AGP Executive Report

Slovenian Arts & Film: ReActing as a Star marked its fifth edition in Kranj, running alongside the KRAFFT Actors Film Festival, bringing 12 regional actors and industry professionals together to build new cross-border acting links. Local Culture Revival: A lost 3.7-metre “Sower” sculpture by Slovenian expressionist France Kralj has returned to central Ljubljana after an eight-decade disappearance, thanks to a community-led reconstruction. Sports Spotlight (Slovenia connection): MMA’s Maja and Domen Drnovsek made history at BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana, becoming the first married couple to both compete and win on the same card. Tech & Entertainment Policy: Britain announced a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a growing European and global push to restrict youth access. Global Film Buzz: Tribeca 2026 crowned Cotton Fever and Labrador — Autopsy of Silence among top winners, with regional industry momentum continuing to build.

World Cup buzz (Spain): Spain held Cape Verde to a 0-0 draw in their 2026 opener, with Lamine Yamal missing the first 70 minutes as he recovers from injury—leaving La Roja to rely on Ferran Torres and Marc Cucurella but still lacking a spark. World Cup controversy (UEFA vs everyone): UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin is facing a coordinated backlash after calling some expanded 48-team matches “uninteresting,” with 13 federations (including several World Cup debutants) firing back that every game matters. World Cup spotlight (Sweden): Graham Potter’s Sweden started fast, crushing Tunisia 5-1, though Potter joked he may have been bitten after a bloodied ear during celebrations. Social media rules (kids): Britain announced a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a growing European and global push to limit platforms amid mental-health and safety concerns. Local culture (Ljubljana art): A lost 1931 “Sower” statue by Slovenian expressionist France Kralj has returned to Ljubljana’s city centre after a community-led reconstruction. Sports (NHL): Toronto Maple Leafs signed Slovenian-born forward Tinus Luc Koblar to a three-year entry-level deal.

World Cup Culture Clash: Thirteen football associations have hit back at UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin after he reportedly said the expanded 48-team World Cup would bring “uninteresting” matches, insisting every game matters for debutants like Curaçao, Cape Verde and Uzbekistan. Sweden’s Comeback Story: Graham Potter’s Sweden opened with a 5-1 rout of Tunisia, though he joked he may have been scratched or bitten after bloodied his ear. England Officiating Drama: England’s World Cup opener vs Croatia will be refereed by Clement Turpin, a name Thomas Tuchel has previously blasted as “terrible,” including a 1/10 rant. Youth Tech Crackdown: The UK announced a social media ban for children under 16, joining a growing European push to limit kids’ online access. Ljubljana Arts & Industry: The European Aquaculture Society revealed plenary speakers for its 2026 conference in Ljubljana, blending research, policy and digital storytelling. Slovenia in the Spotlight: A Slovenian national assembly law on burial of post-war killings is stirring fresh debate over how WWII-era victims are remembered.

World Cup Culture Clash: African World Cup federations (including Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal and others) have united to slam UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin after he suggested some 48-team matches would be “uninteresting,” insisting every fixture matters. Referee Spotlight: England’s World Cup opener vs Croatia will be officiated by French referee Clement Turpin, a familiar name for Thomas Tuchel’s squad after past high-profile clashes. Slovenia in the Spotlight: A Slovenian parliament vote passed a law on burial of WWII victims of post-war killings, reigniting debate over how communist-era atrocities—and Roma victims—are remembered. Local Travel & Leisure: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje, has opened in Tešanovci near Moravske Toplice, pitching slower Prekmurje tourism with wood-led design and local heritage. Sports Beyond Football: Denmark’s Den Gamle By won European Museum of the Year, while Slovenia’s BRAVE CF scene celebrated Maja and Domen Drnovsek’s double triumph.

World Cup Drama: Qatar stunned Switzerland with a stoppage-time header from Boualem Khoukhi to earn their first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw, after Breel Embolo’s penalty gave Switzerland the lead. World Cup Matchday Preview: Sunday’s slate ramps up with Germany vs Curaçao, Netherlands vs Japan, Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, and Sweden vs Tunisia. Slovenian Politics: Slovenia’s new government under Janez Janša has reversed several anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, including lifting an arms trade ban and entry restrictions. Local Sports Spotlight: Slovenia’s Mitja Ilenic returned to NYCFC after a loan spell in Poland. Arts & Culture: Denmark’s Den Gamle By won the European Museum of the Year Award, praised for immersive, community-focused exhibitions. Tech & Daily Life: iOS 27 adds expanded keyboard support with more languages and smarter multilingual typing. Travel & Design: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje in Prekmurje, opens with a slower, nature-first tourism concept.

World Cup Drama: Qatar snatched a stoppage-time 1-1 draw with Switzerland as Boualem Khoukhi headed home late, after Breel Embolo had put Switzerland ahead from the spot. Local Sports & Pride: Slovenia’s Mitja Ilenic returned to NYCFC after a loan spell in Poland, adding more experience to the Slovenian defender’s growing résumé. Arts & Culture: Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica keeps the spotlight on art in a former prison, while choreographer Rafael Bonachela talks about bringing contemporary dance to wider audiences. Tech & Daily Life: iOS 27 adds expanded keyboard support with more languages and smarter multilingual typing. Slovenian Travel & Lifestyle: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje, opens in Prekmurje with a slower, nature-first tourism concept. Global Context: The 2026 Global Peace Index reports a continued decline in worldwide peacefulness, with conflict and militarisation driving the drop.

World Cup Buzz: The USA kicked off their 2026 campaign in style, beating Paraguay 4-1, while Canada finally grabbed a World Cup point in a 1-1 draw. World Cup Preview: Saturday’s big slate includes Qatar vs Switzerland and Brazil vs Morocco, plus Scotland’s opener against Haiti and Australia taking on Türkiye. Darts Fever: At the World Cup of Darts, England’s Luke Littler and Luke Humphries set up a second-round clash after Spain topped their group; Wales also advanced after beating Thailand. Local Sports & Talent: NYCFC defender Mitja Ilenic returned from loan in Poland’s Rakow Czestochowa. Slovenia in Politics: Parliament approved Janez Janša’s centre-right government, reviving EU and Western Balkans concerns. Travel & Lifestyle: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje, opens in Prekmurje with a wood-heavy design and a slower, nature-first tourism pitch. Arts & Culture: Slovenia’s Women Writers Route was highlighted in Council of Europe cultural routes programming in Bulgaria. Tech & Skills: HPCTRAIN launched a Europe-wide call for HPC traineeships through 2028.

World Cup of Darts: Day 2 in Frankfurt is underway with 24 group matches, including Belgium beating Slovenia 4-1 and Ireland clinching its group with a win over Gibraltar; an open draw will set round-two pairings for the teams that advanced. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Mitja Ilenic is back at NYCFC after a loan spell at Rakow Czestochowa, adding fresh experience to the backline. Arts & Culture: A Cultural Routes panel in Plovdiv highlighted living heritage and featured Slovenia’s Women Writers Route, while Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival’s TEMPO wraps with a Finnish production blending dance, theatre and stage illusion. Tech & Industry: Slovenia’s Kisovec opened a €32m zero-carbon tech centre for carbon-free materials and training, marking a major R&D push for the former coal region. Music in the Region: Chicago Consort brings youth classical performances to Dubrovnik’s Saloča od zrcala on June 16. Border News: Slovenia ends temporary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, with officers and equipment set to stop at midnight.

Border & Travel: Slovenia is ending temporary border controls with Croatia and Hungary, with police checkpoints and equipment set to stop at midnight and traffic returning to normal. Combat Sports: BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana delivered title drama, including Pavel Dailidko’s heavyweight defense and Mohamed Said Maalem’s light-heavyweight win, plus a historic double triumph for Maja and Domen Drnovšek as a married couple both won on the same card. Film & TV: Tribeca Festival’s 25th edition crowned “Cotton Fever,” “Labrador — Autopsy of Silence,” and “Jail Time Records” as top winners, while the rock documentary “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” is landing with new European broadcasters including RTV Slovenia. Sports Spotlight: Slovenia stunned world No. 1 Poland in a five-set thriller in the VNL, and the World Cup of Darts kicks off with Day 1 group matches in Frankfurt. Arts & Culture: A Slovenian-made 8×10 field camera project from Ondu highlights handmade photography ambition, and Zagreb’s “Let’s Pitch Some Shorts!” selects 11 new short-film projects.

Tribeca Spotlight: “Cotton Fever,” “Here I’m Alive” and “Summer of Three” took top honors at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, with the festival touting fearless, border-crossing storytelling as it closes out its 25th year. Handmade Craft: Slovenian photographer Elvis Halilović has unveiled the Ondu Eikan 8×10, a lightweight, handmade large-format field camera built from years of tinkering and a love of wet plate work. Politics & Security: Slovenia’s new government has lifted previous arms restrictions on Israel, reversing the prior administration’s sanctions and signaling a shift in Ljubljana–Tel Aviv ties. Slovenia in Sports: In the Volleyball Nations League, Slovenia shocked world No. 1 Poland in a five-set thriller, while China also suffered a defeat in the same round. Film Development: Zagreb’s “Let’s Pitch Some Shorts!” has selected 11 short-film projects for its 11th edition, with Slovenian entries among the chosen. World Cup Fever: The 2026 World Cup is underway, and Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic is listed among the referees for the expanded 48-team tournament. Rock Doc Deal: “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” is landing with new European and global broadcasters, including RTV Slovenia.

World Cup 2026 Hype: The tournament kicks off with 48 teams and 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico, and fans are already hunting for free live streams and TV options. Slovenian Spotlight in Sports: Slovenia opened the Volleyball Nations League with a dramatic five-set win over China, with Rok Mozic leading the scoring. Film & Culture: The Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival in South Korea will spotlight Slovenian cinema this September, including the “Julian Alps — Slovenia” program and children’s classics like the Kekec series. Art & Tech in Ljubljana: A new AI-and-data exhibition, “DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign,” opens at Galerie Rudolfinum, asking who controls personal data and what that means for freedom. Media Business Watch: EU regulators are investigating the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger over Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funding, with deadlines set for July. Pro Audio in Slovenia: RCF has named LAV Projekt as its exclusive distributor for Slovenia, expanding local access to its touring, installed, and commercial audio gear.

Artemis 3 Spotlight: NASA named astronaut-of-Slovenian-roots Randy Bresnik to command the all-male Artemis III crew, with Luca Parmitano, Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio as mission specialists (backup: Bob Hines), sparking fresh debate about gender representation. EU Media Deal Watch: The European Commission is investigating the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger over Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funding, while the UK’s CMA has formally opened its probe after Australia and New Zealand cleared it. Tech & Art in Ljubljana: “DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign” opens at Galerie Rudolfinum, with Slovenian partner Projekt Atol, probing who controls data and how AI shapes freedom. Sports, Slovenia on the Move: Slovenia beat China in a five-set VNL opener, and Zan Vipotnik is linked as a potential replacement target in the transfer market. Local Business: RCF appoints LAV Projekt as its exclusive Slovenia distributor, expanding pro-audio support and portfolio access. Wellness & Health: A Slovenia-led study ties peanut allergy severity to stronger skin test responses and higher peanut-specific IgE, with markers linked to later tolerance. Culture & Travel: A new “mix-and-match” cruise concept pairs Ljubljana with Venice and Croatia itineraries, reflecting growing demand for premise-based trips.

Space & Slovenian Pride: NASA picked astronaut Randy Bresnik, of Slovenian roots, to command Artemis III, the next Moon mission testing lunar landing systems, with a late-2027 launch target. Local Business & Wellness Industry: TOSLA opened its Ajdovščina Super Factory (TOSLA 3) and new Pavlina HQ, tripling liquid nutraceutical capacity to up to 100,000 bottles a day and aiming for faster co-development. TV & Streaming: Fox’s US comedy-drama “Best Medicine” is landing across Europe and beyond, with Pro Plus in Slovenia and other major buyers snapping up rights. Sports Spotlight: BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana delivered title drama—Pavel Dailidko defended his heavyweight crown, while Mohamed “L’Ambiance” Said Maalem won the light heavyweight belt in a rematch. Culture & Arts: Slovenian climber Janja Garnbret made history by becoming the first woman to top Bibliographie in Céüse, adding another milestone to her already packed record. Music & Media: Eurovision 2026 drew 131 million viewers, down 35 million year-on-year after boycotts including Slovenia.

Future Frames at Karlovy Vary: European Film Promotion’s “Future Frames – Generation NEXT” returns to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (3–11 July) with 10 emerging directors and a new main partner, Allwyn, spotlighting fresh European voices through screenings, industry meetings, and networking. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Slovenian guard Stefan Joksimović was MVP at adidas Eurocamp, while BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana doubled as a regional statement—Pavel Dailidko defended his heavyweight title and Mohamed Said Maalem captured light heavyweight gold. Cycling Watch: Under-23 world champion Lorenzo Finn is the standout favourite for the Giro Next Gen (starts 14 June), with Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel and Jakob Omrzel’s fellow WorldTour step-up riders among the key names. Local Life & Culture: Night crews are being added to ease A1 motorway bottlenecks near Postojna, and a report on kindergarten access highlights a gap for Roma children in Šentjernej. Music & Media: Eurovision 2026 saw a major ratings drop to 131 million viewers amid boycotts, while Best Medicine continues to expand internationally, with Slovenia among the CEE buyers.

European Cinema Spotlight: EFP’s “Future Frames” returns to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival with 10 young European filmmakers and short-film screenings plus industry networking, backed by Creative Europe’s MEDIA. MMA in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106 in Hala Tivoli underlined the promotion’s Balkan momentum, with Pavel Dailidko defending his heavyweight title by first-round TKO and Mohamed Said Maalem taking the light heavyweight belt. Slovenian Outdoor Wellness: Lake Bled is highlighted among Europe’s top cold-water swimming escapes, drawing adventure travelers to glacial, clear-water dips. Sports TV Buzz (Darts): The World Cup of Darts 2026 kicks off June 11 in Germany, with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries teaming up for England; Sky Sports and NOW TV will carry it. World Cup Build-Up: A big “everything you need to know” guide covers the 2026 tournament’s media, politics, tickets and matchday basics as friendlies wrap up. Slovenia in Film/TV Deals: Banijay Kids & Family expands CEE distribution, with RTV Slovenija picking up preschool and family titles including Moominvalley.

World Cup Build-Up: International friendlies keep rolling today with Netherlands vs Uzbekistan, France vs Northern Ireland, and Spain vs Peru as teams make final tune-ups ahead of the June 11 FIFA kickoff. Croatia-Slovenia Football Buzz: Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić says he already knows his XI for the England opener after a 2-1 friendly win over Slovenia, while Luka Modrić’s goal and Croatia’s defensive questions set the tone. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Climbing star Janja Garnbret becomes the first woman to complete the Bibliographie (9b+), praising patience after a tough outdoor climb in France. Kids & Family Media: Banijay Kids & Family lands new CEE distribution deals, with RTV Slovenija picking up preschool and family titles including Little Princess and Moominvalley. Film & Culture: Animafest Zagreb 2026 opens with about 300 animated films and major international guests, including Lifetime Achievement honoree Joanna Quinn. Social Media Rules: A wave of countries moves to restrict minors’ social media access, following Australia’s under-16 ban. Music & Arts: Nova Linea Musica wraps its 2025–26 season with a concert featuring Slovenian composers and folk-inspired classical arrangements.