AGP Executive Report

Aviation & MRO: Private equity Apollo has entered the race for EasyJet with a higher £7.15-per-share bid, raising fresh questions about whether the airline could be split and what that would mean for Europe’s aircraft maintenance market. Slovenian Governance: Slovenia has moved the seat of the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development from Ljubljana to Maribor, a decentralisation push aimed at spreading jobs and easing pressure on the capital. Defence & Industry: Slovenia pledged an extra $50m under the PURL initiative to support Ukraine, alongside co-financing three civil protection shelters, as NATO leaders meet in Ankara. EU Recovery Funding: The EU Council approved a revised recovery and resilience plan for Hungary worth up to €10bn, with payments tied to milestones on anti-corruption, transparency and public procurement. Energy & Climate Risk: A new study links anti-inflammatory diets to lower dementia risk even with early Alzheimer’s markers, while separate coverage warns extreme heat is pushing farming systems to the brink. Tech & Manufacturing: Iliad’s Scaleway is expanding sovereign AI infrastructure via an acquisition of Qarnot, adding high-performance computing capabilities for industrial and research workloads. Food & Exports: Slovenian winemakers and mead producers won two platinum medals at a major US competition, underlining growing export momentum. Consumer Electronics Regulation: Nintendo confirmed EU Switch 2 buyers will get a user-replaceable battery from autumn 2026, with older models withdrawn from European retail in mid-February 2027. Tourism: Croatia matched its record tourism pace in the first half of 2026 with 7.6m arrivals and 29.5m overnight stays, despite geopolitical and consumer headwinds.

Slovenia–Ukraine Support: Slovenia announced an extra $50M under the PURL initiative and will co-finance three civil protection shelters in Ukraine, following NATO–Ukraine Council talks in Ankara. Energy & Industry: A tribunal rejected Ascent Resources’ €684M claim tied to Slovenia’s 2022 fracking ban, a win for the country’s energy policy. Food & Drink Exports: Slovenian winemakers and mead producers won two platinum medals and multiple golds at the Great American International Wine Competition in the US, boosting visibility for local brands. Agriculture Finance: A regenerative agriculture expert argues the sector’s bottleneck isn’t definitions—it’s getting more money to farmers to scale adoption. Tech & Consumer Electronics: Nintendo confirmed Europe’s Switch 2 will arrive with a user-replaceable battery in autumn 2026, aligning with EU battery rules. Mobility & Security: Austria’s A1 is testing tech to detect GNSS/GPS interference, with trials in Austria and Slovenia aimed at protecting transport, logistics and public safety. Tourism: Croatia matched its strong tourism run in H1 2026 with 7.6M arrivals and 29.5M overnight stays. Business Expansion: Croatian street-food chain Koykan opened its first German outlet in Munich, planning 10 sites across the DACH region.

Ukraine Support & Defense Industry: Slovenia will add $50M to the PURL initiative and co-finance three civil protection shelters after NATO-Ukraine Council talks in Ankara, while the wider NATO summit also brought a major shift: the US says it will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a potential boost for regional defense production. Energy & Legal Risk: Slovenia also scored a win in the energy sector as an international tribunal rejected Ascent Resources’ €684M claim over the Petišovci fracking ban, ordering the company to pay €3M in costs. Consumer Tech & Smart Devices: Fi Ultra launched as a Starlink-powered smart dog collar, using satellite connectivity to keep tracking working beyond cellular dead zones across parts of Europe. EU Policy & Batteries: The EU’s Battery Regulation redesign means Switch 2 will get a user-replaceable battery for Europe, while Switch 1 is set to be retired from European retail in mid-February 2027. Food & Agriculture Finance: HowGood’s Ethan Soloviev argues regenerative agriculture adoption is held back less by definitions and more by scaling finance for farmers. Local Business & Exports: Slovenian winemakers and mead producers won two platinum medals at a major US competition, underlining growing export momentum.

Slovenia Energy & Industry: Slovenia has won a major arbitration case over its 2022 fracking ban, with ICSID rejecting a roughly €600m claim by Ascent Resources and ordering the firm to pay Slovenia €3m in costs. Banking & Risk: The EBRD reports that the average non-performing loan ratio across Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe fell to a record low in 2025, but NPL volumes rose again—Slovenia is among countries seeing notable increases. Housing Market: Eurostat data show EU house prices up 5.1% and rents up 3.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the biggest jumps including Portugal (+17.8%) and Slovenia’s region peers also seeing double-digit price growth. Manufacturing & Orders: Ampco-Pittsburgh says customer orders rose 32% in the first half of 2026, supported by demand across forged and cast engineered products and air & liquid processing, with Slovenia among its operating footprint. EU Energy Policy: Fifteen EU energy ministers—including Slovenia—push for the post-2030 framework to make “full use of nuclear energy” alongside renewables, citing affordability, competitiveness, security and autonomy. Global Trade & Mobility: LEPAS (Chery) shipped about 1,500 units of its L8 PHEV to multiple European markets including Slovenia, signaling continued growth in the European NEV push.

Patriot Production Deal: At a NATO summit in Türkiye, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defence systems, a major boost for Kyiv’s long-running push for local production. NATO Budget Pressure: The same summit backdrop keeps spotlighting Europe’s defence spending strain as allies try to meet higher targets. Slovenia Energy & Legal Win: Slovenia scored a major arbitration victory as ICSID rejected a €600m claim by Ascent Resources over the Petišovci fracking dispute, ordering the firms to pay Slovenia €3m in costs. Nuclear Energy Push: Fifteen EU energy ministers, including Slovenia, urged the EU to make full use of nuclear power in the post-2030 energy framework. Construction & Materials: Austrian building materials group Wietersdorfer reported EUR1.09bn sales in 2025, with Slovenia among its key markets, while warning of tougher conditions ahead. Tourism Staffing Watch: Slovenia heads into peak summer tourism with strong momentum, but staffing pressures remain a live issue.

NATO & Security: Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen rejected Donald Trump’s renewed push for US control of Greenland, insisting “Greenland is of course not for sale” while NATO leaders in Ankara tried to keep focus on defense spending and unity as the US launched strikes on Iran. Defense Budgets: NATO estimates say Europe and Canada will boost defense outlays by 11% in real terms in 2026, with the alliance’s new direction shifting from “2%” debates to a higher 5% goal by 2035—already straining some national budgets. Energy Costs Response: The IEA reports 113 countries (plus the EU) have taken steps to cushion energy-price pressure linked to the Iran war, including tax cuts and conservation measures. Slovenia Tourism: Slovenia heads into peak summer with stronger bookings and more visitors, but hotels and operators still face labor shortages and higher operating costs. Logistics Tech: Descartes acquired Drivin to expand AI-powered last-mile delivery management, targeting route optimization and real-time execution visibility. Rail Connectivity: Serbia and Italy discussed rehabilitating passenger rail between Belgrade and Trieste, with the route planned via Zagreb and Ljubljana. Industry & Innovation: Slovenia opened applications for private mobile networks, while Novartis launched an aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana.

Tourism & Jobs: Slovenia heads into peak summer with optimism after strong early-year demand (arrivals up 6% and overnight stays up 7% in Jan–May), but hotels still face labour shortages and higher operating costs, pushing firms to recruit beyond Europe. Housing Supply: Ljubljana opened a new Litijska–Pesarska municipal rental development with 95 apartments (plus shared housing and community space), costing just under €19m, as the city still estimates a need for 10,000–12,000 more rentals. NATO & Defence Industry Pressure: NATO estimates say European and Canada defence spending will rise 11% in real terms in 2026, but uneven progress is straining budgets ahead of the Ankara summit, with Slovenia flagged among laggards. Rail Connectivity: Serbia and Italy discussed rehabilitating passenger rail services between Belgrade and Trieste, aiming to restore a route that would also pass via Zagreb and Ljubljana. Energy Costs Policy: The IEA says 113 countries (plus the EU Commission) have taken steps like lowering energy taxes and fuel subsidies in response to the Iran war, as households feel the pinch. EU Agriculture Investment: Young farmers in the MED9 push for predictable CAP conditions so they can invest long-term, warning that generational renewal must be treated as an investment priority. Slovenian Tech/Industry: Novartis has opened an aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana, adding to the country’s high-tech production footprint. Human Trafficking Crackdown: A coordinated operation across 59 countries identified 2,070 victims and led to 1,024 arrests, targeting trafficking networks via border and transport-hub checks.

Private Networks in Slovenia: Akos opens applications from 27 July for private campus wireless networks in the 3800–4200 MHz band, aimed at businesses, industries and municipalities. Housing Pressure in Ljubljana: A new Litijska–Pesarska municipal rental project adds 95 apartments in Štepanjsko Naselje, but city officials still cite a 10,000–12,000 rental shortfall. Energy Strategy: Slovenia keeps pushing Krško’s second reactor (JEK2) as a long-term pillar, with the government saying it will accelerate development under existing rules. Industrial Transition: Revoz ends 33 years of Renault Clio production in Novo Mesto, switching the plant’s output to the electric Twingo E-Tech. Robotics Investment Signal: Yaskawa plans to make Kočevje its leading European robotics base with a new investment. EU Tech & Funding Pulse: A weekly recap highlights 55+ European tech funding deals worth €1.6B+, with robotics leading. NATO & Defence Budgets: NATO’s summit in Ankara spotlights uneven defence-spending progress, with some major economies still struggling to meet targets. Labour & Sick Leave Reform (Germany): Germany tightens sick-leave rules with a doctor’s note from day one, reflecting broader pressure on Europe’s workforce and productivity.

Private Networks in Slovenia: Akos opens applications (from 27 July) for radio frequencies in the 3800–4200 MHz band for private, low- to medium-power campus networks for businesses and municipalities. Housing Pressure in Ljubljana: A new Ljubljana neighbourhood has launched with 95 municipal rental apartments, but the city still faces a rental shortage and needs thousands more units. Energy Strategy Watch: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plan for a second reactor (JEK2) stays politically resilient and is being pushed to accelerate under the current government. Automotive Transition: Revoz in Novo Mesto ends Renault Clio production after 33 years, shifting the plant’s output to the electric Twingo E-Tech. CineLink for Slovenian Creators: CineLink Industry Days reveals Co-Production Market and Drama line-ups, including a new €10,000 award and Slovenian projects backed by the Slovenian Film Centre. EU Tech Sovereignty: A new EU snapshot shows high-tech exports rising fast, with pharmaceuticals, electronics and scientific instruments leading the mix. NATO Budget Reality Check: NATO leaders face uneven defence-spending progress ahead of the summit, with some big economies struggling to meet targets.

Housing & Construction: Ljubljana opened a new Štepanjsko Naselje rental development with 95 public apartments (plus shared housing for older residents), two commercial units and 188 underground parking spaces, built for just under €19m and partly financed via the National Housing Fund—yet the city still says it needs 10,000–12,000 more rental homes. Energy Strategy: Krško’s second reactor (JEK2) remains a political constant as Slovenia’s new government moves to accelerate development, with the plant already producing about half of the country’s electricity. Renewables & Grid Buildout: GEN-I Sonce secured its first Romania EPC contract for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, including a 110 kV substation and grid connection works. Manufacturing: Revoz in Novo Mesto ends 33 years of Renault Clio production as the plant switches fully to the electric Twingo E-Tech. Automotive Business: AutoWallis plans to retain nearly HUF 5bn after-tax profit to fund its regional growth, with shareholders also approving flexibility for capital increases.

Slovenian Energy Policy: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plan stays on track as the government signals acceleration of the second reactor (JEK2), with the plant already supplying about half of national electricity—an anchor for the country’s long-term energy strategy. Manufacturing & Industry: Revoz in Novo Mesto ends a 33-year Renault Clio era, with the last Clio rolling off mid-June as production shifts to the electric Twingo E-Tech. Renewables & Grid Build-Out: GEN-I Sonce lands its first Romania EPC deal for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery storage project, including substation and grid connection works—another step in Europe’s storage-driven energy transition. Labor Market Watch: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to the lowest since 1990 in June, while employers reported rising job vacancies, especially across education, manufacturing, health, and construction. EU Energy Funding: The EU Modernisation Fund approves a €2.5bn clean-energy disbursement across 11 states, with Slovenia receiving €20.2m for energy system upgrades. Regional Business Finance: AutoWallis says it will keep nearly HUF 5bn in 2025 profit to fund its regional growth strategy, after shareholders backed retained earnings over dividends.

Automotive Transition: Revoz in Novo Mesto ends a 33-year Renault Clio run, with the final Clio rolling off mid-June and production shifting to the electric Twingo E-Tech. Energy Infrastructure: GEN-I Sonce lands its first Romania EPC deal for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery storage project, including key substation and grid connection works. EU Clean Energy Funding: The European Commission and EIB approve a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund disbursement from EU ETS revenues across 11 states, with Slovenia receiving €20.2m. Labour Market: Slovenia’s registered unemployment falls to the lowest since 1990 (42,245 in June), while job vacancies rise, with demand strongest in education, manufacturing, health/social services and construction. Textiles Policy: Slovenia backs EU moves to curb ultra-fast fashion, pushing for tougher Ecodesign rules on durability, recyclability and recycled content. Local Industry Finance: AutoWallis says it will retain nearly HUF 5bn profit from 2025 to fund its Central and Eastern Europe growth plan.

Energy & Industry Funding: The EU and EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund round for 51 clean energy projects across 11 member states, with Slovenia getting €20.2m—supporting grid upgrades, energy storage, district heating and industrial efficiency. Slovenia Jobs & Construction Demand: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to the lowest since 1990 (42,245 in June), while employers reported 15,244 vacancies, with demand strongest in education, manufacturing, health/social services and construction. Power Infrastructure for Renewables: GEN-I Sonce landed its first Romania EPC contract: a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery storage project, including a 110 kV substation and grid connection works. Labour Market Policy Watch: Germany plans tighter sick-leave rules from January—no phone sick notes; workers must see a doctor in person on day one, aiming to reduce absence-driven economic drag. EU Consumer & Textile Regulation: Several EU countries, including Slovenia, urged stricter rules on ultra-fast fashion, pushing for higher durability, recyclability and recycled-content standards. Food & Exports: Ecuador’s banana exports rose 6.75% in Jan–May 2026, with the EU (including Slovenia) a key destination.

Slovenia’s Labor Market: Registered unemployment in Slovenia fell to 42,245 in June, the lowest since 1990, while employers posted 15,244 vacancies—demand strongest in education, manufacturing, health and social services, and construction. EU Energy Investment: The European Commission and EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund disbursement for 51 clean energy projects across 11 EU states; Slovenia is set to receive €20.2m, supporting energy efficiency and cleaner infrastructure. Pharma Manufacturing in Ljubljana: Novartis launched a new 17,000 m² aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana, targeting liquid and freeze-dried medicines, with capacity for 30m+ syringes/vials and an initial workforce of 300. Industrial Decarbonisation Tech: A new EU-backed push aims to integrate solid oxide electrolyser cell tech into energy-intensive industries, combining renewable power, waste-heat recovery, and green hydrogen to speed industrial emissions cuts. Textiles Policy Pressure: Slovenia joined other EU states urging tougher rules on ultra-fast fashion, pushing for durability, recyclability, and higher sustainability standards in upcoming EU textile regulation.

Tour de France Watch: Tadej Pogačar starts his bid for a record fifth yellow jersey in Barcelona, with Jonas Vingegaard again framed as the main threat as the race heads into its 21-stage grind. Slovenia Jobs: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to the lowest level since 1990 in June, with job vacancies rising and demand strongest in education, manufacturing, health and social services, and construction. Pharma Manufacturing: Novartis launched a new 17,000 m² aseptic facility in Ljubljana, targeting liquid and freeze-dried medicines with capacity for 30+ million syringes and vials and an initial 300 jobs. EU Energy Funding: The European Commission and EIB disbursed €2.5bn from the Modernisation Fund for 51 clean energy projects across 11 EU states, including Slovenia, aimed at grids, storage, efficiency and industrial decarbonisation. Hydrogen & Industry Decarbonisation: A new EU-backed push targets integrating solid oxide electrolyser tech into energy-intensive industries, combining renewable power, waste-heat recovery and green hydrogen. Travel Retail Networking: CEETRA & Friends 2026 in Kranjska Gora spotlighted airport ecosystem collaboration, focusing on retail, F&B, services and tech to lift passenger experience and commercial performance. Biotech Leadership: Navigo Proteins appointed Dr Florian Settele as Managing Director of Navigo Pure to expand affinity chromatography and downstream bioprocessing offerings.

Clean Energy Finance: The EU Commission and the EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund round from EU ETS revenues for 51 clean energy projects across 11 countries, including Slovenia (€20.2m), targeting grid upgrades, renewables, storage, district heating and industrial efficiency. Pharma Manufacturing in Slovenia: Novartis launched a new 17,000 m² aseptic facility in Ljubljana for liquid and freeze-dried medicines, with isolator tech, a central quality lab, and an initial workforce of about 300, as part of a broader €600m investment push. Biotech Leadership Move: Navigo Proteins appointed Dr Florian Settele as Managing Director of Navigo Pure, strengthening its affinity chromatography and downstream bioprocessing business for biopharma manufacturing. Robotics Expansion: Yaskawa opened a new Kočevje distribution centre and production facility for robotic systems, aiming to process at least 80% of Europe/Middle East/Africa orders there by FY2027 and consolidate operations. Slovenian Startup Funding: SID Bank rolled out four new financing programmes worth €1bn, now allowing intellectual property to be used as loan collateral for R&D and growth capital. Food & Health Monitoring: A new EU-wide look at bathing water quality is raising alarm that official testing focuses on bacteria while chemical pollutants like PFAS and heavy metals may be missed.