AGP Executive Report

Scotland Football: Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed Scotland’s new men’s head coach, signing a two-year deal and promising “evolution, not revolution,” with his first match in charge set for a Nations League trip to Slovenia on Sept. 26 in Ljubljana. Cycling: Slovenia’s Primož Roglič is cleared to ride the Vuelta a España after a training crash, with his team saying expectations will be tempered as he rebuilds form step by step. Tech & Mobility: Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe can now use Samsung Wallet’s Digital Key for hands-free access and start/lock/unlock functions on select ID models. Road Safety: A little-known penalty point rule can revoke licences after one mistake for new drivers, forcing some to reapply and retake theory and practical tests. Economy Watch (Slovenia): Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, the strongest pace in four years, driven by stronger consumption and investment. EU Flood Resilience: New EU policy efforts aim to tackle worsening European flood risks with broader planning, nature restoration, forecasting and long-term investment.

Energy Prices: A new “shock” tied to the Iran conflict is pushing gasoline and diesel up across Europe, with many countries seeing roughly 10%–30% higher pump prices than a year ago. Slovenia–Kazakhstan Ties: Slovenia and Kazakhstan reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation after meetings involving Slovenia’s ambassador Branko Rakovec and Kazakhstan’s deputy foreign minister, highlighting agriculture, energy, digitalization, construction, and tourism. Local Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s ambassador presented credentials to Serbia’s president, with both sides pointing to closer cooperation and Kazakhstan’s role in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Sports—Scotland Coach: Scotland named Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke’s successor on a two-year deal, promising “evolution” and a more attacking style; his first match in charge is set for September 26 in Ljubljana vs Slovenia. Travel & Culture: A luxury 10-day Danube Express plus Zeppelin airship tour is set to include Slovenia among stops, departing Vienna in June 2027. EU/Tech: Meta says it used AI detection to remove hundreds of thousands of under-16 accounts in Australia.

Culture & Film: Urša Menart’s Sarajevo Film Festival competition entry Everything That’s Wrong With You follows Maruša as grief and social-media “illness” obsessions blur friendship, identity, and reality. Sports (Slovenian angle): Slovenia’s Veronika Ferjancic is highlighted as a key force for the unbeaten Slovenian run in the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket group phase, with Spain and others also setting the pace heading into the knockouts. Politics & Diplomacy: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic met new ambassadors from Austria, Germany, Algeria, South Korea and Kazakhstan, stressing EU-path dialogue and deeper economic ties. EU & Media Dispute: A Slovenian government minister pushes back on claims that “seven countries” criticized Slovenia over a EU nomination procedure, saying the reporting is misleading. Sports (Football): Scotland confirmed Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke’s successor, promising a team fans can be proud of. Environment/Energy: Krško Nuclear Power Plant increased output as cooler conditions eased pressure on the Sava River, after earlier power reductions to meet environmental limits. Health (Tennis): Slovenian WTA player Kaja Juvan says she’s taking time off after her body “just collapsed,” citing stomach issues and fatigue. Local Life/Travel: A traditional jumping event in Kanal ob Soci drew attention, while Bosnia and Herzegovina tourism figures point to steady overnight-stay growth.

Local Culture: A traditional jumping event in Kanal ob Soci drew spectators as participants leapt from a 17-meter bridge into the River Soca, keeping a local summer ritual alive. Film & Arts: The European Film Festival in Brežice is gearing up with six films in competition and nine out of competition, including Slovenian titles like “Welcome Home” and the documentary “Brotherhood of the Court: The Beginning,” with an expanded international lineup and a new award for outstanding European film contribution. Sports (Slovenia): Slovenia closed the group phase unbeaten, beating Germany 81-39 after a huge second-half surge, as the Round of 16 begins. International Football (Slovenia link): Scotland confirmed Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli on a two-year deal, with his first Nations League matches including an opener against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Sept. 26. Slovenian Economy/Tech: A new look at Slovenia’s fintech scene argues the country is quietly strong because it optimizes an already highly banked, digitally connected market rather than trying to build everything from scratch.

World Cup Fallout: New RefCam footage has reignited controversy around Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, showing him urging Argentina captain Lionel Messi to “control Paredes” before Leandro Paredes’ post-match violence and FIFA charges. International Diplomacy: Slovenia joined a broad joint statement condemning Iran’s executions of protesters, calling for an end to the death penalty and the release of those detained. Slovenia in the EU Economy: Eurostat reports EU greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.3% in Q1 2026, while Slovenia recorded the biggest cut among member states (down 5% quarter-on-quarter). Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Slovenia’s fintech scene gets attention as a “quiet” European player, with strong digital payments and EU-aligned regulation helping local firms grow. Regional Mobility: Uniworld is promoting 2027 cruises with a complimentary land stay in Ljubljana (including Lake Bled and Postojna Caves) for bookings before 31 August 2026.

Sports Spotlight: Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic advanced at the WTT Europe Smash Sweden, beating Egypt’s Omar Assar 4-2, while the women’s singles semifinals set up a China vs Japan showdown after Kuai Man edged Hina Hayata in a 7-game thriller. EU Climate Watch: Eurostat reports EU greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.3% in Q1 2026 to about 837 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent, with electricity and gas supply driving the increase, while households and parts of industry fell. Diplomacy & Ties: India’s foreign ministry thanked partners including Russia, Somalia, Romania—and Slovenia—after Independence Day greetings, signaling plans to deepen bilateral cooperation. Tech & Security: A new Android fraud scheme, WindRelay, can turn phones into fake payment terminals by relaying NFC card data during a live-call scam. Football (Slovenian angle): Benjamin Šeško remains sidelined for Manchester United’s pre-season finale vs AC Milan as he recovers from a shin injury, with the season opener next week in focus.

Sports—Slovenian football & beyond: Benjamin Šeško is missing Manchester United’s final pre-season match vs AC Milan as he continues recovering from a shin injury, while Mason Mount is also out with a knock. International football—Scotland coaching shake-up: Scotland’s FA is moving toward appointing former Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke’s successor, with Nations League matches starting in Slovenia on 26 September. Championship spotlight: Zan Vipotnik starts for Swansea City as they open the new Championship season against Stoke City. Sports—Lakers legal update: Luka Dončić’s California child support case has been dismissed without prejudice after his ex-fiancée’s attorney withdrew the petition, though the broader dispute may continue elsewhere. Cybersecurity—Android payment fraud: WindRelay malware can turn Android phones into fake payment terminals by relaying NFC card data in real time. Culture & diplomacy—Ljubljana at the table: The Sarajevo Mayors Summit 2026 adopted the Sarajevo Declaration, with mayors including Ljubljana discussing sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Eurovision 2027 Host Confirmed: Organizers say next year’s Eurovision will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15, after Bulgaria’s first-ever win in 2026. Eurovision Voting Overhaul: The EBU is also considering moving to fully online audience voting for 2027, pushing viewers to pick their top three acts to curb coordinated voting campaigns. Slovenian Economy: Slovenia’s GDP grew 5% year-on-year in Q2 2026, the fastest pace since early 2022, driven by consumption and investment, while exports rose and imports also picked up. Local Culture/Travel: A new museum in Slovenia is turning Balkan humor into a cultural attraction, and travel coverage highlights Slovenia’s tea gardens as a must-visit. Sports—Luka Dončić: A California child support case involving Lakers star Luka Dončić was dismissed without prejudice after his ex-fiancée’s attorney withdrew the petition, with the wider dispute still tied to Slovenia.

Slovenia Economy: Slovenia’s Q2 GDP grew 5% year-on-year, the fastest pace in over four years, driven by stronger domestic spending and a rebound in trade. Eurovision Rules & Politics: Eurovision is moving to tighten hosting eligibility and voting rules for 2027—countries in “armed conflict” may be barred from hosting even if they win, and organizers are also exploring a fully online voting setup that forces viewers to pick their top three acts to curb tactical campaigns. Eurovision 2027 Host: The 2027 contest is set for Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15. Citizenship Update: Slovenia has clarified that foreigners must have lived in the country for at least 10 years before applying for citizenship. Health Watch: The EU’s medicines regulator is set to study a potential Lyme disease vaccine after accepting an application from Valneva and Pfizer. Tech Scam Alert: A new Android malware called WindRelay is reported to relay contactless card data in real time during phone-call scams. Sports (Local Angle): Luka Dončić’s Lakers future is questioned after reports he wasn’t consulted about the team’s record $12.5bn sale.

Eurovision Rules Shake-Up: The EBU says Eurovision 2027 hosting rights will be blocked if a country is in “armed conflict” or a “sensitive geopolitical situation,” a change widely read as aimed at Israel and other war-affected states. Eurovision 2027 Host Confirmed: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas will stage the contest, with semi-finals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15. Digital Security Warning: Researchers report WindRelay malware that turns Android phones into fake card terminals, using remote access plus NFC relay to drain contactless payments in minutes. Sports—Slovenia in the Mix: Slovenia’s Nik Prelec scored in Rangers’ Europa League exit, while Slovenia is also listed in the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 group and appears in a 3x3 series pool for Singapore. Local Culture & Film: Slovenia-linked animation funding is open via the CODA co-development awards, and Darko Štante’s Sarajevo entry “The Lost Son” explores intergenerational violence.

Eurovision Rules Overhaul: The EBU says the winning broadcaster will be “automatically ineligible” to host Eurovision 2027 if its country is in an “armed conflict” or a “sensitive geopolitical situation,” a move widely read as aimed at the Israel controversy that sparked boycotts including Slovenia. Eurovision 2027 Host Confirmed: Burgas, Bulgaria—at Arena Burgas—has been named the host city, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15. Slovenia in the Spotlight: Slovenia is among the countries listed as condemning Iran’s alleged executions of protesters, while Slovenia-linked cultural news includes an exclusive look at Darko Štante’s Sarajevo entry “The Lost Son.” Environment Watch: A new report warns microplastic pollution is worsening along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, with Slovenia named among major plastic-waste sources. Local Sports: Ireland’s Women’s World Cup play-off second leg vs Kazakhstan is set for Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, where Ireland have a 100% home record.

Eurovision Rules Overhaul: Eurovision organisers say the 2027 contest will bar any winning broadcaster from hosting if their country is in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation,” with an independent security check possible; the change follows backlash over Israel’s participation and a 2026 boycott that included Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland. Eurovision Safeguards: The EBU also raised the minimum performer age from 16 to 18 and tightened limits on recorded vocals, requiring the lead melody to be performed live. Lakers Sale Shock: The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold for a record $12.5 billion to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, a major ownership shake-up that has already drawn comments from Slovenian star Luka Dončić. Croatia Tourism Watch: Croatia’s tourism minister says last-minute bookings are helping save August, citing eVisitor data showing steady growth in arrivals and overnight stays. Slovenia in Sports: A Slovenian-led ISSF electronic scoring course is underway in New Delhi, with Slovenian instructor Robert Ferencak among the team.

MiCA Milestone for Slovenia: Dinaro, the first Slovenian issuer to enter the EU’s MiCA stablecoin register, has been added to ESMA’s interim authorization list for e-money token issuance—meaning MiCA-compliant euro-pegged stablecoins can be issued across all EU member states. Energy Storage Push: Borzen closed its battery storage grant scheme early after demand more than doubled the €10m pot, with 278 applications in the first days; support can cover up to 45% of eligible costs, capped at €225/kWh. Electricity Security Talks: Romania asked EU bodies for help as it prepares to shut down Cernavoda Unit 2 and seeks flexibility on coal plants; EU coordination is expected to cover needs including Slovenia during peak hours. Local Sports & Transfers: Hull City’s bid for Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik was rejected, with Swansea reportedly demanding £20m; Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic doubts a second offer. Football Europe: Slovan Bratislava moved closer to the Champions League after beating Mjällby 2-0, setting up a Slovenian clash with Celje. Regional Culture: Slovenia-linked films are set for the Herceg Novi Film Festival in Montenegro, with Miha Hočevar’s “Hidden People” and Urška Menart’s “Everything That’s Wrong With You” among the competition entries.

Diplomacy on edge: India has strongly condemned the defacement of its embassy premises in Slovenia, citing the Vienna Convention and urging Ljubljana to act against those behind the incident. Presidential scrutiny: Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar faces mounting backlash after a motorway accident near Koper raised questions about how her injuries were communicated and why she traveled with a Russian-Slovenian friend. Energy & industry: GEN-I will manage 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and has signed up to optimize nine more projects, extending Slovenia’s footprint in regional energy trading. Sports in Slovenia: Kuwait’s handball team begins Asian Games preparations with friendlies in Slovenia, starting against Austrian champions Jags. Local business & regulation: Endorphina says it has completed certification to offer its online casino games in Slovenia, expanding to 58 jurisdictions. Transport links: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more EuroDual locomotives from Stadler, with homologation across Germany, Austria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.

Diplomacy Under Strain: India condemned the vandalism and pro-Khalistani defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana, calling diplomatic sites “inviolable” under the Vienna Convention and urging Slovenian police to identify and prosecute those responsible. EU Border Rules: The UK Foreign Office updated travel guidance for Schengen, warning British travellers—including families with children and babies—about the Entry/Exit System biometric checks (fingerprints and photos) at first entry and possibly at exit, with longer queues already reported and Greece temporarily easing summer requirements. AI Governance in Slovenia: Slovenia’s insurance regulator AZN selected Modulos’s AI governance platform to oversee its own AI systems and to speed up testing for local insurers under the EU AI Act and related rules. Energy Deal: GEN-I took over commercial management and market optimization of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and will also manage nine more projects there. Local Research: A Slovenian study on Gen Z coffee habits finds a “sustainability-convenience paradox,” where price, taste and routine often beat eco intentions. Transport & Industry: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more EuroDual locomotives from Stadler, with homologation linked to freight links across Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans. Culture & Industry Calendar: Slovenia’s Portorož will host the 66th International Foundry Conference this September, bringing together foundry leaders from across Europe.

Diplomatic Tensions: India has condemned the defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana by “anti-India elements,” saying diplomatic sites are inviolable under the Vienna Convention and urging Slovenian police to bring perpetrators to justice. Foreign Relations: The MEA says it has raised the issue with authorities in both New Delhi and Ljubljana, noting recent high-level talks between India’s Ambassador Amit Narang and Slovenia’s foreign minister Tone Kajzer. Local Impact: The ministry also warned against “hateful propaganda and disinformation” linked to the incident, as Ljubljana is pressed to act. Sports & Culture: In a separate Slovenia-linked sports note, a hockey “nomad” story says forward Chris Douglas has signed with HK Olimpija Ljubljana, while sailing coverage highlights Slovenia’s Mihael Zobec finishing fourth at Ora Cup Ora 2026 in Italy.