AGP Executive Report

Nations League Focus: Slovenia kicks off its Nations League home opener against Scotland in Ljubljana with a new era under coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who says Scotland will be aggressive but expects space behind; Slovenia are without star striker Benjamin Šeško due to a recurring shin injury, while Scotland also arrive missing several key players. EU Enforcement: The European Commission has started infringement proceedings against 18 countries, including Slovenia, over incomplete “right to repair” rules, and separately launched action against 26 states for failing to fully transpose EU hydrogen and decarbonised gas market rules. Football Discipline & Scandals: Switzerland’s Breel Embolo withdraws from the Nations League squad after fresh reporting tied to forged COVID-19 documents, following Granit Xhaka’s earlier withdrawal over a fake vaccination certificate investigation. Global Politics at UN: Dozens of delegations walked out during Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly speech, underscoring deepening isolation amid Gaza and Iran tensions. Tech & Privacy: Ireland’s data regulator fined Google €403m over unlawful location tracking and retention practices. Slovenia in Culture: GoCritic! selects participants for film journalism and criticism workshops across festivals including Animateka in Ljubljana.

Lakers transition: Rob Pelinka says the Lakers hit their top offseason goals—keeping Austin Reaves, landing center Walker Kessler, and building a younger, JJ Redick-style roster around Luka Dončić—after a LeBron-era teardown. NBA Slovenia spotlight: Dončić hosted a minicamp in Slovenia for teammates, bonding them through basketball, golf, Lake Bled time, and handwritten thank-you notes. EU defence debate: 12 EU countries including Slovenia push back on France’s push for strict EU defence preference, arguing for openness so allies can still participate in Chips Act 2.0–linked defence funding. UN diplomacy: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša met Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan at UN HQ, discussing EU cooperation and Armenia’s COP-17 preparations. Scotland vs Slovenia: New Nations League era begins as Sebastien Pocognoli takes Scotland to Ljubljana, with new striker options like Robbie Ure and Oli McBurnie in focus. Tech & safety: A Brussels study claims Tesla FSD “Supervised” sped in 55% of 30 km/h zones tested, ahead of an EU vote. Culture: Astra Film Festival and CinEast Festival 2026 announce lineups, with documentary competition sections and major event calendars.

UN Diplomacy in Focus: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York for a brief UN General Assembly address, with no meeting planned with U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring strained US-Israel ties and wider diplomatic isolation. Visa Dispute at the UN: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said his delegation was unlawfully denied entry visas for the UNGA, delivering his remarks via pre-recorded video for the second year in a row. Slovenia at the UN: Slovenia’s PM is listed among leaders Netanyahu plans to meet, while India and Slovenia also held UNGA81 talks on trade, technology, and multilateral cooperation. EU Mobility Watch: EU electric car registrations jumped nearly 63% in August, driven by subsidies and an extra working day, though analysts warn the surge may fade if support ends. Sport & Community: Slovenia marked the Day of Slovenian Sport with new funding for sports programmes and inclusion projects. Football (Regional): UEFA Nations League kicks off with Slovenia in League B, and Scotland’s new era under Sebastien Pocognoli begins in Ljubljana.

Ukraine Ceasefire Push at UN: 50 countries and the EU backed a call for Russia to agree to a full, immediate, unconditional ceasefire, while the US stayed out of the statement. Slovenia on Ukraine EU path: Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer said Slovenia supports opening all EU negotiation clusters for Ukraine by end-2026, but stressed Kyiv must keep delivering reforms. UNGA Turmoil: Diplomats and leaders warned that wars, economic strain and shifting power are deepening global uncertainty as the UN General Assembly gets underway. EU/Slovenia ties in spotlight: India’s Jaishankar met European counterparts including Slovenia’s Kajzer in New York, discussing Ukraine, trade and defence. Local life and pensions: Croatia’s retirees face high poverty risk (around 40%), with Slovenia cited as having lower rates and longer work service. Tech and sustainability: The DiCE project outlined a roadmap for more sustainable digital healthcare, including easier returns of used devices in pilots across Belgium, Spain and Slovenia. Business logistics: Nova Post won “Service Provider of the Year,” highlighting wartime resilience and scale. Sports (Slovenia angle): Slovenia vs Scotland Nations League coverage details emerged as Scotland begin a new era under Sebastien Pocognoli.

Eurovision Politics: The Netherlands will return to Eurovision in 2027 after boycotting 2026 over Israel’s participation, with Dutch public broadcaster NPO taking over responsibility and pointing to new EBU rules meant to keep the event more “unifying.” Slovenia–Ukraine Defense: Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer says Slovenia is exploring joint production of military equipment with Ukraine, including via the drone deal, to strengthen both countries’ defense capacity. UN Spotlight: UN General Assembly leaders warned the world is worse than a year ago, while Ukraine and 50+ UN states called for a full, immediate ceasefire and urged Russia to match it. Football (Nations League): UEFA Nations League 2026-27 kicks off with Slovenia in League B, Group B1 alongside Scotland and Switzerland, as Scotland’s new coach Sebastien Pocognoli prepares for the opener in Ljubljana. Church Abuse Case: Alleged victims of Slovenian mosaic artist Marko Rupnik urge Pope Leo XIV to push for a faster Vatican trial, saying secrecy is denying them justice. EU Regulation Push: 13 EU countries, including Slovenia, ask the Commission to pause new rules for a year and focus on simplifying existing legislation.

Sports (Slovenia): Cyclist Zak Erzen narrowly missed the podium in stage 1 of Croatia’s CRO Race, finishing fourth in a sprint finish and sitting fifth overall while also second in the best young rider standings. Football (Nations League): Scotland’s new manager Sebastien Pocognoli is set to lead his side against Slovenia in Ljubljana, saying he plans to sing “Flower of Scotland” before matches as he builds a new-look squad for the Nations League opener. Crime (Slovenia link): Austrian influencer Stefanie Pieper’s ex-boyfriend has been formally charged with murder, with prosecutors alleging she was killed and her body was later found in a suitcase buried in a forest near the Slovenia border. Culture (Slovenia): Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has wrapped filming on “The Healers / Zdravilca,” a Slovenia-led coproduction shot in Slovenia and Croatia. International (EU/UN): UN General Assembly speeches highlighted a worsening global order, with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini warning that multilateralism is eroding further.

EU Diplomacy: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in New York, saying Serbia will “accelerate” its EU path regardless of election outcomes, and also held talks with Slovenia’s President Janez Janša and others. Slovenia-Scotland Football: Manchester United forward Benjamin Šeško has withdrawn from Slovenia’s Nations League matches with a recurring shin problem, saying recovery comes first; the injury also leaves Slovenia facing Scotland and Switzerland without their star. Regional Defence Cooperation: In Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia’s defence leadership met CEDC and Western Balkans partners to push stronger regional security ties, defence readiness and practical cooperation. EU Migration Border Debate: Croatia is urging a stronger Frontex role in Bosnia and Herzegovina to better manage the Western Balkan migrant route and improve returns. Data Privacy: Ireland’s regulator fined Google €403m over improper handling of users’ location data, with a six-month compliance deadline. Eurovision Politics: Spain’s RTVE says it will keep boycotting Eurovision 2027 over Israel’s participation, citing “unfinished” ethical concerns. Sports Ticketing: Practical guide coverage for Slovenia vs Switzerland Nations League B tickets at Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana.

Slovenian Foreign Policy: Opposition parties have filed a parliamentary motion against Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer after Slovenia blocked an EU statement condemning Israeli settlement expansion, while the government seeks to rebuild ties with Israel. Public Media Funding: Ahead of a license-fee referendum, RSF is urging stronger protections for RTV SLO’s independent funding and governance, as lawmakers consider shifting toward state-budget financing and restructuring the broadcaster’s management. Sports—International Duty: Manchester United’s Benjamin Šeško has withdrawn from Slovenia’s Nations League squad due to a shin issue, while Scotland’s camp also reshuffled after Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean pulled out, with Kristi Montgomery called up. Football—Xhaka Case: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted obtaining a forged Covid vaccination certificate and will miss Nations League matches; prosecutors in Lucerne have opened an investigation. Tech & Privacy: Ireland’s data watchdog fined Google €403 million over improper use of location data under GDPR. Quality of Life Ranking: A new global index places Croatia in the top 20, with Slovenia just behind—though the methodology is drawing questions.

Fake COVID certificate fallout: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted he obtained a forged COVID-19 vaccination document in 2022, apologized for the “mistake,” and will miss Switzerland’s Nations League matches and training camp while Swiss prosecutors investigate. EU data protection: Ireland’s EU watchdog fined Google €403 million over improper use of users’ location data, ordering compliance with GDPR within six months. EU “deep-clean” push: Austria and 12 other EU states, including Slovenia, called for a 12-month pause on new EU legislation and a “legislative deep-cleaning” review of existing rules. Slovenian politics: Trade unions in Slovenia are moving toward a referendum to overturn the new government’s anti-social policies, after the Constitutional Court upheld the initiative. Local history & rail: Istria marked 150 years of railways with a historic train route from Slovenia to Pula, alongside a €55m reconstruction project. Sports with Slovenia links: Reports also flag injury uncertainty around Slovenia striker Benjamin Šeško ahead of international duties.

Diplomatic Shock in Ljubljana: A senior Polish Foreign Ministry security chief is in critical condition after reportedly falling from a third-floor window at a building adjoining Poland’s diplomatic mission in Slovenia, with Polish officials saying Slovenian police were barred from inspecting the premises and critics calling the circumstances “suspicious.” Family and Basketball Spotlight: NBA star Luka Dončić posted a heartfelt message to his daughters in Slovenia as he prepares to return to Los Angeles for Lakers media day, underscoring how his offseason base in Slovenia is tied to family time. Sports, Slovenia in the Mix: Slovenia’s Davis Cup team beat Israel 4–0 in Ljubljana, while in football, Manchester United’s Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško was ruled out of the Fulham match after a shin setback, with Carrick saying he’s being assessed. Culture and Film Funding: Slovenia’s Film Centre announced €4.9m in grants for seven feature films, including a top €900,000 award for Damjan Kozole’s “Podzavest.” Heritage Meets Climate: An EU project ending after seven years highlights how historic city cores can cut emissions without damaging protected streetscapes, with Slovenian cities among the adapted models.

Tragic Accident in Bohinj: A 44-year-old Israeli man, Gail Hillel, died while trying to rescue his 7-year-old son after the boy fell into a ravine near Slap Savica waterfall; the child was airlifted to Ljubljana after initial treatment. Diplomacy & Antisemitism: A World Jewish Congress delegation met Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša in Ljubljana, the first major visit since Israel opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia. Slovenian Film Funding: Slovenia’s Film Centre distributed €4.9m for seven feature films, led by €900,000 for Damjan Kozole’s Podzavest, plus €600,000 for short features. Sports—Davis Cup: Slovenia beat Israel 4–0 in Ljubljana, sending Israel to World Group II playoffs. Sports—Football Injury Update: Manchester United’s Benjamin Šeško missed the Fulham match due to injury concerns, with staff assessing him ahead of international fixtures. Culture & Industry: The Slovenian Film Centre also backed projects via the 2026 grants, while FilmFestival Cottbus’ coco market selected a female-heavy lineup for its 28th edition.

Slovenia in the spotlight: The 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup 2026 wrapped in Portorož with Swiss sailors Julian Flessati and Stephan Ammann winning the overall standings, while Dušan Puh and Matjaž Puh took second and the Grand Masters title after a dramatic final day in bora winds. Ljubljana culture: Mineral Fest drew visitors to Ljubljana for a showcase of quartz and other specimens. Sports with Slovenian links: At the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Kazakhstan beat Slovenia 3.5–0.5 in the women’s event earlier in the tournament, while the open section saw favourites largely hold firm. Regional travel and business: FlixBus expanded its Croatia network to 258 destinations, boosting connectivity across Central and Eastern Europe. EU travel rules: The EU’s entry-exit system rollout (EES) is still causing headaches, with some countries allowed to pause full implementation as airports struggle with queues.

EU Travel Tech Troubles: At least nine Schengen countries can pause the EES rollout until tech for facial and fingerprint checks is ready, after months of long queues and missed flights. Border Controls: Austria is extending temporary checks with Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia for six more months, citing illegal migration and trafficking. Slovenia in Focus: Slovenia’s support is tied to Moldova’s push to strengthen public finances, and Slovenia’s minister Kajzer says the country is stepping up practical help for Ukraine. Sports & Culture: Filip Planinsek will represent Slovenia in Davis Cup qualifying in Ljubljana; and the Tartu Illustration Festival returns with Slovenian illustrator Damijan Stepančič among guests. EU Economy: Eurostat reports construction output stable in the euro area but down 0.3% across the EU in July.

Schengen Watch: Austria has extended temporary border checks with Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia for six more months, citing the fight against illegal migration and human trafficking, with travellers urged to allow extra time. Child Protection: Europol’s Victim Identification Task Force has tentatively identified 18 sexually abused children after analysing 377 datasets and geolocating 147 victims, with five offenders also identified. Slovenia in Sports: Former Alabama tennis champion Filip Planinsek will represent Slovenia in the Davis Cup in Ljubljana, starting Saturday against Israel. EU Energy & Costs: Eurostat reports construction output stayed flat in the euro area but fell 0.3% across the EU in July, with Austria among the biggest monthly drops. Regional Spotlight: Slovenia is among the countries listed in Australia’s reciprocal health care agreements, giving eligible visitors access to Medicare-subsidised medically necessary treatment. EU Sports Hosting: Slovenia is also in the mix to host the 2034 EHF EUROs, with bids due by March 1, 2027.

Slovenia-Ukraine Cooperation: Slovenia’s foreign and defence ministers visited Kyiv, with Minister Kajzer announcing Slovenia will join the International Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine and discussing further security, humanitarian and defence-industry cooperation. Regional Security: Ukraine’s defence minister said the sides want to expand cooperation with Slovenia, including a drone deal, joint ventures and testing solutions in real combat conditions, as Russian strikes on civilians continue. Nuclear Plans: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s proposed JEK2 project weighs cooling-tower options, with a natural draft tower estimated at about 193–198 metres, ahead of a planned referendum. EU Travel Rules: Germany clarified visa-free entry for children joining parents, listing 31 EU/EFTA countries whose citizens are exempt. Fuel Costs Across Europe: EU data show diesel prices rising faster than petrol in most member states, with diesel up to €2.075 per litre on average. Eurovision Fallout: RTÉ says Ireland will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2027, citing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Slovenia in the spotlight: A Slovenian-supported push to help Moldova align public finances with EU standards continues, with the Finance Ministry and Slovenia’s Center of Excellence in Finance discussing training and EU legislation implementation. EU pensions: A new Euronews Business look at retirement shows how long people can expect to receive pensions varies widely across Europe, with Slovenia among countries where pension years after retirement run above 20. Sports—Socceroos vs Brazil: Australia named a 26-player squad for friendlies in September, including seven uncapped players such as Slovenia’s NK Celje midfielder Yaya Dukuly, while Maty Ryan was controversially axed. Culture—film in Ljubljana: Vojko Anzeljc’s bittersweet comedy “Mary’s Resurrection” has started filming in Ljubljana, with Katarina Čas and Klemen Slakonja starring. Tech & media: United Group rolled out its AI-driven EON 3.0 entertainment platform across Southeast Europe, with Slovenia already live via Telemach. History & rights: A piece revisits Slovenia’s 1992 citizenship deletions, arguing it turned residents into “illegal immigrants” overnight. International—Eurovision boycott: RTÉ confirmed Ireland will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2027, citing Gaza and Israel’s continued involvement.