AGP Executive Report

Android Fraud Wave: Group-IB warns that WindRelay malware can turn Android phones into remote NFC card readers, relaying contactless payment data in real time and enabling fast fraud after a single phone call. EU Climate Snapshot: Eurostat reports EU greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.3% in Q1 2026, with electricity and transport/storage driving increases while households and manufacturing cooled. Slovenia Policy & Funding: Slovenia’s storage grant scheme reportedly closed early after massive interest, while a ministry audit flags a €19.9m gap tied to the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning. Regional Industry Support: CEE Animation’s CODA co-development awards open for early-stage animation funding across Slovenia and partners, with applications due 27 September 2026. Eurovision Rules Shake-Up: Eurovision is moving toward fully online voting for 2027 and tightening hosting eligibility—countries in armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations can be barred from hosting. Circularity Pressure: Türkiye faces a growing microplastic crisis along its Mediterranean coast, linked partly to record plastic waste imports, with Slovenia named among key source countries.

Fast-Fashion Fraud: A new look at the fast-fashion model highlights how fragmented global supply chains and weak oversight enable undervaluation, transshipment, greenwashing and platform-fueled counterfeiting—creating systemic openings for fraud investigators. Cybercrime in Payments: Group-IB reports WindRelay malware that turns Android phones into remote contactless card readers via NFC relay, paired with SpyNote remote access—letting attackers drain accounts in minutes after a single phone call. EU Climate Signals: Eurostat data shows EU greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.3% in Q1 2026, with growth slowing versus late 2025 and manufacturing/transport easing while power and gas still drive increases. Slovenia/Region Policy & Funding: Slovenia’s storage grant scheme closed early after massive interest, while a CODA co-development animation awards call opens for early-stage projects across Slovenia and the region. Eurovision Rules Overhaul: Eurovision is moving toward wholly online audience voting for 2027 and tightening hosting eligibility—winners in “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical” situations will be automatically ineligible to host next year; Burgas is confirmed as 2027 host.

Cybersecurity & Payments: WindRelay malware turns Android phones into fake contactless payment terminals, relaying card data in real time to enable remote fraud across Central and Eastern Europe. Public Sector Oversight: Slovenia’s Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning faces new audit findings on staffing and EU-fund drawdowns, with a reported €19.9m gap tied to infrastructure restoration and the Velenje Coal Mine closure. Energy Storage in the Region: GEN-I takes over management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and signs for nine more projects, pushing cross-border grid flexibility. Animation Funding: CEE Animation launches the CODA co-development awards, inviting early-stage animated film and series teams from Slovenia and the region to apply by 27 September 2026. EU Policy & Food Labels: Coverage highlights that Nutri-Score harmonisation is unlikely, mapping alternative front-of-pack schemes across Europe, including labels used in Croatia and Slovenia. Slovenia in Culture/Industry: The International Foundry Community meets again in Portorož, underlining ongoing industrial networking in Slovenia. Eurovision Rules: Eurovision tightens 2027 hosting rules—winners can be barred if their country is in an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation—while also raising the minimum performer age to 18.

Cybersecurity & Payments: WindRelay malware is turning Android phones into fake contactless card readers, relaying NFC data in real time with SpyNote to drain accounts in about 13 minutes, leaving banks scrambling. Energy Storage in Slovenia: Borzen has closed its non-repayable battery energy storage grant 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. EU Funding & Environment Governance: Audits into Slovenia’s Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning point to a roughly €19.9m hole tied to budget execution gaps, with a net estimated gap of about €11.6m and low EU fund drawdown by mid-June. Rail & Cross-Border Freight: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, extending homologation to Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia and boosting multi-network freight flexibility. Animation & Regional Industry: CEE Animation launched the CODA co-development awards, inviting Slovenia and other regional producers to apply for early-stage animated film and series funding. Food Policy Watch: Europe’s front-of-pack nutrition labels are diverging beyond Nutri-Score, with schemes like Italy’s NutrInform Battery and traffic-light style systems shaping consumer choices. Culture & Hosting Rules: Eurovision tightened 2027 hosting rules so winners can be automatically ineligible if their country is in an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation.

Energy & Storage: Slovenia’s grid operator Borzen shut its non-repayable battery storage grant call 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). Energy & Markets: GEN-I also expanded abroad, taking over commercial management of two 200 MW-class battery projects in Bulgaria (505 MWh total) and is set to manage nine more BESS sites under a new deal. EU Funding & Power Security: Romania asked EU bodies for help as it prepares to shut Cernavoda Unit 2 and seeks to extend coal operations, with coordination discussed to cover peak needs including support for Slovenia. Rail Freight: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, extending its cross-border freight reach and adding homologation for Slovenia among other markets. Cybercrime: A new Android fraud setup combines SpyNote and WindRelay to turn phones into fake contactless payment readers, enabling card-present relay fraud in about 13 minutes. Industry Event: Slovenia’s Portorož will host the 66th International Foundry Conference, bringing Europe’s casting sector together on casting tech, sustainability and digitalization. Local Governance/Environment: Audits flagged a €19.9m gap at Slovenia’s Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, alongside staffing and EU-fund drawdown concerns.

Energy Storage Push in Slovenia: Borzen closed its non-repayable grant scheme for battery energy storage systems early, after demand topped €20m against a €10m pot, with support up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) and processing continuing for applications received before Aug 8. Rail Freight Expansion: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, lifting its fleet to 144 and extending homologation to Germany, Austria, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia—aimed at smoother heavy freight across electrified and non-electrified routes. Cross-Border Grid Planning: Romania activated EU coordination to manage electricity risk as it prepares to shut Cernavoda Unit 2 and seeks flexibility on coal plants, with discussions pointing to support that could cover peak needs including for Slovenia. Cybercrime Watch: A new Android fraud setup pairs SpyNote remote-access malware with WindRelay NFC relay tech, enabling fast card-present takeovers after a bank-impersonation call—fraud reported within about 13 minutes. Industry Networking in Portorož: The 66th International Foundry Conference returns to Slovenia’s Adriatic coast in September, bringing together casting decision-makers on casting tech, sustainability, digitalization and materials engineering. Local Business & Jobs: GEN-I took over commercial management of 200 MW / 505 MWh of battery storage in Bulgaria and will also optimize nine more BESS projects there under a broader partnership.

Energy & Storage: Slovenia’s grid operator Borzen has closed its non-repayable grant call for battery energy storage systems early, after receiving applications worth more than twice the €10m available—278 submissions in the first three days—while support can cover up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh). Cross-Border Power Markets: GEN-I will manage and optimize 200 MW / 505 MWh of battery storage in Bulgaria and will also take on nine more BESS projects there under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. EU Industry Funding (Wood): Slovenia’s Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sports is set to publish an EU-backed call worth €15.72m (ERDF €13.35m) to help wood-processing firms invest in sustainable and digital upgrades for a circular economy. Logistics & Rail: DP World completed a first finished-vehicle rail run from Zeebrugge to Aiud (Romania) and plans twice-monthly services from late 2026, with Aiud positioned as a distribution hub and potential links to Koper in Slovenia. Transport Infrastructure (Tourism Access): From 1 September 2026, new parking spaces at the top of the Vršič Pass will open as part of road reconstruction, with free parking through end-2026 and barrier-based access to manage capacity. E-commerce & Retail: Temu is expanding its local-seller and logistics footprint in Slovenia, timed with EU changes ending customs-duty exemptions for low-value parcels and tightening marketplace accountability rules.

Energy & Storage Deal: GEN-I will manage 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria (505 MWh total) and has signed to take on nine more BESS projects there, adding 195 MW and 782 MWh—covering market optimization, balancing services and trading. Industrial Tech & Networking: The 66th International Foundry Conference returns to Portorož this September, bringing together foundry decision-makers and engineers to discuss casting technology, sustainability, digitalization and materials. EU Policy & Compliance: After the MiCA deadline, only 281 of 1,343 EEA crypto firms secured authorization by July 1, leaving 1,062 to exit, restructure or transfer customers. Logistics & Rail Freight: DP World completed a finished-vehicle rail pilot from Zeebrugge to Aiud (Romania) and plans twice-monthly services in 2H 2026, with potential links to Koper in Slovenia. Slovenia Infrastructure: From 1 September 2026, new parking at the top of the Vršič Pass will open (including spaces for cars, buses, motorcycles and disabled visitors), with free parking through end-2026. Food & Drink Culture: Prosecco Day on 13 August spotlights the sparkling’s global export boom, with the village near Trieste tied to the name. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as Earth’s hottest month on record, according to NOAA.

Rail & Freight: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives after Slovenia and Croatia approvals, aiming to strengthen heavy freight links across Central Europe, the Adriatic and the Balkans toward Türkiye. Transport Infrastructure (Slovenia): New parking spaces at the top of the Vršič Pass open from 1 September 2026, with free parking through year-end and a barrier system to manage access. Circular Construction (EU/Slovenia): The REMADE project is pushing a “Renovation-as-a-Service” model for neighbourhoods, with partners including Slovenia, combining modular building, digital tools and community input to cut waste and disruption. Defense Industry (Slovenia): Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto a General Dynamics ASCOD demonstrator at FIDMA 2026, targeting drone-era battlefield needs. E-commerce & Logistics (Slovenia/EU): Temu expands its Slovenian seller network and logistics cooperation with Pošta Slovenije as EU rules tighten cross-border e-commerce customs. Energy & Industry (EU): EU approved €59m battery storage aid in Slovenia, supporting grid flexibility as demand and renewables grow. Tourism & Water Stress (EU): A new EU focus on water scarcity highlights how heat and overuse are squeezing Europe’s water systems, with implications for food security and industry.

Intermodal Logistics: DP World completed its first finished-vehicle rail run from Zeebrugge to Aiud (Romania), planning twice-monthly services in H2 2026 and positioning Aiud as a regional hub—plus potential links from Aiud to ports including Koper in Slovenia, with DP World estimating up to 55% lower CO₂ versus long-haul trucking. Slovenia Mobility & Tourism: New parking spaces at the top of Vršič Pass open from 1 September 2026 as part of the road reconstruction, with free parking until end-2026 and barrier-based access plus real-time occupancy signs for public lots. Retail & E-commerce: Temu is expanding its Slovenian seller network and logistics footprint as EU rules tighten cross-border e-commerce—after the EU ended the €150 customs-duty exemption for low-value parcels from 1 July. Aviation Finance: Fraport reported higher revenue and EBITDA in H1 2026, but net profit fell 47.7% due to interest expenses tied to new terminals, including Ljubljana. Defense Industry (Slovenia): Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD demonstrator at FIDMA 2026, targeting drone-centric threats. Energy & Heat: Krško nuclear output was reduced to 80% due to high Sava River temperatures, as drought and heat stress ripple across regional power systems. Regional Tourism: Croatia posted its strongest July in two years, while June showed a hit—especially from Germany, where overnight stays fell 28%.

E-commerce & Logistics in Slovenia: Temu is expanding its Slovenian seller network and logistics footprint via partnerships with Start Slovenia and Pošta Slovenije, aiming to keep cross-border delivery efficient as the EU ends the EUR 150 customs-duty exemption from July 1—raising costs and pushing platforms toward more local sourcing and fulfillment. Industrial Restructuring: Croatia’s Chromos, a major paints and varnishes producer with roots back to 1920, is shutting production in Croatia after 106 years; Kansai Helios will continue manufacturing in Slovenia and Serbia while keeping only a sales network in Zagreb. Defense & Manufacturing: Slovenian Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026, highlighting growing demand for drone-capable armored systems. Energy & Grid Pressure in the Region: Romania is allowing Transelectrica to restrict industrial electricity use and curb exports amid drought and heatwave impacts, with Slovenia’s Krško nuclear output also reduced due to high river temperatures. EU Battery Storage Support: The European Commission approved Slovenian state aid for grid battery storage, including a 59 million euro battery storage package and a scheme supporting 370MWh. Trade & Export Diversification: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters added 117 new markets between 2013 and 2025, with Slovenia listed among emerging destinations.

Energy & Industry Policy: The EU has approved a €59m battery storage aid scheme in Slovenia, backing grid-scale capacity to stabilize supply. Defense Manufacturing: Valhalla Turrets (Slovenia) integrated its MANGART 30 remote turret onto an ASCOD infantry vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone threats. Climate & Agriculture: UK harvest is starting up to weeks early after heat stress cut grain yields, with farmers facing tighter margins. Power Under Pressure: Croatia and the wider region feel the heat as drought and river temperatures force output limits, including Krško’s reduced power to 80% affecting cross-border electricity flows. Circular Economy: A new report highlights countries recycling far more than others, pointing to producer responsibility schemes and deposit systems as key drivers. Tourism & Business: Skift named Ljubljana Tourism among finalists for the 2026 IDEA Awards, with AI, sustainability and community-focused travel themes standing out. Local Governance & Politics: Slovenia’s Janša government is pushing a “superreferendum” on 11 October to reshape institutions and public broadcasting financing. Logistics & Trade: DP World pilots a Western Europe–Romania intermodal corridor for finished vehicles, with Aiud positioned as a regional distribution hub.

Energy & Industry Policy (Slovenia): The European Commission approved a €59m Slovenian state-aid scheme to build at least 370 MWh of stand-alone battery storage, aiming to strengthen grid stability as renewables grow. Nuclear & Regional Power (Croatia/Slovenia): Croatia says supply remains secure even with Slovenia’s Krško plant cutting output to 80% due to high Sava River temperatures and low water levels, with backup generation and market purchases if needed. Defense Tech (Slovenia): Valhalla Turrets integrated its Slovenian MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto an ASCOD infantry vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026 in Spain, targeting drone-heavy battlefield threats. Climate & Food (Europe/UK): A UNEP report pushes “just transition” into laws and court decisions, while UK grain yields are hit as heat shifts harvest dates earlier and reduces cereal performance. Logistics & Trade (Europe): DP World pilots a Western Europe–Romania intermodal corridor for finished vehicles, using Aiud as a regional distribution hub. Local Politics (Slovenia): Janša’s government is set to use a “superreferendum” on 11 October to bundle major institutional and social changes into one ballot.

EU Climate Justice: UNEP says countries are turning “just transition” pledges into enforceable laws, public policies, institutions and court decisions, arguing climate action must be fair and rights-based across energy, mining, construction and agriculture. Slovenia Energy Storage: The European Commission approved a €59m Slovenian state-aid scheme for battery energy storage, backing at least 370 MWh to strengthen grid stability as renewables grow. Retail Logistics Tech: Instaleap (now part of Instacart) will power SPAR Slovenia’s e-grocery fulfillment and last-mile delivery, aiming to standardize workflows and improve delivery coordination across stores. Nuclear Power Watch: Croatia says supply remains secure even if Krško cuts output to 80% due to high Sava temperatures and low water levels, with backup generation and market purchases planned. Defense Industry (Slovenian): Valhalla Turrets integrated its MANGART 30 remote-controlled turret onto a Slovenian-built ASCOD vehicle demonstrator at FIDMA 2026, targeting drone threats. Heat & Farming Pressure: UK harvest is arriving up to weeks early, with drought and heat stressing cereal yields—an early warning for agriculture under extreme weather.

Energy & Grid Security: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plant cut output to 80% amid high Sava River temperatures, with Croatia saying supply remains secure even if the reactor stops, by ramping other generation and buying power on the market. EU Clean Energy Investment: The European Commission approved a €59m Slovenian state-aid scheme for battery energy storage, backing at least 370 MWh of new capacity to strengthen grid reliability as renewables expand. Retail Logistics in Slovenia: Instaleap (now part of Instacart) signed a strategic partnership with SPAR Slovenia to run e-grocery fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and marketplace integrations—aimed at scaling omnichannel operations. Heatwave Pressure Across Europe: Record heat in Austria (41.2°C) and drought-driven power curbs in Hungary underline how extreme weather is reshaping electricity demand and generation across the region. Solar Safety Watch: A multinational review led with Slovenia’s ZAG finds PV-related fires are still relatively uncommon, with DC-side cables and connectors often implicated as weak points.

EU Energy & Industry: The European Commission approved a €59m Slovenian state aid scheme to build at least 370 MWh of new battery storage, aiming to boost grid stability as renewables grow. Heatwave & Power Security: Croatia says electricity supply will stay secure even as the Krško nuclear plant cuts output to 80% due to high Sava river temperatures and low water levels; Slovenia and Croatia are coordinating monitoring and market purchases if needed. Retail Logistics in Slovenia: Instaleap (now part of Instacart) signed a strategic partnership with SPAR Slovenia to run its e-grocery fulfillment and last-mile delivery, supporting SPAR’s omnichannel push. Solar Safety Watch: A multinational review led by Slovenia’s ZAG suggests photovoltaic fires remain relatively uncommon, with cables and connectors often implicated when incidents happen. Slovenian Politics: Prime Minister Janez Janša’s government is pushing an unprecedented “superreferendum” on 11 October, bundling multiple votes to reshape institutions and social assistance rules. Regional Context: Across Europe, record heat and drought are driving power curbs and stressing generation, with Austria hitting a new high of 41.2°C.