AGP Executive Report

Tour de France: Tadej Pogačar keeps stretching his lead after a first week that has riders calling him “a freak of nature,” with stage 10 set for Aurillac to Le Lioran on Bastille Day and another big chance for the yellow-jersey fight. Slovenia in the spotlight (basketball): At the FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Ljubljana, hosts Slovenia stay rolling after group play, while Greece’s loss to Spain sets up the next knockout clash. EU digital payments: The ECB has picked 36 payment providers for the digital euro pilot starting in late 2027, aiming to test operations and refine the user experience. Safeguarding in sport: An EU-backed ESSEPA study says university sport safeguarding across Europe is fragmented, with unclear reporting and gaps in protection. Foreign policy: Slovenia’s new foreign minister Tone Kajzer says NATO is stronger after recent talks and pushes for meeting defence spending targets. Regional tourism: Croatia’s tourism keeps growing in spending despite the summer price debate, with Slovenia among key source markets.

South China Sea Diplomacy: The EU and 14 countries, including Slovenia, reaffirmed the 2016 arbitration ruling as “final and legally binding,” while Beijing hit back, saying the “award” should not be used to challenge China’s claims. EU Social Media Rules: EU proposals would restrict social media for children—potentially banning under-13s and using a phased approach up to 16—sparking debate over how strict the limits should be. Local Sports in Ljubljana: Slovenia hosted FIBA U20 EuroBasket action, with hosts rolling past Romania and Greece falling to Spain in Ljubljana, setting up a knockout clash. Tour de France Heat & Pogacar: Record heat is reshaping the race, with Tadej Pogačar calling for a cycling calendar overhaul and organizers shortening stages due to extreme temperatures. Hollywood Antitrust: 12 US state attorneys general sued to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger; Paramount Skydance says the case misreads competition law and warns delays would hurt entertainment workers. Roma Settlement Infrastructure (Slovenia): Slovenian municipalities received funding for sewage and road upgrades in Roma communities, aiming to improve living conditions and inclusion.

EU Child Safety Push: The European Commission is set to propose age-appropriate limits on children’s social media use after the summer, with Ursula von der Leyen backing a phased approach and talk of stricter rules for under-13s and safety checks up to 16. South China Sea Diplomacy: Slovenia is among 14 countries reaffirming the 2016 South China Sea arbitration as final and legally binding, rejecting China’s “no legal basis” stance and prompting Beijing to summon Japan’s envoy. Ljubljana Politics: A referendum to overturn Ljubljana’s controversial parking reform failed due to low turnout, but organisers say it’s a political rebuke to Mayor Zoran Janković and vow a broader challenge. Tour de France (Slovenian angle): Heat-shortened Stage 9 went to Mathieu van der Poel, while Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia retained the overall lead. Sports & Youth in Ljubljana: Slovenia hosted the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, starting with a win over Israel as the tournament continues.

South China Sea Diplomacy: On the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling, 14 countries including Slovenia reaffirmed the decision as “final and legally binding,” rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims and warning against destabilizing actions; China responded by saying the award has no binding force and vowed to defend its rights. Basketball Spotlight: At the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, Slovenia beat Israel 90-77 to start 2-0 in Group D, while Serbia stayed unbeaten with a win over Lithuania. Tour de France (Heat & Leadership): Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey as Mathieu van der Poel won Stage 9, a heat-shortened race; Pogačar again urged a radical overhaul of the cycling calendar to avoid racing in the hottest months. Local Sports (Slovenian Connection): Canada’s sitting volleyball teams opened strong at the world championships, with the women sweeping Slovenia 3-0. Film & Culture: Cinehill Film Festival named Montenegro its partner country for July 21–26 in Croatia, highlighting regional cinema.

South China Sea Anniversary: The Philippines and 13 partners, including Slovenia, the US, UK, Japan and EU, marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Hague ruling by reaffirming it is “final, legally binding and definitive,” rejecting China’s sweeping claims and urging disputes be handled under UNCLOS. China Responds: Beijing dismissed the award as “null and void,” saying it neither accepts nor recognizes it, and reiterated sovereignty over the South China Sea islands. Tour de France Heat Disruption: In France’s Tour, Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won Stage 8 in a sprint while Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey; organizers then shortened Stage 9 after a red heat alert. EU Child Safety Online: The EU is moving toward tighter rules on children’s social media access, with an expert committee set to advise the Commission as more countries adopt age limits. Sports Spotlight: Slovenia also opened the FIBA U20 EuroBasket with a 77-54 win over Czechia.

Heatwave Disrupts Tour de France: Organisers shortened Sunday’s Stage 9 by 30 km after a red alert for “exceptionally intense heatwave” in Correze, keeping the start/finish points but rerouting part of the route. Tour de France Spotlight on Slovenia: Slovenian champion Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey after Stage 8, while Belgian Tim Merlier won the sprint finish in Bergerac; Pogačar stressed hydration and cooling in the sweltering conditions. Church Verdict Sparks Diplomatic Tension: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned a Slovenian court ruling that gave Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije a four-month suspended sentence, calling it an attack on the church. Slovenia in NATO Talks: Germany says it will reduce its military presence in Iraq after the US-led mission ends, but plans to keep forces in Erbil; the comments came after talks with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tomaž Kajzer. Local Sports & Transfers: A Nigerian defender ended his ND Primorje contract after 10 months, while Rotherham United is running a trial on goalkeeper Max Thompson. Travel Rules Watch: The US lists Slovenia among 42 countries eligible for visa-free entry under the Visa Waiver Programme, with ESTA still required.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey after Stage 7 in Bordeaux, while Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won a chaotic bunch sprint; Pogačar leads by 2:42 over Jonas Vingegaard, with Isaac del Toro third. Sports (Slovenian talent in Europe): Spain’s FIBA U20 Eurobasket campaign in Ljubljana starts July 11, featuring 7-footer Andrés Amón from Madrid; Slovenia is also in the tournament, with group matches set in the Slovenian capital. Local community & culture: Slovenia’s summer calendar includes Slovenefest (July 11–12) and a “Footloose” run at New Castle Playhouse, plus a “Slovenian Day Picnic” listing for community-goers. Health research: A new study in JAMA Network Open links more anti-inflammatory diets to a lower dementia risk, even among people showing early Alzheimer’s markers. International policy (Slovenia in the mix): The US Visa Waiver Programme list includes Slovenia for visa-free short stays with ESTA approval, while Canada also updated its 2026 entry rules.

Tour de France: Tim Merlier won Stage 7 in Bordeaux with a late sprint, while Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey and leads by 2:42 over Jonas Vingegaard. Ljubljana & NATO: Hundreds of protesters gathered in Ljubljana demanding Slovenia leave NATO and calling for less military spending, after Ankara summit plans to raise defence spending. Local Governance: Slovenia formally moved the seat of the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development from Ljubljana to Maribor as a decentralisation push. EU Policy: Ecofin approved revised recovery and resilience plans, including amendments covering Slovenia. Sports (Slovenian talent abroad): Saša Ciani, from Nova Gorica, transferred from Penn State to Sacramento State. Culture & Heritage: A new exhibition at Ljubljana’s City Museum highlights the MGML Archaeological Centre and how finds are preserved after excavations. Religion (regional dispute): The Serbian Church condemned a Ljubljana court ruling against Patriarch Porfirije as “scandalous” and lacking legal basis.

Slovenian Politics & Administration: Slovenia has formally moved the seat of the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development from Ljubljana to Maribor, calling it the first concrete step in a wider decentralisation push to spread jobs and decision-making beyond the capital. Tour de France (Slovenian Spotlight): Tadej Pogačar crushed rivals on Stage 6 over the Col du Tourmalet, retaking the yellow jersey and opening a 2:42 lead over Jonas Vingegaard, with teammate Isaac del Toro finishing third and moving up to third overall. Foreign Policy & Security: Slovenia announced an additional $50 million for the PURL initiative supplying U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, plus co-financing three civil protection shelters. Sports (Slovenian Abroad): Oxford striker Nik Prelec has left for Polish club Jagiellonia Białystok, with Oxford facing a transfer embargo. Science & Health: A University of Ljubljana-linked study reports an anti-inflammatory diet may lower dementia risk even when early Alzheimer’s markers are present. Travel & Culture: A National Geographic Traveller guide highlights Slovenia’s Julian Alps and Lake Bled as a perfect base for an active weekend.

Tour de France: Tadej Pogačar turned Stage 6 into a solo statement, crushing rivals on the Col du Tourmalet to reclaim the yellow jersey with a 2:38 margin over Jonas Vingegaard, while teammate Isaac del Toro finished third and Torstein Træen’s Tour ended after a crash left him with rib fractures and concussion. Slovenia in Ukraine support: Slovenia announced an extra $50 million for the PURL initiative supplying US-made weapons to Ukraine, plus co-financing three civil protection shelters, following talks at the NATO–Ukraine Council in Ankara. Science & prestige: Structural biologist Boštjan Kobe became only the second Slovenian ever elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, a major recognition for his protein research at the University of Queensland. Tech & consumer rules: Nintendo confirmed Europe’s Switch 2 will get a user-replaceable battery for compliance with EU rules, while older Switch models will be withdrawn from retail in 2027. Culture & sport: Slovenian wine and mead producers won major medals in the US, and Slovenia’s presence in international sport continues with Nikola Kusturica signing with UCLA after Serbia’s U17 run.

NATO & Defence: Slovenia heads into a tougher defence-spending push after the Ankara summit, with a NATO report flagging it as the only ally below the 2% core-defence target (1.61%), and officials now talking about plans to climb above 2% this year and reach 3.5% by 2035—while a budget squeeze and a looming revision could complicate the rollout. Ukraine Weapons: At the same summit, Donald Trump said the US will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defence systems, a major shift that Kyiv has long sought. Local Economy & Housing: Eurostat data shows house prices and rents rising across the EU in early 2026; Portugal led growth, and Slovenia also posted stronger-than-Portugal momentum. Slovenia in Sports: Mountain-bike photographer Tadej Strah, based in Slovenia, won a Pinkbike wildcard for Crankworx’s 2026 Deep Summer Photo Challenge. Business & Industry: An ICSID tribunal rejected a €598.7m claim by Ascent Resources against Slovenia over the 2022 fracking ban. EU Legal Pressure: The European Commission opened three infringement cases against Cyprus over anti-money laundering, tax information exchange, and fraud-related banking data.

Slovenia Fracking Fallout: An ICSID tribunal has rejected a UK firm’s roughly €600 million claim against Slovenia over the country’s blanket fracking ban, ordering the company to pay Slovenia €3 million in costs. NATO & Ukraine: At the NATO summit in Turkey, President Donald Trump said the U.S. will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defence systems, a major boost for Kyiv as it seeks more missile protection. Digital Safety Push: Turkish first lady Emine Erdoğan hosted leaders’ spouses at NATO, urging stronger safeguards for children online, including independent audits of algorithms and limits on social media for under-15s. Ljubljana & Travel: A new travel guide highlights Ljubljana’s Plečnik landmarks and the Ljubljanica river area as a must-see for visitors. Culture & Tourism: Slovenia’s tourism heads into peak season with a strong outlook, but staffing pressures remain a concern. Local Connections: City of Bethlehem and Murska Sobota marked 30 years of sister-city ties with a flag-raising ceremony and cultural exchange.

NATO Tensions: U.S. President Donald Trump used the NATO summit in Turkey to renew demands that the U.S. control Greenland, while also criticizing allies over Iran and defense spending—prompting Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen to insist Greenland is “not for sale” and that Denmark is “ready to defend every inch” of NATO. Middle East Shockwaves: Trump’s summit visit coincided with U.S. strikes on Iran after attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional flare-up. EU Rules Hit Travel: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has already barred nearly 44,000 people from Schengen, and separate reporting says ETIAS rollout has been delayed, adding more uncertainty for travelers. Local Spotlight: Slovenia’s peak tourist season is arriving with staffing pressures still a concern. Tourism Watch: Croatia reported 7.6 million arrivals and 29.5 million overnight stays in the first half of 2026, holding steady versus last year. Climate Pressure: A new EU study finds most Europeans have been affected by extreme weather, with heat and flooding hitting different regions hard.

NATO & Defence Spending: Ahead of the Ankara summit, NATO estimates show Europeans and Canada are set to boost defence spending by 11% in real terms in 2026, but progress is uneven: only a handful are projected to hit the 3.5% core defence target, with Slovenia still far below. Slovenia Politics: Slovenia’s new government is facing an autumn referendum after opponents gathered 42,000 signatures to challenge amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, arguing the changes remove a key legal safeguard. Tour de France (Slovenian angle): Tadej Pogačar’s “special” yellow returned after stage three, but stage four went to Denmark’s Mads Pedersen, while Norway’s Torstein Træen took the yellow jersey amid extreme heat. Israel-Slovenia Ties: Israel appointed Ruth Cohen-Dar as its first resident ambassador to Slovenia, following the opening of an Israeli embassy in Ljubljana. Tourism & Jobs: Slovenia heads into peak season with rising bookings, but labour shortages and higher operating costs are still pushing firms to recruit beyond Europe. Housing Market (EU data): Eurostat reports Slovenia saw a sharp rise in 2025 dwelling transactions (+29.9%), while other countries varied widely.

Tour de France / Heat Safety: Slovenian Tadej Pogačar said the Tour is becoming a “logistical nightmare” in extreme heat, after winning Stage 3 in Les Angles and reclaiming the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard; he credited team efforts to keep riders cool with ice, frozen vests and constant hydration as temperatures hit dangerous levels. Slovenian Politics: Slovenia’s new government is facing an autumn referendum over amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, after opponents collected enough verified signatures to force a vote; critics warn the changes remove a key safeguard by limiting challenges until after an inquiry’s final report. Aviation / Airline Failures: Another small airline has shut down and cancelled flights after failing to survive rising jet fuel costs tied to the wider Iran-related conflict. NATO / Defence Spending: Slovenia is named among NATO allies that may face pressure to meet defence spending targets, as Dutch officials say countries not on track will come under scrutiny ahead of the Ankara summit. Sports / Basketball: Slovenian coach Slobodan Subotić has been appointed head coach of Bahrain’s senior men’s team, as the country prepares for upcoming Asian qualifying events. Real Estate (EU data): Eurostat reports house sales fell in only a few EU states in 2025, with Slovenia standing out for a sharp increase (+29.9%).

Tour de France: Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar roared to victory on Stage 3 from Granollers to Les Angles, taking the “special” yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard by two seconds and bonus seconds after a brutal 195.9-km mountain ride. Team UAE impact: Pogačar credited teammate Isaac del Toro for the extra push in the final climb, after del Toro had won Stage 2 the day before. Wildfire heat backdrop: Organisers kept fans away from parts of the finish due to nearby wildfires, while temperatures in the Pyrenees pushed well into the 40C range. Local angle: The win puts the Slovenian back on top on superior stage placings with the rivals level on overall time, setting up Stage 4 from Carcassonne to Foix. Sports beyond cycling: In FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, Estonia advanced despite a loss to Czechia, with Slovenia still needing a result later.