AGP Executive Report

Tour de France (Stage 11 build-up): Tadej Pogačar keeps stretching his lead after a dominant Bastille Day Stage 10 solo win to Le Lioran, with Jonas Vingegaard slipping further back as the GC top 10 tightens behind the Slovenian’s runaway form. EU–Ukraine Defense Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for talks on defense cooperation, EU accession, and winter preparedness, saying “the tide is turning,” with plans to integrate defense industries and boost production. Drone Deal in the Spotlight: Von der Leyen is set to sign a multi-billion euro drone partnership with Ukraine, aiming to scale manufacturing across EU and Ukrainian companies. Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB selected 36 payment service providers for the digital euro pilot starting in late 2027, a major step for Europe’s payments future. Slovenian Film Update: Director Jernej Kastelec has begun shooting his debut feature “Horses / Konji,” a drama about intergenerational violence, supported by the Slovenian Film Centre. Animation Industry News: CEE Animation Forum picked 33 projects for its 2026 edition in Pilsen, with a strong Central/Eastern European lineup. Sports (Tennis): Slovenia’s Tamara Zidanšek advanced at the UniCredit Iasi Open, while Paula Badosa also booked a second-round spot.

Tour de France (Sports): Tadej Pogačar kept his Tour momentum rolling with a solo Stage 10 win to Le Lioran, extending his overall lead to 3:36 over Jonas Vingegaard after finishing 32 seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel, while the roadside boos only seemed to fuel him. Slovenian Film (Movies): Jernej Kastelec has begun shooting his debut feature Horses / Konji at the Dob prison facility in Slovenska vas, a drama about how violence passes between generations, backed by the Slovenian Film Centre. Animation Industry (Media): The CEE Animation Forum has selected 33 projects for its 2026 edition in Pilsen, with regional entries making up about 66% of the lineup. Music & TV (Entertainment): Israel confirmed it will compete in Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria, with its entry chosen via the HaKokhav HaBa reality show. Sports Events (Basketball): FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matchups and schedule were set after the group phase in Brno. Global Screen Business (TV/Movies): Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger talks heat up as U.S. states and the WGA push legal action ahead of a major court hearing.

Tour de France Heat & Health: Tadej Pogačar keeps stretching his lead as stage 10 heads to Le Lioran on Bastille Day, while riders and teams push back on the race’s extreme summer conditions and the risk to athletes’ hearts. Cycling Spotlight (Slovenian angle): Tobias Halland Johannessen calls Pogačar “a freak of nature,” with the Slovenian sitting 2:42 clear of Jonas Vingegaard heading into the next mountain test. EU Digital Safety: The EU is moving toward stricter rules for children’s social media access, with proposals pointing to a ban for under-13s and phased, supervised access for older teens. Hollywood vs Big Tech: A 12-state antitrust lawsuit targets the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, and Paramount Skydance fires back that the deal would strengthen competition against streaming giants. Music & Culture: Split Dogs drop new single “Suffer” with a dark, occult-tinged video, while Croatia’s International Summer Music School in Pučišća welcomes young musicians from across Europe, including Slovenia. Film Industry (KVIFF Promises): KVIFF Central Stage spotlights Central European projects in development, leaning into war, memory, and genre-bending coming-of-age stories. Sports in Slovenia: FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2026 in Ljubljana sees Lithuania’s Mantas Juzenas smash scoring and efficiency records.

KVIFF Central Stage at KVIFF 2026: The festival’s industry arm spotlights Central European filmmakers with development and post-production projects shaped by war, transition, inequality and memory, leaning into genre-mixing like punk historical comedy, tragicomic biopics and absurd refugee stories. Tour de France heat pressure: Riders and teams are battling record temperatures, with stages shortened and calls for a cycling calendar overhaul; Tadej Pogačar’s dominance is still driving both admiration and backlash. EU child-safety push online: The European Commission is set to propose age-appropriate limits after summer, with ideas ranging from under-13 restrictions to phased access up to 16, as Slovenia and other countries weigh stricter rules. Paramount-Warner Bros merger fight: Paramount Skydance is pushing back hard against a 12-state antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the $110B deal, arguing it would strengthen competition against streaming and tech giants. Slovenia sports spotlight: Mantas Juzenas set new U20 EuroBasket records in Ljubljana, while Greece notched a win over Belgium in the same tournament.

EU Child Safety Online: The European Commission is set to receive expert recommendations on age-appropriate social media limits, with Ursula von der Leyen backing a phased approach that could mean bans for kids under 13 and extra safeguards up to 16. Local Policy Watch: The push is gaining momentum across Europe, with countries including Slovenia already preparing or introducing age-based rules. World Cup Expansion: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino says plans for a 64-team men’s World Cup will be assessed after 2026, arguing it should be “for the whole world” so smaller nations can qualify. Slovenia in Sports Spotlight: Slovenia’s hosts at the U20 EuroBasket beat Israel 90-77, while Pogacar keeps leading the Tour de France amid calls to overhaul the summer racing calendar due to extreme heat. Film & Festival Circuit: Cinehill Film Festival 2026 names Montenegro its partner country, and Pula Pro highlights screenplay development and regional co-productions.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Mathieu van der Poel won the heat-shortened Stage 9, while Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey and again pushed for big changes to the cycling calendar, arguing races shouldn’t be held in extreme summer heat. Cycling governance: Tour director Christian Prudhomme backed a salary cap to make the sport more competitive and less dominated by the biggest teams. Basketball (local pride): At the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, hosts Slovenia beat Israel 90-77 to go 2-0, while Serbia also stayed unbeaten after beating Lithuania. Film & festivals: Cinehill Film Festival named Montenegro as its 2026 partner country, and Pula Pro highlighted a stronger focus on script development. Regional culture: Karlovy Vary IFF crowned Myanmar/Czech/France drama “Fruit Gathering” with the Crystal Globe. International affairs (Slovenia in the mix): 14 countries including Slovenia reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as final and legally binding, while China rejected it.

South China Sea Tensions: China hit back at a 14-nation joint statement (including Slovenia) marking 10 years since the 2016 arbitration ruling, insisting Beijing’s claims over the Nanhai Zhudao islands remain sovereign and “null and void.” EU Digital Rules: The EU is moving toward regulating children’s social media access, with an expert committee set to advise the European Commission—while more than 20 countries worldwide already have age limits or bans for under-15/16s. NATO in Focus: Analysis pieces on the Ankara summit say NATO’s “transformation” is accelerating toward greater European responsibility and deeper Middle East integration, even as key issues remain unresolved. Sports Spotlight (Slovenian angle): Tadej Pogačar kept the Tour de France yellow jersey after Stage 8, and Slovenian striker Nik Prelec has left Oxford United for Poland’s Jagiellonia Białystok. Local Culture: Protesters in Ljubljana demanded Slovenia withdraw from NATO and redirect spending toward public services.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar kept the yellow jersey after Stage 8 in sweltering heat, finishing in the main pack as Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier won the sprint to Bergerac; Pogačar leads by 2:42 over Jonas Vingegaard, with Isaac del Toro third. Football transfers: Manchester United and Liverpool have made contact over Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, while Chelsea opened talks over Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe; MLS side Sporting Kansas City is reportedly eyeing Mohamed Salah on a free transfer. Film & culture: Aung Phyoe’s Myanmar-set “Fruit Gathering” won the Crystal Globe at Karlovy Vary, praised for shifting from work-and-friendship to a “harrowing” story of obsession and queer desire. Local arts & community: Slovenia-themed events are on the calendar, including SLOVENEFEST (music, food, traditions) and “Footloose” performances. Sports admin/identity: Protesters in Ljubljana demanded Slovenia leave NATO, tying the debate to defence spending and public services.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar crushed Stage 6 on the Col du Tourmalet to reclaim yellow, opening a 2:42 lead over Jonas Vingegaard, with Isaac del Toro third and moving into third overall. Sports TV & viewing: Stage 7 heads into Bordeaux with sprinters in focus, and broadcasters/free options are being lined up for fans. Local football transfer buzz: Hull City are set to welcome Oscar Zambrano back after his permanent move from Slovenian club Maribor, with a three-year deal reportedly on the table. Ljubljana protest: Hundreds rallied in Ljubljana demanding Slovenia leave NATO and redirect money from defence to public services. Arts & community: SloveniaFest (July 11–12) is set to bring Slovenian music, food and traditions, and the New Castle Playhouse stages “Footloose” on July 11–12. Media business: Oregon’s AG withdrew a records request dispute tied to the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, signaling next steps ahead.

Tour de France Fever: Tadej Pogačar absolutely crushed Stage 6 on the Col du Tourmalet, launching a 43km solo attack to reclaim the yellow jersey with a 2:42 lead over Jonas Vingegaard, while teammate Isaac del Toro finished third and moved up to third overall. Sports & Culture in the Region: Protesters in Ljubljana rallied for Slovenia to leave NATO and to redirect money from defence to public services, after NATO leaders agreed on higher spending targets. Borderline Art & Identity: A new exhibition project, “Between roots and crowns: branches as a porous border,” uses reading, listening and textile space to rethink borders between Italy and Slovenia. Football Sparks Outrage: Ferencváros fans in Serbia unfurled a “Greater Hungary” map banner, triggering outrage and possible UEFA discipline. Local Talent Spotlight: Slovenian striker Nik Prelec has left Oxford United for Poland’s Jagiellonia Białystok. Travel Inspiration: A guide highlights how to plan a road trip around Slovenia’s Julian Alps, pairing lakes and hikes for an easy weekend escape.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar detonated Stage 6 on the Col du Tourmalet, winning solo to reclaim the yellow jersey with a 2:42 lead over Jonas Vingegaard, while teammate Isaac del Toro surged into third overall after a key attack. Tour de France (next up): Stage 7 heads from Hagetmau to Bordeaux as sprinters get their second chance, with broadcasters and free viewing options highlighted for fans. Local arts & culture (Slovenefest): Slovenia’s music, tastes and traditions take over SNPJ Recreation Center for SLOVENEFEST (July 10–12), with a full weekend performance schedule and weekend passes. Travel inspiration (Julian Alps): A travel feature leans into Slovenia’s outdoor identity, pitching the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park as the must-do active weekend near Ljubljana. Sports admin (Slovenia in volleyball rankings): Russia’s return to international volleyball reshuffles the world rankings, with Slovenia listed among the teams affected. Aviation art tie-in (Slovenian maker): A Slovenian lace-and-rope artist’s work is among the installations chosen for Redmond Airport’s new terminal expansion. Health policy (Germany): Germany’s controversial healthcare reform clears parliament, including higher patient medication costs and changes to partner coverage.

Tour de France: Tadej Pogačar absolutely crushed Stage 6, launching a daring solo on the Col du Tourmalet and reclaiming the yellow jersey with a 2:38 margin over Jonas Vingegaard, while UAE Team Emirates also celebrated Isaac del Toro’s Stage 2 win and the team’s mountain dominance. Cycling Spotlight: Del Toro’s Stage 2 triumph came after early mechanical trouble, showing the squad’s depth as the race heads into more decisive Pyrenees climbing. Sports Officiating: England’s World Cup quarter-final referee is confirmed as France’s Clément Turpin for the match against Norway in Miami, with past Tuchel criticism adding extra spice. Arts & Culture (Slovenian link abroad): Redmond Airport’s new terminal art includes a Slovenian-born lace-to-rope artist, MANTZALIN, tying Slovenian craft heritage to Oregon’s climbing culture. Digital Safety: NATO summit spouses, led by Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan, pushed for stronger safeguards for children online, demanding transparency around algorithms and child-first platform design. Slovenia in the spotlight: Slovenia confirmed participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade under “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” aiming to boost international visibility and regional ties.

Wildlife & Debate: A new Polish analysis links rising bear-culling arguments to attacks reported in Slovakia and Slovenia, with social-media narratives about brown bears and gray wolves gaining traction. EU Legal Pressure: The European Commission opened three infringement cases against Cyprus over anti-money laundering, tax information exchange, and banking data for OLAF. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Benjamin Šeško says he’s “rested, refreshed, back to preparing,” signaling a return after injury as he gears up for Manchester United pre-season. Tour de France (Cycling): Tadej Pogačar took yellow after Stage 3, while UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s early wins keep the spotlight on the race’s fast start. Arts & Film: Artissima announced 180 international exhibitors for its fall fair in Turin, setting up another big contemporary art moment. Local Culture (Slovenia): Slovenefest returns for its 43rd year in Pennsylvania with music, food, crafts, and a new pool party.

NATO & Tech Safety: Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan hosted leaders’ spouses in Ankara, pushing for stronger safeguards for children online, including independent audits of algorithms and tighter protections for under-15s. Ukraine Defense Deal: At the same NATO summit, Donald Trump said the U.S. will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defense systems, a major shift for Kyiv. Artissima Spotlight: Artissima’s 33rd edition in Turin will feature 180 international galleries across sections for new and emerging voices, editions, and drawing-focused booths. Film Industry Buzz (KVIFF): Karlovy Vary’s Promises industry strand named winners, highlighting Central European co-production momentum. Cinema Award in Sarajevo: Sarajevo Film Festival debuts the Prix Cineplexx, an audience-chosen prize with marketing support to boost regional films’ theatrical runs. Sports in Slovenia’s Orbit: Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar keeps Tour de France record talk alive as stage drama continues; meanwhile, Slovenia’s Tina Šutej is listed among Monaco Diamond League pole vault entries. Local Culture Abroad: Slovenefest returns in Pennsylvania with music, food, crafts, and a new pool party plus wine tasting.

NATO Tensions: US President Donald Trump blasted NATO over Greenland and Iran, while also launching new strikes and revoking an Iranian oil license as allies scramble to meet defense targets. Regional Travel & Culture: Croatia logged 7.6 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026, and the Sarajevo Film Festival unveiled its new audience-chosen Prix Cineplexx award. Slovenia Tourism: Slovenia heads into peak season with rising bookings, but staffing shortages and higher costs still loom. Sports Spotlight (Tour de France): Mads Pedersen won Stage 4 in extreme heat and Torstein Traeen took the yellow jersey, setting up a sprinters’ Stage 5. Basketball (Slovenia-linked): France’s Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa was named for the FIBA U-20 EuroBasket in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Entertainment & Events: Kalamata’s 32nd International Dance Festival returns July 17–26 with Yoann Bourgeois opening. Human Rights: A global crackdown on human trafficking reported 2,070 victims identified and 1,024 suspects arrested.

Karlovy Vary Film Festival: The Promises industry strand at KVIFF has named winners across 38 presented film and series projects, including a Slovenian adaptation project by Goran Vojnović. Tour de France 2026: Stage 4 delivered a big moment for Denmark’s Mads Pedersen, who won from a breakaway, while Norway’s Torstein Træen took the yellow jersey after extreme heat and multiple climbs; Stage 5 is set up for sprinters with a flat finish in mind. Sarajevo Film Festival: Sarajevo Film Festival launches the Prix Cineplexx, picked by the audience for the best Open Air Premiere film, with marketing support for theatrical distribution. Slovenia tourism: Slovenia heads into peak summer travel with optimism on bookings and arrivals, but staffing shortages and rising costs remain a pressure point. Local politics: Slovenia’s new government faces an autumn referendum after opponents gathered enough signatures to challenge amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act. Sports development: Slovenia’s wider region stays busy with FIBA youth and 3x3 events, plus the Kalamata International Dance Festival returning for its 32nd edition.