AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Waste: Deep Isolation published a case study on its work with Slovenia’s radioactive waste agency, which found TRIGA II research-reactor fuel could be included in a planned Krško repository with minimal added cost and no significant safety or scheduling impact. Pharma Logistics: FedEx’s new temperature-controlled shipping portal is available in Slovenia and 25 other European markets, giving life-sciences firms a digital way to book and manage sensitive deliveries. Port of Koper: Recent reports highlight the port’s expansion as demand for Chinese goods grows, reinforcing its role as a key European trade gateway. Solar Research: University of Ljubljana researchers say UV-shifting layers could improve long-term energy yields from TOPCon solar panels by more than 4%. Agriculture: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested fruit and vegetables have higher vitamin levels, while Indian ginger growers are exploring exports to Europe through Slovenia. Media: RTV Slovenia has acquired the first two seasons of Little Princess, part of a wider European distribution push for the animated series.

Pharma Logistics: FedEx launched a digital booking and management portal for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments in 26 European markets, including Slovenia, covering air and road transport. Solar Innovation: University of Ljubljana researchers say UV down-shifting layers could improve long-term energy yields from TOPCon solar modules by curbing UV damage. Port and Freight: Port of Koper is expanding as demand for Chinese goods rises. A derailment has meanwhile blocked rail access to Rijeka, renewing calls to upgrade the Slovenian Pivka–Rijeka route as an alternative for freight. Agriculture: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested local apples, strawberries and carrots had higher levels of some vitamins than comparable store-bought or imported produce. Separately, ginger growers in India’s Karbi Anglong region are exploring Slovenia as a route into European markets.

Port & Logistics: Koper is preparing more vehicle storage as Chinese car shipments rise: the port expects about 100,000 Chinese vehicles this year, up from 11,000 in 2024. Rail Freight: A derailment has cut rail access to Rijeka for up to a week, renewing calls to upgrade the Slovenian Pivka–Rijeka route, whose axle-load limit restricts its use as an alternative. Solar Research: University of Ljubljana researchers say UV-shifting layers could improve long-term energy yields from TOPCon solar modules by converting some ultraviolet light into usable visible light. Agriculture: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested local apples, strawberries and carrots had higher levels of some vitamins than comparable imported or store-bought produce. Meanwhile, ginger growers in India’s Karbi Anglong region are exploring Slovenia as a route into European markets. Electric Vehicles: Tesla’s driver-assistance system is already approved in Slovenia, among eight European countries where it is available under the FSD name.

Cross-Border Waste Probe: Croatia has widened its investigation into alleged illegal hazardous-waste dumping, with Slovenian law enforcement among the agencies supporting the case. Food and Farming: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested local apples, strawberries and carrots had higher levels of some vitamins than imported or store-bought samples, though results varied by crop. Separately, ginger growers in India’s Karbi Anglong region are exploring access to European markets through Slovenian business and distribution links. Freight and Ports: A derailment has closed the Zagreb–Rijeka rail line for up to a week, renewing calls to upgrade the Slovenian Pivka–Rijeka route, whose lower axle-load limit restricts freight as an alternative to the port’s main connection. Koper Expansion: The Port of Koper is adding vehicle storage and handling capacity as Chinese car traffic grows; officials expect about 100,000 Chinese vehicles this year, up from 11,000 in 2024. The port handled a record 1.27 million containers and more than 914,000 vehicles in 2025.

Freight Links: A derailment near Rijeka has shut the Zagreb–Rijeka rail line for up to a week, exposing a key bottleneck for regional cargo. Slovenia’s Pivka–Rijeka route offers an alternative, but its lower axle-load limit is prompting calls for an upgrade. Port of Koper: Rising Chinese imports, especially vehicles, are driving expansion at Slovenia’s main port. Koper handled a record 1.27 million containers and more than 914,000 vehicles in 2025, and expects about 100,000 Chinese vehicles this year. New storage facilities are planned. Marine Manufacturing: Slovenia-built Pegasus 50 is drawing attention as a high-performance bluewater cruiser, showcasing the country’s specialist boatbuilding and engineering expertise.

Port & Logistics: Koper is expanding as demand for Chinese goods grows. It handled a record 1.27 million TEUs and more than 914,000 vehicles in 2025, and its southern Adriatic route can save up to seven days versus northern European ports. Slovenia and Vietnam are also looking to strengthen port links and business ties. Engineering & Research: University of Maribor researchers have reviewed strategies for adjusting population size in Differential Evolution algorithms, with implications for more efficient engineering and scientific optimization. Marine Manufacturing: Slovenia-built Pegasus 50 impressed in sea trials, reaching 9.75 knots under gennaker; the bluewater cruiser also completed a transatlantic crossing in 17 days.

Mobility Technology: Germany is pushing for faster EU approval of Tesla’s driver-assistance system, now branded “Assisted Driving”; Slovenia is already among eight European countries where it is available. Digital Services: Slovenia’s .si registry recorded 19,541 new domain names in 24 hours on October 9—about five times its usual daily pace—as overseas buyers joined the rush. Trade and Logistics: Slovenia and Vietnam are seeking closer business ties, including stronger links between the Port of Koper and Vietnamese ports, and early ratification of the EU–Vietnam investment protection agreement. Food and Drink: More than 45 producers from Slovenia and neighbouring countries presented award-winning wines at the annual Decanter medal-winners’ salon at Brdo, showcasing regional varieties and growing winemaking quality. Manufacturing: The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 drew praise for its performance and bluewater design, putting the country’s yacht-building and engineering capabilities in the spotlight.

Tourism and Services: A new feature on e-biking spotlights Slovenia’s appeal as a cycling destination, with routes explored from Ljubljana across the country. Digital Services: Slovenia’s .si registry recorded 19,541 new domain registrations in 24 hours, about five times its usual pace, amid a global rush for “SI” names linked to AI branding. Automotive Technology: Germany is backing EU approval of Tesla’s driver-assistance system, which the company has renamed “Assisted Driving”; Slovenia is already among the countries where it is available. Trade and Logistics: Vietnam’s ambassador urged Slovenia to ratify an EU investment-protection deal and deepen business links, including connections between the Port of Koper and Vietnamese ports. Manufacturing: The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 sailing yacht drew praise for its engineering and offshore performance. Food and Agriculture: Slovenia’s wine producers showcased medal-winning bottles at a gathering in Brdo, while an Indian ginger-growing region is exploring Slovenia as a gateway to European markets.

Digital Economy: Slovenia’s .si domain saw 19,541 registrations in 24 hours on Oct. 9, about five times its usual pace, as buyers chased short names amid the “SI” rebranding trend. Marine Manufacturing: The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 drew praise for its bluewater design, reaching 9.75 knots under sail and completing a transatlantic crossing in 17 days. Wine Industry: More than 45 producers from Slovenia and neighbouring countries presented award-winning bottles at the Decanter medal-winners’ salon at Brdo, showcasing local varieties and rising winemaking standards. Agricultural Trade: Slovenia’s ambassador to India is exploring links between Karbi Anglong ginger producers and Slovenian businesses, which could open a route into the wider EU market.

Digital Market: Slovenia’s .si domain rush accelerated to 19,541 new registrations in 24 hours, about five times the usual pace; Indian buyers narrowly outnumbered US buyers in Hostinger’s data. Marine Engineering: The Slovenian-built Pegasus 50 drew praise in 2026 boat trials for its performance and bluewater design, showcasing local boatbuilding and engineering. Corporate Oversight: The European Commission fined building materials group Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its proposed acquisition of a Slovenian manufacturer. Agriculture and Trade: Slovenia’s ambassador to India is exploring links between Karbi Anglong ginger producers and Slovenian businesses as a route into the EU market. Wine Industry: More than 45 producers gathered at Brdo to present medal-winning wines, highlighting regional producers and indigenous grape varieties.

Agricultural Exports: Slovenia could help connect ginger producers in India’s Karbi Anglong region with European buyers, after Ambassador Tomaž Mencin expressed interest in linking them to Slovenian businesses and the EU market. Construction Materials: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its review of a proposed acquisition of Slovenian manufacturer Trimo, underscoring the stakes of accurate disclosure in merger investigations. Economic Outlook: Bank of Slovenia chief Primož Dolenc said energy-driven inflation risks may warrant further ECB rate rises, but stable core inflation and limited wage effects offer some reassurance. Freight Links: Croatia’s €677 million contract to double-track 83 kilometres of railway on a corridor running from the Slovenian border toward Serbia is set to boost passenger and freight capacity; construction is expected to start in 2027. Wine and Tourism: Štajerska was ranked Europe’s top wine region, a boost for Slovenia’s wine producers and tourism.

Competition: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its investigation of the Irish group’s planned acquisition of Slovenian insulation maker Trimo. Freight Security: Europol’s crackdown on a Western Balkan drug network led to 34 arrests in Slovenia; investigators say the group concealed drugs in legitimate commercial shipments. Automotive: Germany will push for EU approval of Tesla’s driver-assistance software, which Slovenia is among eight countries to have approved nationally; drivers must remain responsible, and the system may be renamed to avoid implying full autonomy. Rates & Costs: Slovenian central bank chief Primož Dolenc says the ECB may need further rate rises as energy prices stoke inflation, though limited spillover to wages and core prices offers some reassurance. Wine & Tourism: Štajerska was ranked Europe’s top wine region, putting Slovenia’s vineyards and wine-tourism offer in the spotlight.

Monetary Policy: Slovenian central bank chief Primož Dolenc says persistent inflation and energy risks could justify further ECB rate hikes, with decisions to depend on incoming data. Construction & Competition: The European Commission fined building-products group Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its investigation of a proposed purchase of Slovenian firm Trimo. Energy Security: Slovenia joined MED9 leaders in Croatia to discuss rising energy prices and supply risks ahead of the next EU summit. Rail Freight: Croatia awarded a €677 million contract to double-track a key east-west railway linking toward the Slovenian border; EU funds will cover 90% of the wider project cost. Wine Tourism: Slovenia’s Štajerska region topped a European wine-destination ranking, recognised for its cool-climate wines, historic cellars and tourism offering.

Mobility Regulation: Germany will push for EU approval of Tesla’s driver-assistance system, which the company plans to rename Tesla Assisted Driving. Slovenia is among eight countries that have already approved it nationally. Logistics: GLS is opening a fulfilment centre in Denmark, adding to a network that already includes Slovenia and serves e-commerce businesses with warehousing and delivery. Marine Engineering: Slovenian yacht builder GX Superyachts unveiled a 138-foot hybrid vessel designed for up to 48 hours of zero-emission operation at anchor. Hydrogen Infrastructure: Slovenia’s ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa are joining forces to advance the country’s hydrogen network. SME Digitalisation: Temu has partnered with the Slovenian Chamber to support small businesses’ digitalisation. Wine and Tourism: Štajerska was ranked Europe’s top wine region, highlighting a boost for Slovenia’s wine profile and visitor appeal.

Wine and Tourism: Štajerska topped a European ranking of more than 90 wine regions, putting Slovenia’s vineyards, cellars and wine culture in the spotlight. Marine Engineering: Slovenian yacht builder GX Superyachts unveiled its 138-foot GX42, pairing diesel-electric propulsion, batteries and solar panels for more efficient cruising. Retail: Slovenia recorded one of the eurozone’s strongest monthly retail gains in August, with sales up 1.1%, against a 0.1% rise across the bloc. Regional Business: Slovenian-headquartered SEEAG has helped Chinese automaker GAC enter Croatia, opening a Zagreb showroom and adding four models to its local range. Energy Infrastructure: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa are working together to advance Slovenia’s hydrogen network. Consumer Services: Apple raised prices for its Family subscription bundle in Slovenia, while leaving the Individual plan unchanged.

Industrial Cleanup & Waste Compliance: Croatia has started removing about 650 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospic, shipping it to cement plants in Istria and Slavonia for use as alternative fuel, amid an ongoing USKOK probe tied to illegal waste imports from Slovenia and Italy. Green Tech Yachting: Slovenian GX Superyachts unveiled the GX42, a 138-foot hybrid superyacht that can switch between diesel-electric propulsion and solar-powered hotel loads, targeting up to 48 hours of zero-emission anchoring and cutting onboard electricity use by up to 45%. Health & Biotech Cooperation: Slovenia and Kenya are stepping up collaboration on bacteriophages to fight antimicrobial resistance, focusing on research, clinical use, and regulation. Manufacturing Automation Benchmark: A new ranking shows South Korea leading industrial robot density per factory worker, with Slovenia’s region watching how automation reshapes production competitiveness. Energy/AI Mobility Watch: Tesla robotaxis in Austin still stop at 11 p.m. due to difficulty spotting small animals on dark roads, highlighting limits of camera-only autonomy. EU Retail Pulse: Eurozone retail volumes edged up 0.1% month-on-month in August, with Slovenia among the gainers (+1.1%). Agriculture Policy Talks: V4+4 agriculture ministers met in Bratislava to align positions on shared challenges for farmers and the food sector.