AGP Executive Report

Labour Mobility & Fair Work: European Labour Authority chief Cosmin Boiangiu warns that AI, demographic shifts and geopolitical shocks are reshaping jobs fast, but enforcement must keep up to protect workers from exploitation and undeclared work. Slovenia’s Energy & Industry Push: Renault’s Slovenian Revoz plant in Novo Mesto is ramping up electric Twingo output, planning about 300 new hires and a second shift as orders exceed expectations, while conventional Clio production winds down. Rail Freight Reliability: Rail Cargo Group’s new Executive Board says its “Phoenix” competitiveness programme is improving capacity use and cross-border planning, with Slovenia’s Port of Koper access flagged as a key operational challenge. Air Defence for NATO: A Lockheed Martin UK-led consortium unveiled a plug-and-play NATO ground-based air defence concept, with Slovenia among participating nations. Tourism & Food Trade Links: Croatia’s Vrgorac hosts its Pršut and Wine festival, highlighting certified prosciutto and local agricultural products—also featuring Slovenian Karst prosciutto. EU Growth Divergence: Eurostat data shows the eurozone and EU contracted in Q1, but Spain grew, citing labour market dynamism and energy diversification; Slovenia is also noted among the slower-growing economies. Clean Transition Funding: Lithuania’s Social Climate Plan gets EU approval with €884m for energy-poor households, transport upgrades and EV charging expansion. Healthcare Vending: A Slovenian university study finds healthier hospital vending can shift purchases toward water, fruit and healthier snacks, even if total sales drop.

Slovenia–Israel Tensions: Janez Janša’s new government sparked a flag war after removing the Palestinian banner from the government palace, prompting President Nataša Pirc Musar to order it raised outside her residence for a week. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: India’s EAM S. Jaishankar congratulated newly sworn-in Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, signaling closer cooperation under the new right-wing coalition. Government Turnover: Within hours of taking office, Slovenia’s new cabinet filled senior posts across ministries, security bodies and state agencies, with many returning figures from earlier conservative-led governments. Industrial Shift (EVs): Renault’s Slovenian plant Revoz in Novo Mesto plans to hire about 300 workers and add a second shift as demand for the electric Twingo rises, while Clio 5 production winds down. Food & Health Tech: A Slovenian university study suggests healthier hospital vending options can shift purchases toward healthier items, even if total sales drop. Energy & Industry Finance: Resand expanded its Norion Bank equipment financing to €25m to scale foundry sand recycling and meet sustainability-driven demand. Regional Business/Logistics: Rail Cargo Group outlined a competitiveness push focused on cross-border planning and reliability, citing construction constraints around Slovenia’s Port of Koper.

Slovenia’s New Government Signals Shift in Policy: The US State Department congratulated Prime Minister Janez Janša and the newly confirmed cabinet, flagging closer cooperation on defense, energy resilience, and regional stability. Diplomatic Appointments: India’s Jaishankar also congratulated Tone Kajzer on becoming Slovenia’s foreign minister, as the new right-wing coalition takes office. Security and State Agencies Turnover: Within hours of taking office, the government moved familiar faces into senior roles across ministries, police, intelligence, infrastructure bodies, and state-controlled energy firms. EV Manufacturing Boost: Renault’s Slovenian plant Revoz in Novo Mesto plans a second shift and hiring of about 300 workers to ramp up electric Twingo output as orders exceed expectations. Rail Freight Focus: Rail Cargo Group’s new executive leadership doubles down on cross-border planning, shared standards, and its own traction—citing construction impacts around Slovenia’s Port of Koper. Health Tech in Slovenia: A Slovenian university study suggests healthier hospital vending options can shift purchases toward better choices, even if total sales dip. EU Energy Transition Context: Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan got EU approval, targeting energy-poor households, transport electrification, and charging expansion.

Slovenian EV Industry: Renault’s Revoz plant in Novo Mesto plans to hire about 300 workers and add a second shift as demand for the new electric Twingo keeps beating expectations, with Clio 5 production winding down and the site moving toward full EV output. Rail Freight & Logistics: Rail Cargo Group’s new Executive Board focus is on improving cross-border reliability and planning, including its Phoenix competitiveness programme and more end-to-end transport using its own traction—highlighting construction constraints around Slovenia’s Port of Koper. Public Health & Consumer Goods: A Slovenian hospital study suggests healthier vending options can shift buying habits toward water, juice and fruit (even if total sales drop), a useful signal for operators and healthcare procurement. Energy & Circular Industry: Resand expanded its Norion Bank loan facility to €25m to scale foundry sand reclamation and recycling as foundries push harder on sustainability targets. Nuclear Governance: Slovenia’s Nuclear Safety Administration hosted a workshop under the Joint Convention, bringing together representatives from 93 IAEA member states to share accession and reporting experience. EU Mobility Demand: ACI Europe reports passenger traffic in Europe fell slightly year-on-year in April, with Slovenia among the few markets showing growth.

Slovenia Politics: Slovenia’s right-of-centre government led by Janez Janša took office on 4 June, pledging tax cuts, faster administration, and a tougher fight against corruption. Agriculture & Food: Agriculture minister Janez Cigler Kralj says the priority is boosting food self-sufficiency while cutting red tape for farmers. Energy Governance: Slovenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, breaching separation of powers. EV Infrastructure: A new EIB-backed push will help Ireland expand public EV charging nationwide, with tools for local authorities and faster rollout. Energy Storage: EBRD backs a large battery storage project in Romania (127 MW / 254 MWh), with revenues linked to a Slovenian energy trader. Logistics Costs: CMA CGM announced a major peak-season container surcharge to the U.S. East Coast, including routes via Slovenia. Shipping & Nature: A study warns whale-strike risk is rising as vessels reroute around South Africa, with rerouting limited by missing offshore whale data. Aviation Disruption: Another airline bankruptcy wave continues, with European Cargo Limited entering administration. Tourism: Croatia’s tourism board reappointed Kristjan Staničić and reports strong early 2026 demand, including growth from Slovenia. Business Expansion: Cosmos Health expands its Sky Premium Life distribution across all 27 EU member states via Skroutz, including Slovenia.

Government Switch: Slovenia’s right-of-centre coalition led by PM Janez Janša took office on 4 June, promising tax cuts, faster administration, and a tougher anti-corruption push to reset the country’s growth model. Agriculture & Food: Agriculture minister Janez Cigler Kralj says he will boost food self-sufficiency while cutting red tape for farmers and pushing digitalisation. Energy Policy: Infrastructure and Energy Minister Jernej Vrtovec returns to the role, backing an “activism-free” approach to energy policy. Energy Governance: Slovenia’s ombudsman says the government interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, raising separation-of-powers concerns. EV Charging & Storage: Slovenia-linked energy trading shows up in EBRD-backed Romania battery storage, while Eleport’s chargers in the region are marketed as running on renewable electricity. Logistics Costs: CMA CGM announced a $2,600 peak-season surcharge for East Mediterranean to U.S. East Coast containers, including shipments routed from Slovenia. Local Business & Industry: Atlantic Grupa completed a €10m Donat plant upgrade and plans a further €60m investment drive in Slovenia. Agritech Innovation: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year, targeting better herd management and breeding outcomes. Tourism & Travel Friction: Slovenia blocked an Israeli charter flight over permit issues, sparking political backlash. Urban Pressure: A Ljubljana parking dispute is escalating into a major political test for Mayor Zoran Janković.

Energy & Infrastructure Deal: SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed a 15-year gas supply agreement for 33bn cubic metres from Azerbaijan’s Absheron field to Türkiye starting in 2029, with output planned above 4bn m³/year and about half aimed at Turkey; the contract is expected to unlock the 2026 final investment decision for full-scale development. Slovenia Energy Governance: Slovenia’s Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over electricity network charges, breaching separation of powers and fairness. Food & Consumer Industry: Atlantic Grupa completed a EUR 10m upgrade of its Donat mineral water bottling plant in Rogaška Slatina and plans a further EUR 60m investment drive over the next three years. Printing & Packaging Tech: Michelman showcased digital label and flexible packaging coating solutions at Dscoop Edge Slovenia, including PFAS-free, food-contact compliant primers for HP Indigo presses. Agriculture & Startups: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart cow collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026, helping farmers track reproduction cycles and improve breeding decisions. Labour Market: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to just over 43,000 in May, down 2.5% from April. EU Policy: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing competitiveness, skills, resilience and fiscal sustainability.

Energy & Regulation: Slovenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency over reforms to electricity network charges, raising separation-of-powers and fairness concerns. Power Markets: ELES is rolling out “electricity sharing” from July 1, letting solar owners pass surplus power to agreed recipients via the grid through a unified online portal. City Mobility & Politics: A Ljubljana parking dispute is escalating into a major test for Mayor Zoran Janković, after court-ordered suspension of fines and a new citywide traffic ordinance that extends paid parking rules to residential areas. Jobs: Slovenia’s registered unemployment fell to just over 43,000 in May, with new registrations mainly from manufacturing and retail layoffs. Agri Tech & Industry: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart cow collar won Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026, targeting better detection of heat cycles and herd management. Manufacturing & Exports: Michelman showcased digital label and flexible packaging coating solutions at Dscoop Edge Slovenia, including a PFAS-free, food-contact compliant primer for HP Indigo presses. Digital Security: SI-CERT at ARNES says it handles about 6,000 cyber incidents per year, after expanding its triage lines as demand grew. Business Landscape: Finance ranks Krka as Slovenia’s largest company again, with DARS and Petrol next.

Cybersecurity & Resilience: Slovenia’s national cyber response center SI-CERT (ARNES) is handling about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, with analysts running three triage lines for routine fraud, more complex cases, and dedicated phishing processing. Energy & Grid Flexibility: Elektro-Slovenija is rolling out “electricity sharing” for solar owners, with registration opening June 1 and the service set to start July 1 via the Moj elektro portal. EU Border Policy: The European Commission issued formal opinions urging nine Schengen states—including Slovenia—to wind down long internal border checks and rely on smarter, risk-based alternatives. Insurance & Climate Risk Tech: Generali is expanding Intermap’s Aquarius AI-enabled risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia to improve natural hazard and climate exposure assessment across underwriting and claims. Healthcare Pressure: OECD data highlights long specialist waiting times in Europe, with Slovenia reported at nearly two years for hip replacement. Agriculture & Red Tape: Slovenia’s agriculture minister candidate Janez Cigler Kralj pledged to boost food self-sufficiency and cut bureaucracy for farmers, including digitalization. Sports Infrastructure (Local Industry Tie-in): Connacht GAA’s AirDome—fabric manufactured in Slovenia—was reinflated after Storm Éowyn, with a full reopening expected in three to four weeks.

Energy & Grid Policy: Elektro-Slovenija (ELES) is rolling out electricity sharing in Slovenia from July 1, letting solar owners transfer surplus power to agreed recipients via the grid, with registration opening June 1 on Moj elektro. Insurance & Risk Tech: Generali is expanding its use of Intermap’s Aquarius AI-enabled risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia to better quantify natural hazard and climate exposure across underwriting, claims and reinsurance. Digital Governance: The Chamber of Commerce (GZS) is urging the incoming government to create a dedicated digital policy office after the Digital Transformation Ministry is abolished. Agriculture & Food Security: Janez Cigler Kralj, backed for agriculture minister, says he will boost food self-sufficiency, cut red tape and push digitalization in farming. Foreign Policy & Business Links: Slovenia’s new foreign minister candidate Tone Kajzer outlines a more pragmatic, pro-US approach while keeping pro-Ukraine policy and prioritizing economic diplomacy and regional cooperation. EU Mobility Rules: The European Commission issued formal opinions to nine Schengen states, including Slovenia, urging them to wind down internal border checks. Sports Infrastructure (Local Industry Angle): Connacht GAA’s AirDome—fabric manufactured in Slovenia—has been reinflated and is expected back in use by late June after Storm Éowyn damage.

Slovenia-Serbia Business Links: The Slovenian Business Club is pushing deeper regional connectivity with Serbia, highlighting logistics, digitalisation and long-term partnerships through events like “Logistics Pulse of the Region” and CEO gatherings. Agriculture Policy: Candidate agriculture minister Janez Cigler Kralj says he will boost food self-sufficiency and security, cut red tape and digitalise farming. Energy & Industry Risk: Intermap and Generali expand Intermap’s AI-enabled Aquarius risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, aiming to better quantify natural hazard and climate risks across the insurance lifecycle. Infrastructure Speed-Up: Slovenia’s infrastructure and energy minister candidate Jernej Vrtovec outlines faster procedures for Krško 2 and a special law to speed up siting of infrastructure projects. Consumer Green Claims: The EU Commission starts infringement steps against Slovenia and 19 others over delayed transposition of green claims and sustainability label rules. Regional Trade & Investment: A Slovenian business delegation heads to Argentina and Chile for forums and B2B meetings to sign cooperation memoranda. Transport Modernisation: Stadler wins a contract to supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric train sets, supporting cross-border rail compatibility with Serbia.

Defence & Security: Slovenia’s defence minister candidate Valentin Hajdinjak backed in parliament, pushing higher defence spending, recruitment and an intelligence overhaul, with a focus on strengthening the domestic defence industry. Energy Infrastructure: Jernej Vrtovec, confirmed as infrastructure and energy minister candidate, says he will speed up Krško 2-related procedures and introduce a special law to accelerate infrastructure siting. Nuclear Research & Grid Planning: Vrtovec’s push lands as Slovenia’s nuclear research community highlights TRIGA’s role after 60 years, while EU-wide permitting rules continue to tighten across energy projects. Agriculture Policy: Janez Cigler Kralj targets higher food self-sufficiency, de-bureaucratization and digitalization in agriculture. Climate Risk for Insurers: Generali expands Intermap’s AI-enabled Aquarius risk platform to Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, aiming to better quantify natural hazard and climate-related risks across the insurance lifecycle. EU Consumer Green Claims: The European Commission starts infringement steps against Slovenia and 19 others for not fully transposing green claims and sustainability label rules. Energy Storage Debate: At a Ljubljana energy conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand, stressing seasonal storage and gas as a balancing tool. Rail Modernisation: Stadler wins a contract to supply FLIRT electric trains for Montenegro, with cross-border compatibility including Slovenia.

Severe Weather Watch: Serbia’s hydrometeorological institute has issued alerts for unstable conditions, with an orange warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected to spread from Slovenia toward Croatia and on to Serbia, while Slovenia and Croatia also reported storm activity and renewed risk of severe weather. Rail Modernisation: Stadler will supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric multiple units, supporting cross-border travel with Serbia and boosting public transport appeal. EU Border Tech: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across all 29 Schengen countries, with a rollout timeline and new rules for biometric checks at external borders. Energy & Industry: Slovenia flagged high energy prices as a competitiveness drag in EU talks on an Industrial Accelerator Act, while local experts stressed energy efficiency first and the need for storage and system interconnection. Slovenian Politics: Janez Janša is set to return as prime minister for a fourth term, with parliamentary hearings for the incoming cabinet expected in early June. Agriculture Tech: An AI agronomic advisor is turning fragmented farm data into real-time, multilingual decisions for protected cultivation growers. Film Funding: Slovenia’s Film Centre distributed €285,800 for three co-financed films, including one feature and two mid-length fiction projects.

Slovenia’s NATO Defence Numbers Under Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns outgoing PM Janez Janša that Slovenia’s “core defence” spending is below the 2% target once non-core projects are excluded, citing a gap of about €300m (around 1.6% of GDP). EU Consumer Rules Enforcement: The European Commission opens infringement proceedings against Slovenia and 19 others for not fully transposing 2024 consumer-protection rules for the green transition, including anti-greenwashing and clearer sustainability claims. Energy Security for Industry: Slovenia tells EU industry ministers that high energy prices still threaten long-term competitiveness, even as it supports the Industrial Accelerator Act. Energy Storage Debate: At an all-Slovenian energy conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand; cross-sector links and seasonal storage—where gas can help—are key. Border Tech Update: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across Schengen since 10 April 2026, with millions of crossings processed and thousands of refusals. Local Film Funding: The Slovenian Film Centre distributes €285,800 to support three co-financed productions, including one feature and two mid-length fiction films. Rail Modernisation in the Region: Stadler signs a deal to supply Montenegro with three four-car FLIRT electric train sets, boosting cross-border interoperability with Serbia. Agriculture Data-to-Action Push: Terra Oracle AI pitches an AI agronomic advisor to turn fragmented farm data into real-time, actionable decisions for protected cultivation growers.

Slovenia’s Defence Numbers Under Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns outgoing PM Janez Janša that Slovenia’s “core defence” spending is closer to 1.6% of GDP than the 2% claimed, citing inflated figures that include projects not meeting the agreed definition. Energy for Industry: Slovenia tells EU ministers that high energy prices still threaten industrial competitiveness, even as the EU pushes an Industrial Accelerator plan. Energy Storage Debate: At a Ljubljana conference, Bitenc argues electrification alone won’t solve peak demand; it says gas is key for seasonal storage while batteries and pumped hydro mainly cover shorter periods. Protected Farming Gets an AI Boost: Terra Oracle AI pitches an agronomic advisor that turns fragmented protected cultivation data into real-time, multilingual decisions for irrigation, nutrients, salinity, disease risk and climate control. Consumer Rules Enforcement: The European Commission opens infringement steps against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose updated consumer protection rules tied to the green transition and anti-greenwashing. Film Funding in Ljubljana: The Slovenian Film Centre distributes €285,800 to support three low-budget productions, including one feature and two mid-length fiction films. Labour Costs Pressure: Slovenia’s chamber of commerce reports over half of firms saw labour costs per employee rise by more than 10% in the past year.

Energy & Industry Competitiveness: Slovenia told EU industry ministers that high energy prices are still a major drag on competitiveness, even as the EU pushes its Industrial Accelerator Act. Energy Storage & Grid Integration: In Ljubljana, Bitenc argued that electrification alone won’t solve seasonal shortages; linking electricity, gas and heat plus better storage is key, with gas singled out for winter peaks. Corporate Efficiency Push: Experts at a Belgrade panel urged companies to “fix” energy efficiency first, then move toward new energy sources, as Serbia plans major energy investment through 2035. EU Rules & Compliance: The European Commission opened infringement steps against Slovenia for failing to fully transpose consumer-protection rules tied to the green transition and greenwashing prevention. Defence Spending Scrutiny: NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Slovenia’s outgoing PM that reported defence spending may overstate “core” spending, putting the 2% target into question. Agri Tech: An AI agronomic advisor is turning fragmented farm data into real-time, multilingual decisions for protected cultivation growers. Mobility & Logistics Tech: Slovenian tracker maker Chipolo partnered with Mercedes-Benz to sell a branded car key finder made in Trbovlje. Film Production Support: Slovenia’s Film Centre distributed €285,800 for three low-budget co-financed films.