AGP Executive Report

Champions League Spotlight: Manchester United roared back into Europe with a 4-0 win over Sabah, and Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško finally got his first start of the season—scoring in the first half as Michael Carrick weighed his options ahead of the Manchester derby. Vuelta a España: Enric Mas kept the red jersey after the Stage 18 time trial, limiting losses to Primož Roglič to just 33 seconds; Stefan Kung won the stage in Jerez as the GC battle tightens with only three stages left. Diplomacy & Protests: Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia in Ljubljana, a move tied to Janez Janša’s policy shift—prompting demonstrations outside the mission and renewed debate across the EU. Film & TV: The Bucharest International Film Festival announced its 2026 competition lineup, with Slovenian titles among the contenders. Arts Awards: Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees put “DJ Ahmet” at the top, with regional hits including “Yugo Florida” and “God Will Not Help.” Tourism Numbers: Croatia hit a record August, surpassing 5 million arrivals, with Slovenia among the biggest source markets.

RTV Slovenia Fight: Journalists’ groups are warning that proposed amendments to the RTV Act could dismantle the public broadcaster’s financial and editorial independence, raising alarms about “repatriation” of public media. Israel–Slovenia Diplomacy: Israel opened its first embassy in Ljubljana, attended by PM Janez Janša and FM Gideon Sa’ar, but the move sparked large pro-Palestinian protests demanding the mission be closed. Adriatic Screen Awards: DJ Ahmet leads the Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees with seven nods, followed by Yugo Florida (six) and God Will Not Help, Mother and Wind, Talk to Me (five each). Energy & Industry: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to strengthen Slovenia’s critical energy infrastructure. Retail Media in Slovenia: SPAR is rolling out its first retail media network with ZetaDisplay, installing hundreds of in-store screens across Central Europe, including Slovenia. Football Spotlight: Manchester United’s Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško says he’s “in a good place” after scoring off the bench vs Everton, while Swiss forward Noah Okafor refuses to play for Switzerland under coach Murat Yakin.

Diplomacy & Protests: Thousands rallied in Ljubljana as Slovenia opened Israel’s first embassy in the EU, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators condemning the shift under PM Janez Janša and accusing the government of reversing earlier Gaza “genocide” language. Sports (Football): Slovenian media are buzzing about Manchester United’s Champions League return and the debate over Benjamin Šeško’s role under Michael Carrick, after he scored in a 2-2 draw at Everton. Cycling (Vuelta): Primož Roglič heads into the Vuelta’s final stretch with teammate Finn Fisher-Black saying the Slovenian is staying calm ahead of a key time trial; Enric Mas also insists he’s focused on Thursday’s crunch race. Arts & Film (Slovenia): The 10th Slovenian Film Days will bring three contemporary Slovenian titles to Budapest (Oct 8–10), including Marko Nabersnik’s Whites Wash at Ninety. Health: A new explainer breaks down cholinergic urticaria—hives triggered by heat, exercise, stress, and hot baths.

Venice Film Buzz: Final Cut in Venice (14th edition) wrapped with Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s Madi Makambu winning the €10,000 La Biennale di Venezia Prize, plus four more awards, while Bassel Ghandour’s Occupational Hazards also collected five prizes. Slovenian Cinema Abroad: The 10th Slovenian Film Days heads to Budapest (Oct 8–10) with Whites Wash at Ninety, Hiding Out, and Land Grab—a lineup that spotlights Ljubljana stories, identity, and family-versus-politics tensions. Tech & Mobility (Slovenia): Slovenia authorized Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on public roads, adding another domino to an EU-wide decision ahead of an October vote. Cars Built in Novo Mesto: Nissan’s new entry-level EV will be called Pixo, built in Slovenia alongside the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring, with a full reveal set for Sept 23. Sports (Slovenia-linked): Slovenia’s Andreja Klepač is mentioned in US Open doubles coverage as Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani advance. Weather Watch: A major severe-storm outlook targets parts of the Adriatic and Slovenia with hail, damaging winds, and flooding risk.

Aviation & Travel: United Airlines is rolling out a new Economy Plus layout on select long-haul flights from 2027, with the middle seat left empty and a fixed shared tray—plus new nonstop routes that include Slovenia. Weather Watch: A two-day severe storm outbreak is forecast across parts of the western and northern Mediterranean, with follow-on threats stretching toward Slovenia and the Adriatic. Tech & Mobility: Slovenia’s transport authority has authorized Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised), setting up a 28-day period that could shape wider EU decisions. Cars Made in Slovenia: Dacia’s second-gen Spring is now ordered, built in Slovenia and priced from about €17,900 in France—potentially much cheaper after incentives. Sports (Cycling): Matthew Brennan grabbed his fourth Vuelta stage win, while Primož Roglič remains in the GC mix. Sports (Football): Wayne Rooney urges Michael Carrick to stop using Matheus Cunha as a number nine ahead of Man United’s derby. Arts & Culture: Final Cut at Venice crowned “Madi Makambu,” tackling pregnancy denial, with multiple top awards. Science & Sustainability: The US DOE is funding work to turn polyester textile waste into new polyester using polyester-eating enzymes.

Basketball & Celebrity Sports: Francesco Totti has turned down roles with Italy and Roma to become an adviser for Maxima Roma, a new basketball club tied to the NBA Europe plan launching in 2027. EU Politics & Public Memory: EU leaders reacted with outrage after Serbia held a hero’s funeral for war criminal Ratko Mladic, raising fresh doubts about Serbia’s EU bid. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Luka Dončić’s Lakers minicamp in Slovenia is being praised for his leadership as the new-look team builds chemistry ahead of 2026-27. Local Culture Event: Rosanne Omersa will perform Thursday in Tower, bringing her Slovenian-style button accordion polkas and waltzes to a community potluck concert. Education Watch: The 2025 PISA results show a sharp global drop in reading and math performance. Tech & Industry (Slovenia-linked): Dacia’s redesigned new Spring EV will be built in Slovenia’s Novo Mesto and is expected to cost about £18,000 in the UK—around a 50% jump from the current model. Sports Health Update: Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is back on track after successful heart surgery, with a short return timeline.

Slovenia on the public media front: The European Federation of Journalists and other media groups are urging safeguards for RTV Slovenija’s independence and stable funding, after proposed legal changes would reshape governance and financing. Sports—Slovenian spotlight: Luka Dončić’s Lakers minicamp in Slovenia is getting praise for building team chemistry, while Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash has ended his 2026 season and leaves him out of upcoming Worlds plans. Weather watch: A major late-summer heat break is turning into a severe storm setup across parts of Europe, with threats including hail, damaging winds, heavy rain and possible tornadoes—Slovenia is in the line of fire. Tennis: Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani advanced to the U.S. Open women’s doubles quarterfinals, beating Slovenia’s Andreja Klepač. Ice hockey: IIHF released the 2027 top-division World Championship schedule, with Slovenia listed in Ukraine’s group. Film & TV: Werner Herzog’s Venice-bound “Bucking Fastard” includes Slovenia as a shoot location, and a Slovenia broadcaster is among new partners for Arte’s documentary “Tax Me (If You Can).”

RTV Slovenija Independence Push: The European Federation of Journalists and other media groups are urging safeguards in proposed legal changes to protect RTV Slovenija’s editorial independence and stable public funding, warning that governance and financing reforms could concentrate appointment power too much. Film & Co-production Spotlight: At Venice, Slovenian producer Miha Černec (Staragara) shared how Italy remains a key partner for Slovenian audiovisual projects, citing years of cross-border collaborations and incentives. Unconventional Love Story: A Slovenian content creator’s “friendship wedding” engagement—proposing to two platonic best friends—has gone viral, sparking debate and praise online. Sports—Slovenian Connections: In football, Benjamin Šeško scored for Manchester United in a comeback win over Everton, while VAR and late drama kept the match headlines; in volleyball, Slovenia is mentioned in Turkey’s European title run; and in cycling, Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash has ended his season, reshaping the race conversation. Arts Recognition: Slovenia’s National Gallery of Slovenia is listed among museums shortlisted for a major European art museum award. Media Deals: Arte France’s “Tax Me (If You Can)” has signed multiple European broadcaster deals, including RTV Slovenia. Culture on Screen: Croatia selected “God Will Not Help” (with Slovenian involvement) as its Oscar submission.

MMA & Sports Culture: Andi Vrtačić electrified Pula with a BRAVE CF 108 hometown main-event TKO over Sofian Bouafia, while Slovenian Domen Drnovsek also notched a come-from-behind win on the same card. Football (Slovenian link): Manchester United’s Benjamin Šeško scored late to beat Everton, keeping the Slovenian striker in the spotlight as Carrick’s side chase top-four momentum. Cycling (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar’s Vuelta crash has ended his 2026 season early after surgery, while Vuelta leader Enric Mas extended his advantage in the heat as organizers shortened a stage due to extreme temperatures. Arts & Film: Croatia selected Hana Jušić’s “God Will Not Help” (with Slovenian Film Centre support) as its Oscar submission for Best International Feature. Museums: Athens’ EMST, which includes Slovenia’s National Gallery of Slovenia on the shortlist, is named among candidates for the European Art Museum Award. Travel (Slovenia in the mix): United announced new nonstop routes for 2027 including Ljubljana, putting the Slovenian capital on the direct-flight map. Basketball: Bahrain named a reinforced squad for the Asian Games, coached by Slovenian tactician Slobodan Subotić.

Cycling Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar has ended his 2026 season early after surgery for a fractured collarbone from his Vuelta a España crash, ruling him out of the World Championships and more, while also extending his UAE Team Emirates-XRG deal to 2032. Vuelta Drama: Enric Mas kept the red jersey moving with another 25-second gain on Primož Roglič on stage 14, as Felix Gall climbed into second and Marco Brenner took his first Grand Tour stage win in brutal heat. Football (Slovenian Angle): Benjamin Šeško again proved his “super-sub” value, scoring off the bench to lift Manchester United past Everton and into the top-four chase, while debate continues over a VAR penalty call. NBA & Slovenia Connection: Luka Dončić’s Lakers minicamp in Slovenia is being credited for “good vibes everywhere,” with new guard Collin Sexton praising Dončić’s leadership and team-building trip. Sports Health Watch: Scott McTominay is set for a minor heart procedure after Napoli confirmed a mild, benign arrhythmia. Arts & Film: Werner Herzog’s Venice premiere “Bucking Fastard” leans into bizarre, unclassifiable storytelling, with Herzog pushing back on “neurodivergence” labels.

Cycling Shock: Tadej Pogačar has confirmed he’ll miss the rest of 2026 after a Vuelta a España crash left him with a fractured collarbone and cervical injury. He’s also ruled out the World Championships in Montreal, but did extend his UAE Team Emirates deal to 2032. Vuelta Drama: Enric Mas extended his lead on stage 14 as Marco Brenner took a first Grand Tour win; extreme heat also forced organisers to shorten Sunday’s stage. Basketball Spotlight: Luka Dončić’s new-look Lakers are bonding in Slovenia, and Collin Sexton praised Dončić’s leadership after the minicamp. MMA Night: BRAVE CF 108 landed in Croatia with Andi Vrtačić scoring a TKO in the main event. Film Buzz: Werner Herzog’s Venice entry “Bucking Fastard” leans into surreal, divisive storytelling with Rooney and Kate Mara. Sports Health Update: Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland faces months out after a hamstring injury.

Cycling Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar has confirmed he’s done for the 2026 season after a Vuelta a España crash left him with a fractured collarbone and cervical injury. He’ll miss the world championships in Montreal and won’t defend his road race title, but he’s also extended his UAE Team Emirates-XRG deal until 2032. Film & Culture: Werner Herzog is back at Venice with Bucking Fastard, a surreal, divisive new feature starring Kate and Rooney Mara, and he’s openly pushed back on “neurodivergence” labels while discussing his fans and filmmaking obsessions. Arts in Slovenia: The Prusheck painting restoration is finally starting in September after donations secured funding, with the work by Slovenian-born artist Harvey Gregory Prusheck set for renewed public attention. Sports & Entertainment: A Slovenian-made trailer has dropped for Girl in the Night, a darkly playful crime story by director Luka Marčetić, premiering at Fantastic Fest in Austin. International Desk: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit over concerns tied to Ratko Mladić’s glorification.

Vuelta a España Spotlight: Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel stunned on stage 12, soloing to a debut Grand Tour win at Calar Alto as Enric Mas extended his overall lead to 1:45 over Primož Roglič. Film Premiere Buzz: Slovenian director Luka Marčetić’s new movie Girl in the Night gets an exclusive trailer ahead of its Fantastic Fest world premiere in Austin, with a kleptomaniac plot twist and a night-fighting mystery girl. Arts & Culture Recognition: Slovenia’s National Gallery of Slovenia in Ljubljana is named among finalists for the 2026 European Museum of Art Award, highlighting museums’ social mission. Local Screen Culture: The Ulju Mountain Film Festival (South Korea) returns with 114 films from 35 countries, expanding venues and turning screenings into a full “mountain culture hub.” Business/Media Tech: Ljubljana-based Fora d.o.o. (Perception CloudWorks) lands on Future 100 Slovenia, spotlighting growth in IPTV and streaming platforms. Sports Track: Cameron Myers wins the men’s 1500m at the Diamond League final in Brussels, beating Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Slovenian Film & Culture: EMST (National Museum of Contemporary Art) has been named a finalist for the 2026 European Art Museum Award, joining Slovenia’s National Gallery in the wider European spotlight. Slovenian Cinema in Motion: Urban Zorko has started shooting his debut feature Morning with the Devil in Ljubljana, a tragicomic drama about media spectacle and whether change is still possible. Sports—Vuelta a España: Jakob Omrzel delivered a breakthrough Stage 12 win for Slovenia, soloing to victory at Calar Alto as Enric Mas extended his overall lead. Slovenian Business & Tech: Fora d.o.o. (Perception CloudWorks) was named in Future 100 Slovenia, highlighting Ljubljana’s growing international streaming expertise. Arts & International Events: Slovenia’s EXPO 2027 participation contract was signed in Belgrade for the “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All” theme. Regional AI Cooperation: Nine Central and Eastern European countries, including Slovenia, signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy and connect computing capacities.

Vuelta a España: Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel stunned on Stage 12, soloing to his first Grand Tour win at Calar Alto while Enric Mas extended the red jersey lead to 1:45 over Primož Roglič. Film & TV (Slovenia/region): Slovenian director Urban Zorko has started shooting his debut feature Morning with the Devil in Ljubljana, a tragicomic drama about a radio star whose scandal spirals out of control. International cinema: North Macedonia’s Oscar bid 17 is a Slovenia-linked coproduction, and Croatia has selected God Will Not Help for the Oscars. Music: Slovenians’ punk album Birds Of Disgrace drops tomorrow, leaning into dark humor and emotional honesty. Museums: Ljubljana’s National Gallery is among the European Art Museum Award shortlist, alongside EMST and major European institutions. Travel (tourism): Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15.

New Music: Slovenians drop their punk-sarcastic, darkly emotional full-length Birds Of Disgrace, released tomorrow via Mottow Soundz. Cycling Update: Tadej Pogačar is out of hospital after Vuelta a España crash surgery for a broken collarbone, but fitness for this month’s World Championships is deemed “not realistic,” with his return date still unclear. Sports Spotlight: Primož Roglič keeps Vuelta hopes alive after Pogačar’s exit, while Paul Seixas eyes a big late-2026 push with a North America trip to Québec and Montréal. Tech & Wearables: Huawei unveils the WATCH GT 7 Series with refreshed colors and new skiing/cycling modes plus health tracking and up to 21 days’ autonomy. Culture & Film: Croatia selects God Will Not Help for the Oscars’ Best International Feature race, after its Locarno premiere and further festival recognition. Maritime Heritage: An UNESCO-backed forum in Burgas will focus on safeguarding intangible maritime heritage and fishing traditions, with Slovenia among participating countries. Travel Watch: Thailand shortens visa-free stays for 60 countries from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15.