AGP Executive Report

Referendums: Slovenian voters rejected abolishing the RTV subscription and changes to the parliamentary inquiry law in a four-referendum vote that exposed deep political divisions. A proposal to end non-EU citizens’ local voting rights was also on the ballot. Environment: Eurostat says Slovenia collected less than 30% of its e-waste in 2024, well below the EU target, as Brussels prepares to revise recycling rules. Culture: Two films are competing at the Festival of Slovenian Film in Portorož, while Slovenian-Italian short Cosmonauts won the Animest Trophy and Audience Award in Romania. Research: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested fruit and vegetables had higher vitamin levels. Separately, radioactive-waste agency ARAO assessed options for disposing of spent fuel from the TRIGA II research reactor. Sport: Ljubljana-based goalkeeper Som Kumar says he is focused on building his career in Slovenia with ND Slovan.

Nuclear Waste: Slovenia’s radioactive-waste agency says a study found spent fuel from the TRIGA II research reactor could be added to a planned repository for Krško nuclear plant waste, with little extra cost and no major safety or scheduling impact. EU Policy: Slovenia joined 12 other member states calling for simpler rules, faster implementation of EU laws and reviews of existing compliance burdens before new obligations are added. Referendums: Voters delivered mixed results on four ballots, rejecting changes to public broadcaster funding and parliamentary inquiry rules while supporting an end to local voting rights for non-EU citizens. Culture: Slovenian-Italian animated short Cosmonauts won the top prize and audience award at Bucharest’s Animest festival; two Slovenian features are also competing at the Festival of Slovenian Film in Portorož. Cross-Border Pollution: A Croatian investigation into illegal waste dumping found hazardous material from Slovenia, Italy and Germany among shipments allegedly mislabeled as non-hazardous.

Culture: Slovenian-Italian animated short Cosmonauts, directed by Leo Černic, won the Animest Trophy and is now eligible for Oscar consideration. Two Slovenian features are also competing at the Festival of Slovenian Film in Portorož, running through 18 October. Politics: Four referendums exposed Slovenia’s political divide, with voters rejecting some proposed reforms, including changes to the parliamentary inquiry law and abolishing the RTV subscription. Housing: Slovenian rents rose 10% year-on-year in the second quarter, the EU’s third-steepest increase. Green technology: University of Ljubljana researchers found that light-converting coatings could help solar panels produce more energy over time by reducing ultraviolet damage.

Referendums: Slovenia’s four votes delivered a mixed result, with record turnout of about 54.6%. Voters rejected changes to parliamentary inquiries and narrowly opposed scrapping RTV Slovenija’s licence fee; they backed community-service requirements for welfare recipients and restrictions on non-EU citizens’ local voting rights. The broadcaster vote remains subject to postal ballots. Housing: Rents in Slovenia rose 10% year on year in the second quarter, the EU’s third-steepest increase, according to Eurostat data. Clean Technology: University of Ljubljana researchers say UV-converting protective layers could help TOPCon solar panels produce more energy over time by reducing UV damage while turning some UV light into usable visible light. Food and Farming: A Slovenian study found freshly harvested local apples, strawberries and carrots had higher levels of some vitamins than store-bought or imported samples, though results varied by crop.

Referendum Results: Slovenian voters rejected changes to parliamentary inquiry rules, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Janez Janša. They backed making social assistance conditional on community service and restricting non-EU citizens’ local voting rights. A proposal to scrap RTV Slovenija’s licence fee was narrowly rejected by 692 votes in the preliminary count; postal ballots are still to be added. Turnout topped 54%, a record for a referendum. Cost of Living: Slovenia recorded the EU’s third-highest rent increase, at 10% year-on-year in the second quarter. Food Research: A University of Ljubljana study found locally harvested apples, strawberries and carrots had higher levels of some vitamins than imported or stored produce, though results varied by food.

Referendum setback: Slovenian voters rejected a government-backed expansion of parliamentary inquiry powers, with about 51% voting no in a binding referendum. Turnout topped 54%, making the result a major test for Prime Minister Janez Janša. Other votes: Voters narrowly rejected abolishing the RTV subscription, while advisory votes backed conditioning social assistance on community service and restricting local election rights to Slovenian and EU citizens. The advisory results are not legally binding. Freight links: A derailment has closed Croatia’s Zagreb–Rijeka rail line for up to a week. Slovenia’s Pivka route is a limited alternative, renewing calls to upgrade the cross-border corridor.

Referendums: Slovenian voters went to the polls Sunday in four ballots, a first major test for Prime Minister Janez Janša’s government. They weighed changes to parliamentary investigations, ending the RTV Slovenia subscription fee, tying social assistance to community service and limiting local-election voting rights to Slovenian and EU citizens. Public Media: The RTV vote comes amid calls for Slovenia to protect the broadcaster’s independent, sustainable funding. Tech: Slovenia’s .si domain registrations surged after US President Donald Trump promoted “super intelligence” as a replacement term for AI, with nearly 20,000 names registered in one 24-hour period. Culture: Slovenian artist Eva Petrič’s lace dove, made with contributions from more than 500 lacemakers across 11 countries, is on display at Milwaukee City Hall, recalling the Holocaust and Idrija’s centuries-old lace tradition.

Referendum Day: More than 3,000 polling stations are open across Slovenia until 7 p.m. as voters decide four questions, in the first major test for Janez Janša’s government. They concern parliamentary investigations, the RTV Slovenia licence fee, community-service conditions for social assistance and non-EU citizens’ voting rights in local elections. The parliamentary law vote is binding; at least one-fifth of eligible voters must vote against it to reject the law. Results are expected after 8:30 p.m. Tech: Slovenia’s .si domain registrations surged to 19,541 in 24 hours on Oct. 9, about five times the usual pace, amid a global rush for names linked to “super intelligence.” Hostinger data showed India narrowly ahead of the United States. Regional ties: Slovenia and Vietnam are looking to deepen cooperation, with Vietnam’s ambassador urging Ljubljana to ratify an investment-protection agreement and explore links between the Port of Koper and Vietnamese ports. Culture: Slovenian director Jernej Lorenci’s production will feature in the Balkan Theatre Festival in Bulgaria, running Nov. 1–7.

Referendums: Slovenian voters head to the polls today on four proposals covering parliamentary inquiries, public broadcaster funding, work requirements for welfare and non-EU citizens’ local voting rights. The campaign has deepened the divide between Janez Janša’s conservatives and the governing left. Media freedom groups warn that scrapping RTV Slovenija’s licence fee without protected replacement funding could threaten its independence. Tech: Tesla has renamed its European driver-assistance system “Tesla Assisted Driving” after German objections to “Full Self-Driving.” Germany is backing an EU-wide approval push, while Slovenia is already among eight countries where the system is approved. Digital Slovenia: Registrations of .si domains surged to nearly 19,500 in 24 hours, as the global “super intelligence” trend fuels speculation; Hostinger data puts India just ahead of the US. Culture: Slovenia will be represented at next month’s Balkan Theatre Festival in Bulgaria, with a production by theatres in Kranj and Ptuj.

Referendums: Slovenia votes Sunday on four proposals covering non-EU citizens’ local voting rights, social assistance, public broadcaster funding and parliamentary inquiries. About 1.7 million voters are expected, amid a sharp divide between Janez Janša’s conservatives and the governing left. Media Freedom: Press groups warn that scrapping RTV Slovenija’s licence fee without secure replacement funding, alongside proposed changes to management appointments, could weaken the broadcaster’s independence. Digital Slovenia: A surge linked to Donald Trump’s “SI” rebrand drove 19,541 .si domain registrations in 24 hours; Hostinger’s figures put India just ahead of the US among buyers. Technology: Tesla has renamed its driver-assistance system in Europe after German objections to “Full Self-Driving.” Slovenia is already among the countries where the system is approved, as Berlin pushes for EU-wide authorisation with a 10% speed-limit cap. Sport and Wine: Primož Roglič’s European road-race title on home roads gave Slovenia a cycling highlight, while northeastern Štajerska has been ranked Europe’s top wine region for 2027.

Referendums: Slovenes vote Sunday on four proposals covering public broadcaster funding, social assistance, local voting rights for non-EU citizens and parliamentary inquiries. The vote has become a test of the country’s political divide, with Janez Janša’s conservative bloc backing all four and the governing coalition opposing them. Media freedom groups warn that scrapping RTV Slovenija’s licence fee without protected replacement funding could weaken its independence. Tech and Business: Slovenia’s .si domain saw 19,541 new registrations in 24 hours, about five times its usual pace, amid a global rush sparked by US President Donald Trump’s “super intelligence” rebrand. India narrowly led the US among Hostinger customers registering names. Transport: Tesla has renamed its European driver-assistance system, now approved in Slovenia, “Tesla Assisted Driving.” Germany is backing EU-wide approval, with a proposed speed cap of 10% above posted limits. Tourism and Culture: Štajerska, in northeastern Slovenia, topped a new European wine-region ranking for 2027, praised for its wine heritage, landscapes and hospitality.

Media Independence: European media groups have urged Slovenia’s parliament to pause changes they say could weaken RTV Slovenija’s independence, warning that ending its licence-fee funding without a protected alternative risks financial stability. Voters are due to weigh the fee in an October 11 referendum. Budgets: Prime Minister Janez Janša says the proposed 2027–28 budgets fund his government’s development agenda, including lower labour taxes, investment and housing support. Tourism: Štajerska has been named Europe’s top wine region for 2027, with Maribor’s historic vine, old cellars and family wineries among its draws. Cycling: Primož Roglič claimed his first European road-racing title on home roads, rescuing Slovenia’s campaign in the absence of Tadej Pogačar. Technology: Slovenia is among eight EU countries where Tesla’s supervised driver-assistance system is authorized; Germany is pushing for wider EU approval, while insisting drivers remain responsible.

Health: Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital doctors describe treating a severe, drug-resistant hip infection with staged surgery and antibiotics delivered directly into the joint. Tech: Slovenia’s .si domains are drawing a surge of speculative interest after Donald Trump promoted “super intelligence” as a replacement for AI; reports of early registrations have not established that buyers knew of his plans. Cycling: Primož Roglič claimed his first European title on home roads, delivering a major win for Slovenia without Tadej Pogačar. Economy: Bank of Slovenia chief Primož Dolenc said core inflation remains contained, cooling expectations of near-term European Central Bank rate hikes. Wine and tourism: Štajerska took the top spot in a European wine-region ranking, praised for its cool-climate wines, historic cellars and growing visitor appeal.

Technology: Slovakia is poised to approve Tesla’s driver-assistance system, joining Slovenia and several other EU states; independent safety researchers have questioned the data Tesla used to promote it, with an EU-wide decision possible in December. Digital Economy: Slovenia’s .si domains have drawn a surge of registrations and high-priced listings after Donald Trump promoted “super intelligence.” The timing has prompted speculation, but there is no proof buyers knew of his plans in advance. Cycling: Primož Roglič won the European time-trial title on home roads in Šenčur, giving Slovenia a gold medal at its championships. Tourism: A €15 million EU-backed call will support regional destination management and sustainable tourism, with the government saying the projects should benefit residents as well as visitors. Wine: Štajerska was ranked Europe’s top wine region, praised for its cool-climate wines, historic cellars and wine-tourism offer.

Cycling: Primož Roglič delivered Slovenia’s first medal at its home European Championships, winning the time trial title to close the event in style. Regional diplomacy: Slovenia joined the other Med9 countries in Split, where leaders called protection of the EU’s external borders a shared responsibility and urged greater solidarity during migration crises. Technology: 5G has overtaken 4G in Slovenia’s mobile market, while registrations of .si web domains surged after the US “super intelligence” rebrand. Wine and tourism: Štajerska topped a new European wine-region ranking, recognised for its vineyards, historic cellars and deep wine-making tradition.

Public Finances: Slovenia approved its 2027–28 budgets, with the government citing growth, stability and development. Cycling: Slovenia hosted the European Road Championships, where Remco Evenepoel won the elite men’s race and France took the mixed relay title. Wine & Tourism: Štajerska topped a European wine-region ranking, praised for its vineyards, heritage and local producers. Digital: Registrations of Slovenian .si domains surged after Donald Trump promoted “super intelligence”; about 22,800 were registered since September 23, according to Hostinger. Sport: Slovenian citizen Jaxson Hayes clashed with Nikola Jokić in a preseason game, ahead of a possible international matchup between the NBA stars. Health Policy: Slovenia joined seven EU countries calling for tougher rules on new nicotine products, including broad flavour restrictions.