AGP Executive Report

Hydrogen Push: ELES, Plinovodi and Japan’s Yokogawa Electric signed an MoU to build a hydrogen ecosystem, including a demo plant tied into Slovenia’s electricity and gas grids plus digital tools for coordinated operation. Hydrogen Diplomacy: Japan and Slovenia also signed a cooperation memorandum focused on resilient hydrogen supply chains, technology development and information sharing. Renewables on Landfills: HSE secured a building permit for a 1.38 MWp solar plant at the closed Kamnolom Zagorje landfill, with battery storage and support from the Just Transition Fund, aiming to start in 2027. Green Transition Rules: New EU anti-greenwashing requirements (EmpCo) are set to take effect Sept. 27, tightening what companies can claim in sustainability marketing and product communications. Industrial Biotech Investment: Sandoz plans a $300m Ljubljana biosimilar drug-substance facility (8,000 litres capacity) as part of a broader “Bio100” push to expand its biosimilars network. Agriculture Tech Deal: Vogelsang and Slovenia’s BeTEC form a joint venture to expand slurry applicators, consolidating product lines under the Vogelsang-BeTEC brand. Energy Mix Snapshot: A new chart shows Europe’s electricity still relies heavily on fossil fuels in several countries, while nuclear dominates France and Iceland stands out for non-fossil generation.

Agri-Tech Deal: Vogelsang is forming a strategic joint venture with Slovenia’s BeTEC for slurry applicators, with BeTEC handling production and technical development while Vogelsang keeps Europe sales and after-sales; both firms’ dribble bar and trailing shoe lines are consolidated under the “Vogelsang-BeTEC” brand. Pharma Manufacturing: Sandoz is investing about $300m in a new Ljubljana biosimilar drug-substance plant (8,000 litres, disposable fed-batch) as part of a “vast and vertically integrated” network aimed at 100+ biosimilars by 2040. EV Industry: Nissan’s new entry-level electric “Pixo” will be built in Slovenia alongside Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring, reinforcing the small-car EV manufacturing cluster. Auto Safety Policy: Slovenia has authorized Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on public roads, making it the sixth EU country to clear the system ahead of an EU-wide vote on October 6—raising concerns because the key safety assessment is sealed. Circular Economy & Textiles: The US DOE backs Protein Evolution to scale enzymes that digest polyester (PET) textile waste into inputs for new polyester, targeting industrial-scale, cost-competitive recycling. Maritime/Sailing: Portoroz will host the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup (Sept 14–19), bringing nearly 30 crews and multiple master categories to Slovenia.

Biopharma Investment: Sandoz is putting about $300m into a new biosimilar drug-substance plant in Ljubljana, adding four disposable fed-batch reactors and 8,000 litres of capacity, with operations planned for 2029 and aimed at low- to medium-volume products. Autonomous Driving Regulation: Slovenia has authorized Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on public roads, making it the sixth EU country to clear the system, but the EU-wide decision in October hinges on a sealed Dutch safety file and remaining national objections. EV Manufacturing & Subsidies: Dacia unveiled the second-generation Spring, now built in Slovenia (Novo Mesto), with UK pricing expected under £18,000 before subsidies and the model positioned to benefit from incentives that the China-built first-gen missed. Energy Policy & Nuclear Planning: Slovenia plans to accelerate preparations for Krsko 2, pushing faster spatial planning and reducing investment uncertainties, with a Western supplier expected. EU Energy Staffing: The European Commission’s energy directorate is short-staffed after recent transfers, leaving it to shape post-2030 energy architecture with fewer senior leaders. Textile Recycling R&D: The US DOE is funding a $3m effort to scale polyester-eating enzymes that could turn textile waste into new polyester at industrial cost. Maritime & Sports (Local Interest): Portorož will host the final major 470 event of 2026, the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup, from 14–19 September.

EV Manufacturing & Subsidies: Dacia unveiled the second-generation Spring, now built in Slovenia (Novo Mesto) instead of China, with UK pricing expected to start just under €18,000—yet incentives could cut the effective cost to around €11,720 in France, reshaping the “budget EV” story. Autonomous Driving Regulation: Slovenia approved Tesla’s FSD Supervised for public roads, becoming the sixth EU country to clear the camera-only driver-assistance system ahead of a possible EU-wide vote in early October. Nuclear Energy Planning: Slovenia plans to accelerate preparations for Krsko 2, pushing faster spatial planning and reducing investment uncertainties, with a Western supplier expected. Textiles & Recycling Tech: The US DOE backs Protein Evolution with $3M to scale polyester-eating enzymes that could turn textile waste into new polyester at industrial cost. Energy Infrastructure (Data Centers): Soluna says it energized the final 14 MW at Project Kati 1 in Texas and got ERCOT conditional Base Load classification for the full 166 MW campus, supporting its AI expansion plans. Business IT: HYCU launched general availability of HYCU R-Cloud for Azure DevOps, targeting enterprise-grade data protection and granular recovery. Sports & Local Events: Portorož will host the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup (14–19 Sept), with nearly 30 crews expected.

Tesla & EU Mobility: Slovenia has approved Tesla’s FSD Supervised for use on its roads, making it the sixth EU country to clear the driver-assistance system ahead of an EU-wide vote expected around Oct. 6. The move relies on mutual recognition of type approval rather than a fresh national test, with rollout “soon” after Tesla’s announcement. EV Manufacturing in Slovenia: Dacia unveiled the second-generation Spring, redesigned and built in Renault’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia, with pricing expected to start around €18,000 in the UK and under €20,000 across Europe before subsidies—aimed at keeping the affordable EV segment alive. Logistics Automation: MagicLab showcased robotics at IFA 2026 and says it has a partnership with Slovenia’s Pošta Slovenije to develop automated parcel sorting for postal distribution centres. Energy Markets: GEN-I entered the US PJM electricity market, adding trading access across 13 states plus Washington, D.C., expanding its footprint beyond Europe. Public Media Governance: Slovenian and international journalist groups are calling for stronger safeguards to protect RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding amid proposed legal changes. Climate Impact on Industry: Heat and drought are cutting European harvests, with reports pointing to major maize yield losses in Slovenia and a sharp hit to France’s Champagne production.

Space & Launch Industry: Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum “Onward and Upward” became the first private orbital launch from continental Europe, reaching ~500 km orbit and deploying five CubeSats—another sign that launch capacity is easing Europe’s long bottleneck. Public Media Governance: Slovenia’s journalists’ groups are urging safeguards for RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding after proposed legal changes would shift governance toward a Director General and a powerful Supervisory Council. EV Aftermarket Trust: AVILOO expanded its battery warranty to 14 more European markets (now 24 total), aiming to boost used EV buyer confidence via standardized SoH floors and a digital warranty workflow for dealers and remarketers. Energy Markets: GEN-I entered the US PJM electricity market, adding trading access across 13 states plus Washington, D.C., and extending its North America footprint beyond earlier MISO and ERCOT memberships. Agriculture & Weather Impact: Heat and drought are cutting European harvests hard—France’s champagne output is forecast to halve, while maize losses are reported as severe in Slovenia and across parts of the EU. Slovenia in Aviation: United Airlines announced 2027 nonstop expansion including a new Ljubljana route, targeting travelers who prefer direct flights to less-crowded destinations. Slurry Tech for Farming: Vogelsang and Slovenian machinery maker BeTEC launched a strategic joint venture to develop slurry applicators, combining Vogelsang’s sales/after-sales strength with BeTEC’s production and design.

Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced its biggest-ever international expansion for 2027, adding 10 new nonstop destinations including Ljubljana, Slovenia, alongside routes to Ibiza/Valencia, Marseille/Toulouse, Luxembourg City, and Portugal’s Azores—aimed at travelers seeking less-crowded spots and longer seasons. Agri-Tech: Vogelsang and Slovenian machinery maker BeTEC are forming a strategic joint venture to develop slurry applicators, with BeTEC leading needs-based production and design while Vogelsang keeps sales and after-sales outside Slovenia. EU Budget & Industry Policy: Slovenia’s PM pushed for a balanced EU budget that protects cohesion and the common agricultural policy while funding competitiveness, innovation, industrial transformation, energy, and strategic security. Public Finance: Slovenia’s PM also warned that public spending has climbed above 50% of GDP and backed a fiscal “anchor” to limit expenditure and improve predictability for businesses. Environment & Compliance: Croatia saw tens of thousands protest over hazardous waste illegally dumped in Gospic, with concerns about metals and PFAS reaching groundwater. Energy & Trade: A new tax treaty between Hong Kong and Slovenia would cut withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents. Business & Markets: Romania’s retail sales stayed broadly flat in July for the seventh month, but remained down 6.2% year-on-year, signaling consumption stabilization after last year’s correction.

Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines is betting on “less-crowded” travel with its biggest-ever 2027 international expansion: 10 new destinations and 13 nonstop routes, including Ljubljana (Slovenia) plus several European city pairs from Newark and Washington Dulles. Agri-Tech: Vogelsang and Slovenian machinery maker BeTEC are forming a strategic joint venture to develop slurry applicators, with BeTEC driving design and production and Vogelsang keeping sales and after-sales outside Slovenia. Manufacturing Leadership: Interblock has appointed Marco Balliano as COO/president for EMEA, based in Mengeš, Slovenia, tasking him with manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service operations across the region. EU Budget & Industry Policy: Slovenia’s PM Janša is pushing for a balanced EU budget that protects cohesion, the common agricultural policy, innovation and industrial transformation, and supports energy, economic and strategic security priorities. Environment & Public Pressure (Region): Croatia’s Gospic residents staged major rallies demanding urgent cleanup of hazardous waste at an abandoned industrial site, citing elevated metals and PFAS in groundwater. Nuclear Preparedness (Region): The IAEA reviewed Finland’s nuclear emergency readiness, praising coordination mechanisms and hospital training while urging stronger national planning and waste-management rules. Tax & Cross-Border Business: Hong Kong and Slovenia signed a tax treaty aimed at cutting withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents.

Agri Tech Deal: Vogelsang is partnering with Slovenia’s BeTEC to develop slurry applicators, with BeTEC handling production and development while Vogelsang keeps European sales and after-sales outside Slovenia. Public Health & Environment: In Croatia, tens of thousands rallied over hazardous waste illegally dumped in Gospic, with fears of soil and groundwater contamination including PFAS “forever chemicals,” and demands for a clear cleanup plan with deadlines. EU Budget Talks: Slovenia’s PM pushed for a balanced EU budget that still funds cohesion, CAP, innovation, industrial transformation and energy, arguing the bloc must respond to new economic and security challenges. Energy & Industry Policy: Senior EU officials renewed calls for new EU-level taxes to finance the next long-term budget, clashing with “frugal” states over the size and funding approach. Circular Materials: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, with pilots across products like laptops, e-scooters and dishwashers. Business & Manufacturing: Interblock named Marco Balliano as COO for EMEA, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service. Nuclear Preparedness: Finland’s nuclear emergency readiness was reviewed by the IAEA, with recommendations to strengthen coordination and planning.

Vuelta a España Watch: Enric Mas kept pulling time out of Primož Roglič on the Sierra de la Pandera, again with a decisive assist from teammate Raúl García Pierna, while Felix Gall moved into second overall after managing the brutal heat on the climb. EU Foreign Policy: The EU’s enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladic’s death, citing “glorification” concerns. Environmental Pressure in the Region: Tens of thousands rallied in Croatia over hazardous waste illegally dumped near Gospić, demanding a clear remediation plan with deadlines. Slovenia in EU Budget Talks: Prime Minister Janez Janša pushed for a balanced EU budget that protects cohesion and the common agricultural policy while funding competitiveness, industrial transformation, energy and security. Slovenian Business & Manufacturing: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA president and COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality and procurement. Tax & Cross-Border Trade: Hong Kong and Slovenia signed a tax treaty aimed at cutting withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents. Energy & Industry Tech: EU-backed CIRCUIT4EU launched to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, targeting a more circular supply for EU industry.

Vuelta a España Spotlight: Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel grabbed a breakthrough Grand Tour stage win on debut with a dominant Calar Alto ride, becoming the youngest Slovenian to win a Vuelta stage and moving into the top GC group as the race reshuffles after Tadej Pogačar’s exit. Cycling GC Watch: Enric Mas extended his advantage after stage 12, holding a 1:45 lead over Primož Roglič, while UAE’s team leadership framed Mas as the favourite for the final push toward Granada. EU Budget Talks: Slovenia’s PM Janša urged a balanced EU budget in negotiations, arguing for funding for cohesion, CAP, innovation, industrial transformation and energy/security priorities. Public Finance Pressure: Janša also warned that Slovenia’s public spending has climbed above 50% of GDP and backed a fiscal “anchor” to limit expenditure and reduce admin burdens. Aviation Disruption: Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket attempt was scrubbed again at Andøya Spaceport, with the company notably silent as multiple commercial deadlines converge. Nuclear Preparedness: Finland’s nuclear emergency readiness was assessed by the IAEA, with calls for stronger coordination, a national radiation emergency plan, waste rules and lab capacity. Maritime & Fisheries: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries science unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen cooperation and sustainable, science-based management. Manufacturing Leadership: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA president and COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality and procurement. Circular Materials: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recycle critical raw materials from electronics, targeting tech supply resilience for EU industries.

Slovenia’s Fiscal Watch: Prime Minister Janez Janša warned public spending has climbed from ~47% of GDP in 2022 to over 50% today, pushing a fiscal/tax “anchor” to cap growth and streamline administration to protect business predictability. EU Budget Fight: Senior EU officials in Dublin doubled down on new “own resources” taxes to fund the 2028–2034 budget, clashing with frugal states over how much revenue new levies can realistically raise. Critical Minerals Recycling: The EU launched CIRCUIT4EU to recover metals from electronics (including laptops and e-scooters), aiming to boost recycled supply of critical raw materials by 2030. Adriatic Fisheries Science: A new FAO/GFCM Adriatic Sea technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region. Aviation Shockwaves: Brazil suspended Total Linhas Aéreas’ air operator certificate, and another carrier has halted flights for weeks—another reminder of how fast cashflow stress can hit operations. Energy & Industry Tech: HiPower 5.0 targets more efficient electric-mobility power electronics using advanced semiconductors, aiming for manufacturable, reliable components. Local Business Leadership: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA COO, based in Mengeš, to lead manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service. Slovenian Innovation/AI: Nine CEE countries signed a Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy and connect computing capacity, with Slovenia among the signatories. Sports with Slovenian Angle: Jakob Omrzel won a Vuelta a España stage on debut, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner.

Sustainable Buildings & Renovation Finance: Kingston University is part of a Horizon Europe push to remake Europe’s old building stock via “Renovation-as-a-Service,” using design for adaptability/disassembly and a cloud Life Cycle Assessment tool to track environmental performance in real time. Power Electronics for Mobility: The EU-backed HiPower 5.0 project targets lower-loss, more reliable electric-drive components for European electric mobility, scaling wide-bandgap semiconductor tech into manufacturable subsystems. Manufacturing Leadership in Slovenia: Interblock named Marco Balliano as EMEA COO/president, based in Mengeš, with responsibility for manufacturing planning, quality, procurement and service across Europe, MENA. Critical Minerals Recycling: CIRCUIT4EU launches to recover strategic raw materials from printed circuit boards, magnets and electronics, piloting recovery from everyday devices like laptops, e-scooters and dishwashers. AI Cooperation in CEE: Nine Central and Eastern European countries, including Slovenia, signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacity and launch joint projects. Agriculture Under Drought Pressure: A study warns Hungary’s irrigation crisis is worsening—only about 3% of arable land is irrigated—calling for rule reforms and faster adoption of drought adaptation. Energy Security & Prices: Romania’s electricity prices jumped sharply in August as low river flows cut nuclear cooling and hydropower, forcing more expensive imports. Slovenian Policy Update: Slovenia eased Zois scholarship conditions to reduce administrative barriers tied to which competitions qualify, aiming to better reward top young talent. Transport & Industry Tech: A LegCo transport delegation visited Beijing to study ride-hailing regulation and smart transport planning, relevant for regional mobility governance.

Vuelta a España (Slovenian cycling): Primož Roglič’s GC hopes took another hit on Calar Alto as Enric Mas attacked late, but Roglič limited the damage with help from teammates and Felix Gall, leaving Mas with a 1:45 overall edge. Emerging talent: Jakob Omrzel delivered a dominant solo win on stage 12, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner. Injury update: Tadej Pogačar left hospital after surgery for a left collarbone fracture and other injuries, but his World Championships return date remains unclear. Film & creative industries: Slovenian director Urban Zorko began shooting his debut feature “Morning with the Devil” in Ljubljana. Education policy: Slovenia amended Zois scholarship rules to better reward top achievements and cut administrative barriers for young talent. Energy & power markets: Romania’s electricity prices jumped sharply in August amid low river flows and reduced nuclear/hydropower output, raising pressure on household offers. Business environment: Slovenia’s PM reiterated plans to remove administrative burdens and improve stability for entrepreneurs and small firms. Geothermal know-how: An Iceland geothermal expert argued Europe needs faster, more predictable permitting to unlock non-volcanic geothermal projects.

Minimum Wage Watch: Spain raised its 2026 minimum wage by 3.1%, but the increase is among the smallest in the EU—while Slovenia boosted its rate by 16% (still with different payment rules). Energy & Power Markets: Romania’s day-ahead electricity price jumped about 25% month-on-month in August and more than doubled year-on-year, driven by low Danube flows cutting nuclear cooling and hydropower, forcing costly imports. Nuclear Cooperation: Representatives from Armenia’s nuclear plant and Slovenia’s Elektro Slovenija met to exchange know-how on safe operation, long-term unit performance, modernization, and staff skills. Business Environment: Slovenia’s PM reiterated the government’s push for a stable, predictable climate for entrepreneurs, aiming to cut administrative burdens and support long-term planning. Agri-Food Pressure: European farmers report severe heatwave damage—Slovenian maize losses estimated at 50–70%—on top of higher fertilizer and energy costs, raising calls for more resilient CAP support. Media Stability Risk: RTV Slovenia faces worsening liquidity, with reporting pointing to loans, management issues, and internal disputes. Aviation Restructuring: AirBaltic plans to shrink its 2027 network, concentrating capacity around Riga while cutting Tallinn and Vilnius destinations. Tech & Industry: A consortium led by Kingston University launched a renovation overhaul project using “Renovation-as-a-Service” to upgrade buildings and track environmental performance.

EU Agriculture & Food Supply: Heatwaves are already cutting yields across Europe, with Slovenia hit hard: maize losses estimated at 50–70%, plus damage to potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables and permanent crops like fruit and grapes. Local Business Climate: Slovenia’s PM Janez Janša told the Chamber of Crafts and Small Business that the government will remove “unnecessary administrative barriers,” stressing stability and predictability for firms planning 3–10 years ahead. Air & Connectivity: AirBaltic will shrink its 2027 summer network, concentrating capacity around Riga while cutting most at Tallinn and Vilnius, alongside a reduced A220 fleet and interim financing. Payments & Digital Finance: A new Payments Newsletter flags regulatory moves in the UK on Visa and Mastercard card-scheme fee transparency, alongside broader digital assets and stablecoin policy developments. Legal/Innovation: The Unified Patent Court and unitary patent system is getting fresh attention as the court’s appeal decisions grow and jurisdiction rules keep evolving. Energy/Industry: Slovenia’s charcoal craft gets a spotlight, showing how local kilns and forest villages keep a living production tradition going. Media Sector Stress: RTV Slovenia is described as nearing liquidity collapse, with concerns over loans, salaries and management disputes.