AGP Executive Report

Government Switch: Slovenia’s right-of-centre coalition led by PM Janez Janša took office on 4 June, promising tax cuts, faster administration, and a tougher anti-corruption push to reset the country’s growth model. Agriculture & Food: Agriculture minister Janez Cigler Kralj says he will boost food self-sufficiency while cutting red tape for farmers and pushing digitalisation. Energy Policy: Infrastructure and Energy Minister Jernej Vrtovec returns to the role, backing an “activism-free” approach to energy policy. Energy Governance: Slovenia’s ombudsman says the government interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, raising separation-of-powers concerns. EV Charging & Storage: Slovenia-linked energy trading shows up in EBRD-backed Romania battery storage, while Eleport’s chargers in the region are marketed as running on renewable electricity. Logistics Costs: CMA CGM announced a $2,600 peak-season surcharge for East Mediterranean to U.S. East Coast containers, including shipments routed from Slovenia. Local Business & Industry: Atlantic Grupa completed a €10m Donat plant upgrade and plans a further €60m investment drive in Slovenia. Agritech Innovation: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year, targeting better herd management and breeding outcomes. Tourism & Travel Friction: Slovenia blocked an Israeli charter flight over permit issues, sparking political backlash. Urban Pressure: A Ljubljana parking dispute is escalating into a major political test for Mayor Zoran Janković.

Energy & Infrastructure Deal: SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed a 15-year gas supply agreement for 33bn cubic metres from Azerbaijan’s Absheron field to Türkiye starting in 2029, with output planned above 4bn m³/year and about half aimed at Turkey; the contract is expected to unlock the 2026 final investment decision for full-scale development. Slovenia Energy Governance: Slovenia’s Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, breaching separation of powers and fairness. Food & Consumer Industry: Atlantic Grupa completed a EUR 10m upgrade of its Donat mineral water bottling plant in Rogaška Slatina and plans a further EUR 60m investment drive over the next three years. Printing & Packaging Tech: Michelman showcased digital label and flexible packaging coating solutions at Dscoop Edge Slovenia, including PFAS-free, food-contact compliant primers for HP Indigo presses. Agriculture & Startups: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart cow collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026, helping farmers track reproduction cycles and improve breeding decisions. Labour Market: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to just over 43,000 in May, down 2.5% from April. EU Policy: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing competitiveness, skills, resilience and fiscal sustainability.

Energy & Regulation: Slovenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over reforms to electricity network charges, raising separation-of-powers and fairness concerns. Power Markets: ELES is rolling out “electricity sharing” from July 1, letting solar owners pass surplus power to agreed recipients via the grid through a unified online portal. City Mobility & Politics: A Ljubljana parking dispute is escalating into a major test for Mayor Zoran Janković, after court-ordered suspension of fines and a new citywide traffic ordinance that extends paid parking rules to residential areas. Jobs: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to just over 43,000 in May, with new registrations mainly from manufacturing and retail layoffs. Agri Tech & Industry: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart cow collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026, targeting better detection of heat cycles and herd management. Manufacturing & Exports: Michelman showcased digital label and flexible packaging coating solutions at Dscoop Edge Slovenia, including a PFAS-free, food-contact compliant primer for HP Indigo presses. Digital Security: SI-CERT at ARNES says it handles about 6,000 cyber incidents per year, after expanding its triage lines as demand grew. Business Landscape: Finance ranks Krka as Slovenia’s largest company again, with DARS and Petrol next.

Cybersecurity & Resilience: Slovenia’s national cyber response center SI-CERT (ARNES) is handling about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, with analysts running three triage lines for routine fraud, more complex cases, and dedicated phishing processing. Energy & Grid Flexibility: Elektro-Slovenija is rolling out “electricity sharing” for solar owners, with registration opening June 1 and the service set to start July 1 via the Moj elektro portal. EU Border Policy: The European Commission issued formal opinions urging nine Schengen states—including Slovenia—to wind down long internal border checks and rely on smarter, risk-based alternatives. Insurance & Climate Risk Tech: Generali is expanding Intermap’s Aquarius AI-enabled risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia to improve natural hazard and climate exposure assessment across underwriting and claims. Healthcare Pressure: OECD data highlights long specialist waiting times in Europe, with Slovenia reported at nearly two years for hip replacement. Agriculture & Red Tape: Slovenia’s agriculture minister candidate Janez Cigler Kralj pledged to boost food self-sufficiency and cut bureaucracy for farmers, including digitalization. Sports Infrastructure (Local Industry Tie-in): Connacht GAA’s AirDome—fabric manufactured in Slovenia—was reinflated after Storm Éowyn, with a full reopening expected in three to four weeks.

Energy & Grid Policy: Elektro-Slovenija (ELES) is rolling out electricity sharing in Slovenia from July 1, letting solar owners transfer surplus power to agreed recipients via the grid, with registration opening June 1 on Moj elektro. Insurance & Risk Tech: Generali is expanding its use of Intermap’s Aquarius AI-enabled risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia to better quantify natural hazard and climate exposure across underwriting, claims and reinsurance. Digital Governance: The Chamber of Commerce (GZS) is urging the incoming government to create a dedicated digital policy office after the Digital Transformation Ministry is abolished. Agriculture & Food Security: Janez Cigler Kralj, backed for agriculture minister, says he will boost food self-sufficiency, cut red tape and push digitalization in farming. Foreign Policy & Business Links: Slovenia’s new foreign minister candidate Tone Kajzer outlines a more pragmatic, pro-US approach while keeping pro-Ukraine policy and prioritizing economic diplomacy and regional cooperation. EU Mobility Rules: The European Commission issued formal opinions to nine Schengen states, including Slovenia, urging them to wind down internal border checks. Sports Infrastructure (Local Industry Angle): Connacht GAA’s AirDome—fabric manufactured in Slovenia—has been reinflated and is expected back in use by late June after Storm Éowyn damage.

Slovenia-Serbia Business Links: The Slovenian Business Club is pushing deeper regional connectivity with Serbia, highlighting logistics, digitalisation and long-term partnerships through events like “Logistics Pulse of the Region” and CEO gatherings. Agriculture Policy: Candidate agriculture minister Janez Cigler Kralj says he will boost food self-sufficiency and security, cut red tape and digitalise farming. Energy & Industry Risk: Intermap and Generali expand Intermap’s AI-enabled Aquarius risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, aiming to better quantify natural hazard and climate risks across the insurance lifecycle. Infrastructure Speed-Up: Slovenia’s infrastructure and energy minister candidate Jernej Vrtovec outlines faster procedures for Krško 2 and a special law to speed up siting of infrastructure projects. Consumer Green Claims: The EU Commission starts infringement steps against Slovenia and 19 others over delayed transposition of green claims and sustainability label rules. Regional Trade & Investment: A Slovenian business delegation heads to Argentina and Chile for forums and B2B meetings to sign cooperation memoranda. Transport Modernisation: Stadler wins a contract to supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric train sets, supporting cross-border rail compatibility with Serbia.

Defence & Security: Slovenia’s defence minister candidate Valentin Hajdinjak backed in parliament, pushing higher defence spending, recruitment and an intelligence overhaul, with a focus on strengthening the domestic defence industry. Energy Infrastructure: Jernej Vrtovec, confirmed as infrastructure and energy minister candidate, says he will speed up Krško 2-related procedures and introduce a special law to accelerate infrastructure siting. Nuclear Research & Grid Planning: Vrtovec’s push lands as Slovenia’s nuclear research community highlights TRIGA’s role after 60 years, while EU-wide permitting rules continue to tighten across energy projects. Agriculture Policy: Janez Cigler Kralj targets higher food self-sufficiency, de-bureaucratization and digitalization in agriculture. Climate Risk for Insurers: Generali expands Intermap’s AI-enabled Aquarius risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, aiming to better quantify natural hazard and climate-related risks across the insurance lifecycle. EU Consumer Green Claims: The European Commission starts infringement steps against Slovenia and 19 others for not fully transposing green claims and sustainability label rules. Energy Storage Debate: At a Ljubljana energy conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand, stressing seasonal storage and gas as a balancing tool. Rail Modernisation: Stadler wins a contract to supply FLIRT electric trains for Montenegro, with cross-border compatibility including Slovenia.

Severe Weather Watch: Serbia’s hydrometeorological institute has issued alerts for unstable conditions, with an orange warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected to spread from Slovenia toward Croatia and on to Serbia, while Slovenia and Croatia also reported storm activity and renewed risk of severe weather. Rail Modernisation: Stadler will supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric multiple units, supporting cross-border travel with Serbia and boosting public transport appeal. EU Border Tech: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across all 29 Schengen countries, with a rollout timeline and new rules for biometric checks at external borders. Energy & Industry: Slovenia flagged high energy prices as a competitiveness drag in EU talks on an Industrial Accelerator Act, while local experts stressed energy efficiency first and the need for storage and system interconnection. Slovenian Politics: Janez Janša is set to return as prime minister for a fourth term, with parliamentary hearings for the incoming cabinet expected in early June. Agriculture Tech: An AI agronomic advisor is turning fragmented farm data into real-time, multilingual decisions for protected cultivation growers. Film Funding: Slovenia’s Film Centre distributed €285,800 for three co-financed films, including one feature and two mid-length fiction projects.

Slovenia’s NATO Defence Numbers Under Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns outgoing PM Janez Janša that Slovenia’s “core defence” spending is below the 2% target once non-core projects are excluded, citing a gap of about €300m (around 1.6% of GDP). EU Consumer Rules Enforcement: The European Commission opens infringement proceedings against Slovenia and 19 others for not fully transposing 2024 consumer-protection rules for the green transition, including anti-greenwashing and clearer sustainability claims. Energy Security for Industry: Slovenia tells EU industry ministers that high energy prices still threaten long-term competitiveness, even as it supports the Industrial Accelerator Act. Energy Storage Debate: At an all-Slovenian energy conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand; cross-sector links and seasonal storage—where gas can help—are key. Border Tech Update: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across Schengen since 10 April 2026, with millions of crossings processed and thousands of refusals. Local Film Funding: The Slovenian Film Centre distributes €285,800 to support three co-financed productions, including one feature and two mid-length fiction films. Rail Modernisation in the Region: Stadler signs a deal to supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric train sets, boosting cross-border interoperability with Serbia. Agriculture Data-to-Action Push: Terra Oracle AI pitches an AI agronomic advisor to turn fragmented farm data into real-time, actionable decisions for protected cultivation growers.

Slovenia’s Defence Numbers Under Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns outgoing PM Janez Janša that Slovenia’s “core defence” spending is closer to 1.6% of GDP than the 2% claimed, citing inflated figures that include projects not meeting the agreed definition. Energy for Industry: Slovenia tells EU ministers that high energy prices still threaten industrial competitiveness, even as the EU pushes an Industrial Accelerator plan. Energy Storage Debate: At a Ljubljana conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand; it says gas is key for seasonal storage while batteries and pumped hydro mainly cover shorter periods. Protected Farming Gets an AI Boost: Terra Oracle AI pitches an agronomic advisor that turns fragmented protected cultivation data into real-time, multilingual decisions for irrigation, nutrients, salinity, disease risk and climate control. Consumer Rules Enforcement: The European Commission opens infringement steps against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose updated consumer protection rules tied to the green transition and anti-greenwashing. Film Funding in Ljubljana: The Slovenian Film Centre distributes €285,800 to support three low-budget productions, including one feature and two mid-length fiction films. Labour Costs Pressure: Slovenia’s chamber of commerce reports over half of firms saw labour costs per employee rise by more than 10% in the past year.

Energy & Industry Competitiveness: Slovenia told EU industry ministers that high energy prices are still a major drag on competitiveness, even as the EU pushes its Industrial Accelerator Act. Energy Storage & Grid Integration: In Ljubljana, Bitenc argued that electrification alone won’t solve seasonal shortages; linking electricity, gas and heat plus better storage is key, with gas singled out for winter peaks. Corporate Efficiency Push: Experts at a Belgrade panel urged companies to “fix” energy efficiency first, then move toward new energy sources, as Serbia plans major energy investment through 2035. EU Rules & Compliance: The European Commission opened infringement steps against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose consumer-protection rules tied to the green transition and greenwashing prevention. Defence Spending Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Slovenia’s outgoing PM that reported defence spending may overstate “core” spending, putting the 2% target into question. Agri Tech: An AI agronomic advisor is turning fragmented farm data into real-time, multilingual decisions for protected cultivation growers. Mobility & Logistics Tech: Slovenian tracker maker Chipolo partnered with Mercedes-Benz to sell a branded car key finder made in Trbovlje. Film Production Support: Slovenia’s Film Centre distributed €285,800 for three low-budget co-financed films.

Automotive & Consumer Tech: Slovenian tracker maker Chipolo struck a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, launching a Mercedes-branded Chipolo LOOP car key finder made in Trbovlje and sold via both Chipolo and Mercedes channels. Film & Production Grants: The Slovenian Film Centre distributed €285,800 to support three films, including one feature and two mid-length fiction projects, with co-financing up to €100,000 each. Energy Infrastructure: At a Ljubljana conference, experts said small modular reactors could fit the energy mix but face hurdles in Europe around policy and licensing. Energy Storage Debate: Bitenc argued natural gas infrastructure could be key for seasonal energy storage, saying batteries and pumped hydro mainly cover shorter periods. EU Industrial Competitiveness: Slovenia told EU industry ministers that high energy prices still threaten long-term industrial competitiveness, even as it backs the Industrial Accelerator Act. Governance & Appointments: Janez Janša is set for a fourth term as prime minister after parliament elected him, with a coalition lineup of ministerial candidates now moving through hearings. EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission opened infringement steps against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose green-transition consumer protection rules. Labour & Compliance: Slovenia’s labour inspectorate reported 18,200 violations in 11,300 inspections in 2025, with construction a major hotspot. Pharma & Skills: Ljubljana’s Faculty of Pharmacy is moving to a new €100m Brdo Campus building, aiming to expand training capacity for Slovenia’s export-driven pharmaceutical sector.

EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Slovenia and 19 other EU states for not fully transposing 2024 rules on consumer protection for the green transition, including tougher controls to curb greenwashing. Labour Oversight: Slovenia’s Labour Inspectorate reported 18,200 violations in 11,300 inspections in 2025, with construction among the biggest hotspots. Labour Costs: Slovenia’s chamber of commerce warns that labour costs are rising fast, with more than half of firms saying costs per employee jumped by over 10% in the past year. Pharma Education & Industry: Ljubljana’s Faculty of Pharmacy is set to get a new €100m building at Brdo Campus, aiming to expand training capacity and support Slovenia’s export-driven pharmaceutical sector. Heat Decarbonisation: The EU’s Innovation Fund Heat Auction selected 65 industrial clean-heat projects, including a Slovenia site, to cut fossil-fuel heat use. Food Packaging Tech: PerfoTec and Green Factory signed a partnership to roll out PerfoTec’s laser perforation MAP technology across 14 CEE markets, including Slovenia, targeting longer freshness and less food waste. Transport & Logistics: Rohlig SUUS Logistics opened a new Uzbekistan subsidiary in Tashkent to expand end-to-end freight, warehousing and customs services. Waste-to-Energy Debate: A public debate in Slovenia highlighted a split over planned waste-to-energy plants, with supporters citing waste management needs and opponents raising health and environmental concerns. Regional Politics: Austria and other EU states are pushing for Ukraine’s accession process not to sideline the Western Balkans, while a growing Balkan bloc objects to Ukraine’s accelerated EU membership.

EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Slovenia (and 19 other EU states) for not fully transposing 2024 consumer-protection rules tied to the green transition and for tackling greenwashing. Labour & Construction: Slovenia’s Labour Inspectorate reported 18,200 violations in 2025 after 11,300 inspections, with construction among the biggest hotspots. Business Costs: The Chamber of Commerce (GZS) says more than half of companies saw labour costs per employee rise by over 10% in the past year, leaving limited room to manoeuvre amid tough competition. Energy Transition Industry: The EU’s Innovation Fund Heat Auction picked projects in 10 countries including Slovenia, backing clean heat to replace gas-based production; one listed site is Lek Pharmaceuticals in Mengeš. Pharma Education: Ljubljana’s Faculty of Pharmacy broke ground on a €100m campus building at Brdo, aiming to expand training and lab capacity by 2030. Waste-to-Energy Debate: A public debate in Slovenia highlighted a split over planned waste-to-energy plants, with supporters citing essential waste management and opponents warning of health and environmental risks. Work Patterns: New EU data shows long working weeks across the region, with Slovenia among the highest for women’s hours.

Pharma Education Boost: Slovenia’s Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy is set for a major expansion at Brdo Campus, with a €100m new building foundation laid on 25 May and completion targeted for 2030; the project aims to scale capacity to 2,000 students and 250 staff, supporting a sector that’s a key export driver. Industrial Heat Decarbonisation: The EU’s first Innovation Fund Heat Auction picked 65 industrial heat projects, including Slovenia’s Lek Pharmaceuticals site in Mengeš, with €400m total support to cut reliance on natural gas and deliver 16.3 TWh of clean heat over five years. Energy Grid Permits: EU plans for “silent approval” in parts of the electricity grid permit process are drawing concern in member states, with fears Brussels could shift power from national authorities. Waste-to-Energy Divide in Slovenia: A public debate on new waste-to-energy plants in Slovenia highlighted a sharp split between backers focused on waste management and opponents citing health and environmental risks. Logistics Expansion: Rohlig SUUS Logistics opened a subsidiary in Uzbekistan to grow end-to-end road, rail, sea and air freight, warehousing and customs services for a fast-growing market. Food Industry Pressure (Croatia): Croatia’s bakery sector is expanding fast—top firms drive about €700m in annual revenue—but profitability is squeezed by labour, energy and logistics costs.

Pharma & Education: Ljubljana’s Faculty of Pharmacy breaks ground on a €100m Brdo Campus project, aiming to expand capacity to 2,000 students and 250 staff by 2030, underlining pharma’s role in Slovenia’s exports. Industrial Heat Decarbonisation: The EU’s first Heat Auction under the Innovation Fund selects 65 projects (including Slovenia’s Lek Pharmaceuticals site in Mengeš) to cut gas-based heat use, backing clean heat tech across heavy industry and food, textiles and pharma. Energy Grid Permits: EU plans for “silent approval” in parts of the electricity grid permit process are sparking political pushback over shifting power from national authorities to Brussels. Logistics Expansion: Rohlig SUUS Logistics opens a new Uzbekistan subsidiary in Tashkent, adding road, rail, sea and air freight plus warehousing and customs brokerage for a growing Central Asia market. Slovenian Tech Manufacturing: Chipolo’s new Mercedes-Benz key tracker is produced in Slovenia, using recycled plastic and integrating with Apple Find My / Google Find Hub networks. Nuclear Research Milestone: Slovenia’s TRIGA reactor marks 60 years at the Jožef Stefan Institute, reinforcing the country’s nuclear expertise and safety credentials. EU Budget Politics: “Friends of Cohesion” pushes for higher CAP and cohesion funding in the 2028–2034 EU long-term budget, while northern states resist.