilities were key drivers. Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines plans nine new nonstop transatlantic routes on the Airbus A321XLR, including Ljubljana, betting on smaller planes for long-haul efficiency.

Bled Strategic Forum Watch: Central and Eastern European leaders, including Slovenia’s Janez Janša, Peter Magyar and others, pushed EU reform and faster enlargement, while debating the costs of a “forced green transition” and how to balance climate goals with competitiveness. Energy Leadership: Petrol Group named Uroš Bider as the next CEO of Geoplin from 1 November 2026, aiming for continuity in Slovenia’s gas sector. Circular Economy Skills: A Bled-based Erasmus+ project (Become) is building training for circular economy know-how, responding to the EU’s slow progress in using recycled materials. Inflation Snapshot: Slovenia’s consumer prices rose 3.0% year-on-year in August; transport and housing/utilities drove the increase. Logistics Pressure: Truck and freight operators protested Schengen 90/180-day limits for professional drivers, seeking a workable solution ahead of a Sept. 1 Brussels meeting. Agri-Tech Spotlight: At Slovenia’s AGRA fair, Fendt’s 500 Vario won innovation recognition, highlighting fuel-saving and productivity tech for farming. Drought Fallout: Heat and drought are hitting rivers, fish farms and crops across the region, with losses running into millions and raising fears for future resilience.

Energy Leadership: Geoplin, owned by Petrol Group, named Uroš Bider as its new CEO from 1 November 2026, with current CEO Simon Urbancl set to move abroad. EU Strategy & Industry: At the Bled Strategic Forum, Central and Eastern European leaders pushed for EU reform and faster enlargement, while Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša argued Europe must shape its own future and warned against dependency risks. Circular Economy Skills: A Bled-based Erasmus+ project (Become) is training educators and company practitioners to close Europe’s circular economy skills gap, aiming to make the transition practical, not just policy. Inflation Watch: Slovenia’s inflation edged up to 3.0% in August, driven by faster transport and housing/utilities costs, while food deflation deepened. Drought Impact on Industry: Extreme heat and drought are hitting fisheries and river ecosystems across the region, with Slovenia and neighbors reporting major losses and knock-on effects for farming and shipping. Agritech Innovation: Fendt’s 500 Vario won top innovation at Slovenia’s AGRA exhibition, highlighting fuel-saving and productivity tech for sustainable farming. Sports & Recovery: Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash led to successful surgery for a fractured collarbone; he remains in Barcelona for monitoring as recovery plans continue.

Agri-Tech Spotlight: Fendt’s 500 Vario won top innovation honours at Slovenia’s AGRA in Gornja Radgona, with the jury citing its VarioDrive continuously variable transmission, CORE50 engine and low-speed iD concept aimed at sustainable productivity. Energy & Industry: JA is taking its Journey Ahead: JA Roadshow 2026 across Europe, focusing on battery energy storage systems and integrated solar-plus-storage solutions for grid flexibility and energy resilience. EU Climate Funding: The European Commission endorsed Greece’s €4.8bn Social Climate Plan (2026-2032), targeting vulnerable households and micro-enterprises with heat pumps, solar water heating and energy-efficient social housing. Slovenia in EU Foreign Policy: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša is at odds with EU consensus after vetoing an EU statement condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plans; President Nataša Pirc Musar says international law can’t be optional. Drought Hits Food Chains: Extreme heat and drought are damaging fish and farms across the region, with Slovenia and the wider Danube basin reporting major losses. Port & Logistics: Port of Koper container throughput rose 5% in H1 2026, adding momentum to regional trade flows. Sports With Local Ties: Tadej Pogačar crashed out of the Vuelta, while Enric Mas won stage nine and Primož Roglič stayed in contention.

Climate & Water Stress: Extreme drought and heat are drying rivers and lakes across the region, with fish farms and river traffic hit hard; in Serbia’s Danube side channels, only shrinking ponds remain and fishermen warn juvenile fish could die off en masse. EU Foreign Policy Clash: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša is at the center of an EU dispute after vetoing a joint EU statement condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plans, sparking criticism from President Nataša Pirc Musar and drawing sharp reactions from Israeli PM Netanyahu over alleged EU “double standards.” Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines says it will resume nonstop Tel Aviv service from San Francisco next spring and is rolling out a major 2027 international expansion using long-range A321XLR aircraft, with Ljubljana listed among new destinations. Healthcare Research: A European ICU study reports direct monitoring of injured spinal cords is feasible and safe in 109 patients across five units, aiming to improve care when clinicians currently lack routine readouts. Maritime & Tourism Cleanup: Croatian diver Kristijan Curavić plans a Guinness-style underwater plastic and debris extraction from Krapanj Island, pushing for verifiably plastic-free tourism zones. Industry Journal Sports (Local Interest): At the Vuelta a España, Enric Mas won stage nine while Primož Roglič held second overall after Pogačar’s crashout, reshaping the race’s GC battle.

Vuelta a España Injury Update: Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar abandoned stage 8 after a crash and is now in a Barcelona hospital; surgery for a broken collarbone is delayed because he also suffered a concussion and a stable C7 vertebra fracture, leaving his season return uncertain. Local Politics & EU Foreign Policy: Prime Minister Janez Janša and President Nataša Pirc Musar clash over Slovenia’s stance inside the EU on Israel’s West Bank E1 settlement plan, with Musar warning against “double standards” in international law. Energy & Industry Costs: Spain won EU approval for temporary cuts to petrol and diesel excise duties to cushion households and businesses from Middle East-driven price volatility. Climate Pressure on Slovenian-Linked Sectors: Europe’s extreme drought is hitting water-dependent industries, with reports linking impacts from Slovenia’s lake systems to fish farms and river traffic across the region. Circular Economy Skills Gap: Eurostat data show the EU used recycled materials for just 12.2% of inputs in 2024, far below the 2030 circular target—prompting calls for faster training and procurement know-how. Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines plans major 2027 international expansion using Airbus A321XLR aircraft, including new European city pairs such as Ljubljana. Maritime Trade: Port of Koper container throughput rose 5% in H1 2026, signaling continued momentum in regional logistics.

Climate & Water Stress: Extreme drought and heat are ravaging ecosystems and businesses across the region, from a lake in Slovenia to fish farms and river traffic in Serbia, Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary, with fish losses estimated in the millions of euros. Circular Economy Skills: Europe is using recycled materials for only 12.2% of inputs (2024), far from the EU’s 24% circular-material-use target for 2030—highlighting that the transition needs training and production know-how, not just recycling capacity. Slovenia in Transport & Industry: Port of Koper container throughput rose 5% in H1 2026, adding momentum for regional logistics. Aviation & Connectivity: United Airlines unveiled its biggest international expansion—10 new cities including Ljubljana—supported by Airbus A321XLR long-range narrowbodies, while other carriers also push 2027 Europe links. Energy Costs Policy: Spain won EU approval to temporarily cut petrol and diesel excise duties below minimum levels to cushion households and businesses from Middle East-driven price volatility. Media Funding Watch (Slovenia): RTV Slovenija faces a liquidity squeeze as state co-financing obligations remain unsettled, pushing management to seek commercial bank funding while longer-term financing reform stalls.