AGP Executive Report

Slovenian Politics: MP Žan Mahnič says the government should stop sending intelligence reports to President Nataša Pirc Musar, alleging links to a Russian spy network; her office denies the claims, as reporting also spotlights her close friend Viktorija Krivolucka and former intelligence figure Roman Jeglič. Cycling Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar targets La Vuelta glory as the 2026 race starts Aug. 22 in Monaco and finishes Sept. 13 in Granada, with Primož Roglič also set to ride after a training crash. Film & Culture: Dina Duma’s Sarajevo competition entry “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” turns a sports dream into a story about poverty and forced marriage, while Venice Film Festival’s lineup is now taking shape. Arts & Media Ethics: World Photography Day prompts debate on AI-altered wildlife images, with pro photographers warning that “truth in art” matters for conservation. Sports (Local Angle): Slovenia’s Luka Dončić’s foundation launches “Stay in Play” grants for young athletes in his Ljubljana roots.

Venice Film Festival: The Venice lineup is now taking shape, with major names like Danny Boyle, Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, and Florian Zeller, plus a long-awaited return for Nanni Moretti. Fantastic Fest 2026: Austin’s genre festival (Sept 17–24) reveals its slate, opening with Lionsgate’s giant-snake horror Beware Boiúna and featuring a gala for Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil. Docu Talents from the East (Sarajevo): Two projects won at Ji.hlava’s showcase: Ora et Labora (Docu Talent Award) and Retuning (VoD Distribution Award). Slovenia Politics: SDS MP Žan Mahnič urges the government to stop intelligence reports to President Nataša Pirc Musar over suspected Russia links; her office denies the claims. Sports (Slovenian focus): Primož Roglič is cleared to race the Vuelta after a training crash, with expectations tempered by his disrupted build-up. Music: BRAT drops the “Trophy Hunting” single and video ahead of Manslayer.

Film & TV: North Macedonian director Teona Mitevska is developing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” with “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity)” shifting focus to a Belgian teen feminist’s suicide pact in North Macedonia. Documentary Spotlight: The 22nd Camden International Film Festival (Sept 17–20) unveils a heavyweight doc lineup featuring Alex Gibney, Barbara Kopple, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin, Laura Poitras, and more. Music & Culture: North Wales International Music Festival is going “Macrocosm: Music and Conservation” with giant gorilla and grizzly sculptures welcoming visitors. Sports (Slovenian angle): Manchester United striker Benjamin Šeško faces a big target after Louis Saha urged him to hit 30 goals this season. Local Sports (Slovenia-linked): Swansea’s Zan Vipotnik is at the center of Hull’s “pathetic” £10m bid debate, with valuation talk around £20m–£25m. Tech & Media: Meta says it removed 750,000+ under-16 accounts in Australia using AI detection as its child-safety enforcement ramps up. EU Pop Culture Rules: Eurovision’s EBU is revising hosting eligibility, with winners in “armed conflict” countries facing ineligibility from 2027.

Melania Watch: Reports say First Lady Melania Trump has stayed largely out of public view in Trump’s second term, with her last appearance dated July 19—sparking fresh debate about her low profile. Scotland Football: Sébastien Pocognoli is unveiled as Scotland’s new head coach on a two-year deal, promising “passion” with a calmer, more analytical edge after a past incident in Belgium. Eurovision 2027: The EBU is exploring major voting changes, including a move toward fully online public voting and new rules that could reshape who can host. Slovenian Sports: Slovenian tennis player Kaja Juvan is taking an extended break after health issues “just collapsed” her, while football chatter continues around Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik and his valuation. Film & Culture: Urša Menart’s Everything That’s Wrong With You premieres at Sarajevo, and DokuFest Prizren crowns As the Spring Arrives, Water Recalls the Nomads in its Balkan Dox competition. Tech & Media: Meta says it used AI detection to remove 750,000 under-16 accounts in Australia as enforcement ramps up. Local Arts Funding: CEE Animation launches the CODA co-development awards, opening calls for early-stage animation projects across the region.

Sarajevo Film Festival Spotlight: Urša Menart’s Everything That’s Wrong With You premiered in Sarajevo, starring Klara Kuk and Anuša Kodelja as two young women whose grief and online personas collide when a “friendship” turns real. Scotland Football Buzz: Belgium coach Sébastien Pocognoli has been appointed Scotland head coach on a two-year deal after Steve Clarke’s World Cup exit, with fans expecting an aggressive, family-style setup. Eurovision Update: Bulgaria will host Eurovision 2027 in Burgas instead of Sofia, leaving some locals baffled after the surprise venue choice. Slovenian Sports in the Mix: Swansea’s Zan Vipotnik is at the center of Hull City’s £10m bid backlash, while Slovenian tennis player Kaja Juvan pauses her season after her body “just collapsed.” Local Culture & Community: The Slovenian Union of America marks its 100th anniversary with a special Mass in Joliet, plus events featuring films, music, and potica contests. Tech/Media Note: WAN-IFRA named Slovenia’s DELO (Ljubljana) among new members of its International Color Quality Club 2026–2028.

European Film Festival in Brežice: The festival’s lineup spotlights six films in competition and nine out of competition, including Romania’s Cristian Mungiu title Fjord, plus Slovenian picks Welcome Home (short fiction) and Brotherhood of the Court: The Beginning (documentary sports drama). A new award for outstanding contribution to European film is also set to debut, with an international jury featuring Leona Paraminski, Marko Naberšnik and Petros Charalambous. Sports & Slovenia on the global stage: Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic reached the WTT Europe Smash quarterfinals, while Felix Lebrun beat him in the men’s singles. Football links: Slovenia referee Slavko Vincic is again at the center of World Cup final controversy after new footage shows him urging Lionel Messi to “control Paredes” amid the post-match chaos. Local culture & community: The Slovenian Union of America will mark its 100th anniversary with a special Mass in Joliet, featuring events like potica contests, music and dancing. Travel & lifestyle: Uniworld is promoting 2027 cruises with complimentary Ljubljana land stays on select departures.

World Cup Fallout: New referee-cam footage from the Argentina–Spain final shows Slovenian official Slavko Vincic urging Lionel Messi to “control Paredes” before Leandro Paredes’ post-match chaos, as FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings. Fashion Spotlight: Taquiela Wright’s Delisa Rose Luxury Lingerie will debut “The Garden of Delisa” at New York Fashion Week on Sept. 13, blending couture-inspired corsetry with sculptural details. Local Sports & Talent: Hull’s £10m bid for Slovenia striker Zan Vipotnik was rejected by Swansea; pundits say the valuation should be £20m–£25m. Slovenia in Europe’s Tech Scene: A new look at Slovenia’s fintech growth argues the country’s strength is optimisation—high banking access, digital payments, and EU-aligned regulation. Film & Festivals: Sundance-winning drama “Shame and Money” returns to the Sarajevo Film Festival, with Urša Menart’s “Everything That’s Wrong With You” also premiering in the festival’s competition. Travel & Culture: Uniworld is promoting 2027 cruise packages that include a complimentary Ljubljana land stay with trips to Lake Bled and Postojna Caves.

WTT Europe Smash (Sweden): Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic reached the men’s singles quarterfinals after beating Omar Assar 4-2, while in the women’s draw Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi and Kuai Man booked semifinal spots after tense wins. Swimming (Paris): Italy’s Sara Curtis took women’s 50m freestyle bronze in 23.99, with Poland’s Kasia Wasick winning gold in 23.84 at the 2026 European Championships. Eurovision (Bulgaria): Organizers confirmed Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, with dates set for May 11, 13 and 15. Football (Scotland): Sebastien Pocognoli is reportedly close to becoming Scotland’s next manager, after negotiations with SFA chiefs. Sports & media (Slovenian angle): New World Cup final “RefCam” footage has reignited debate over Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic after a clip of him telling Messi “Control Paredes!” NBA (Lakers): Luka Doncic’s new era is under the microscope as analysts warn Walker Kessler’s defense-heavy deal could backfire if LA can’t fix its late-game issues. Culture & film (Slovenia): Urša Menart’s dramedy “Everything That’s Wrong With You” premieres at the Sarajevo Film Festival, inspired by influencer “tragic life” stories.

Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision 2027 is set for Bulgaria’s Black Sea city of Burgas, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15—plus fresh talk of rule changes to curb tactical and coordinated voting. Film & Culture: Slovenian director Urša Menart’s intimate dramedy “Everything That’s Wrong With You” premieres at this year’s Sarajevo Film Festival, sparked by the rise of micro-influencers during COVID. Sports (Slovenian angle): Zan Vipotnik starts for Swansea as they open the Championship season against Stoke City. Regional Spotlight: Serbia’s Patriarch Porfirije denies rumors about a new Boka Kotorska Diocese in Montenegro, calling it a malicious campaign. Arts & Community: The Sarajevo Film Festival also announces a Special Award for Promoting Gender Equality, with 14 debut films competing for a €7,500 prize. Travel & Leisure: A new report ranks the best countries for retirees, with Europe dominating the top spots.

Eurovision Spotlight: Next year’s Eurovision Song Contest is set for Bulgaria’s Black Sea city of Burgas, with the semifinals on May 11 and 13, 2027, and the final on May 15—Burgas beat Sofia after a “complex” evaluation, and organizers say the city’s musical identity and infrastructure make it a perfect fit. Eurovision Rules Watch: Eurovision is also weighing major 2027 voting changes, including a possible fully online public vote where viewers pick their top three acts, aiming to curb coordinated tactical campaigns. Eurovision Hosting Limits: A new Eurovision regulation would bar countries affected by “armed conflict” or a sensitive geopolitical situation from hosting the next contest if security and stability are materially affected—raising fresh questions about how politics will shape future editions. Local Arts & Culture: Slovenia’s Cinematheque helped screen a restored version of Ivica Matić’s classic “Woman with a Landscape” at the Sarajevo Film Festival, giving the film a “new life” in the digital era. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Luka Dončić’s California child support case was dismissed after his ex-fiancée’s attorney withdrew the petition, though the broader custody dispute is now centered on Slovenia.

Eurovision: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas has been confirmed as the Eurovision 2027 host, with the semifinals set for May 11 and 13 and the grand final on May 15—after Dara’s 2026 win in Vienna. Rules shake-up: The EBU is also tightening hosting eligibility, saying a winning country can be automatically ineligible to host if it’s in armed conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation. Voting overhaul talk: Eurovision bosses are reportedly exploring a shift to wholly online audience voting, pushing viewers to pick their top three acts to curb tactical campaigns. Local culture & film: Sarajevo Film Festival events include a restored screening of Ivica Matić’s “Woman with a Landscape” with the Slovenian Cinematheque. Sports media: United Group secured LaLiga rights for Croatia and Slovenia. Slovenia sports training: Park City athletes trained in a wind tunnel near Bled/Planica for Nordic ski jumping.

Eurovision Rules Shake-Up: Eurovision 2027 will be hosted in Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas, but the bigger headline is the new hosting ban: if a winning country is in “armed conflict” or a “sensitive geopolitical situation,” it becomes automatically ineligible to host next year. Eurovision 2027 Details: Burgas’ Arena Burgas will stage the two semi-finals on 11 and 13 May 2027, with the grand final on 15 May, following Dara’s 2026 win with “Bangaranga.” Local Film Spotlight: Slovenian director Darko Štante’s Sarajevo Open Air Premieres entry “The Lost Son” drops a poster and tackles how violence echoes across generations. Animation Funding Push: CEE Animation launches the CODA – Co-Development Animation Awards, with Slovenia among member countries and applications open until 27 September 2026. Music & Culture in Slovenia: A travel feature spotlights the Soča River as “Adrenaline Valley,” tying Slovenia’s outdoor identity to growing interest in the country. Sports With Slovenian Links: Park City athletes train in Slovenia near Planica, while transfer chatter continues around Slovenian striker Zan Vipotnik.

Eurovision Rules Shake-Up: Eurovision 2027 will be hosted in Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas, but the big headline is new hosting eligibility rules: if a winning broadcaster’s country is in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation,” it will be automatically ineligible to host next year. Eurovision 2027 Details: The contest is set for May 11 and 13 (semis) and May 15, 2027 (final) at Arena Burgas, with Burgas selected after a host-city process. Slovenian Film Spotlight: Darko Štante’s Sarajevo entry The Lost Son gets an exclusive poster reveal, tackling how violence can echo across generations. Animation Funding Call: CODA – Co-Development Animation Awards opens applications for early-stage co-development projects from Slovenia and other CEE countries, with deadlines set for 27 September 2026. Local Arts & Music: Greensky Bluegrass announces a two-night Summer Tour stop at Colorado’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, with Alison Krauss & Union Station also on the bill. Sports Business Buzz: The LA Lakers are reportedly sold again for a record $12.5B to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.

Eurovision Rules Shake-Up: Eurovision organisers say that from 2027, any winning broadcaster will be automatically ineligible to host if their country is in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation,” with the EBU able to appoint another host if safety can’t be guaranteed; the move follows backlash over Israel’s participation and last year’s boycotts that included Slovenia. Eurovision Performer Safeguards: The EBU also raised the minimum performer age from 16 to 18 and tightened limits on recorded vocals, requiring the lead melody to be performed live. Lakers Shock Sale: The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold for a record $12.5 billion to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, with Slovenian star Luka Dončić reacting publicly to the new ownership. Local Sports Spotlight: In Slovenia-linked coverage, Leeds United’s pre-season clash included Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol, while other European sports stories kept rolling across the week. Croatia Tourism Buzz: Croatia’s tourism minister says last-minute bookings are helping August, citing eVisitor figures showing steady growth in arrivals and overnight stays.

Film & Festivals: The Herceg Novi Film Festival (Montenegro) has unveiled its 39th programme for Aug. 22–28, with Slovenia’s Miha Hočevar’s Hidden People and Urška Menart’s Everything That’s Wrong with You in the Golden Mimosa feature competition. Sarajevo Film Festival: Director Jovan Marjanović previews a Southeast Europe-focused lineup, opening Aug. 14 with Paweł Pawlikowski’s Fatherland and closing Aug. 21 with Danis Tanović’s restored No Man’s Land. Slovenian Cinema Spotlight: Everything That’s Wrong With You (Urša Menart) lands a world premiere in Sarajevo, following a young woman’s search for belonging after caring for her terminally ill mother. Sports (Slovenia in the mix): Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović says a second bid for Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik is unlikely after an earlier offer was rejected. Culture & Travel: Condé Nast Traveler’s “most beautiful towns” list includes Slovenia’s Bled, plus Europe standouts like Praiano and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Slovenian Film Spotlight: Urša Menart’s second feature Everything That’s Wrong With You gets an exclusive poster ahead of its Sarajevo Film Festival world premiere, following Maruša’s search for belonging after caring for her terminally ill mother and bonding with an awkward expat nurse friend. President Under Scrutiny: Nataša Pirc Musar faces backlash after a motorway accident near Koper raised questions about how her injuries were communicated and why she traveled with a Russian-Slovenian friend. Sports & Culture in Motion: Kuwait’s handball team starts Asian Games preparations with friendlies in Slovenia, while Leeds’ pre-season plans include a predicted XI featuring Slovenian Jaka Bijol and new signing James Trafford. Local Arts & Events: The ACO’s eclectic new program highlights John Adams’ Gioia and a Bach St John Passion collaboration, with the season spanning composers from Cage to Strauss. Wine Travel Inspiration: A guide to Central and Eastern European wines points readers toward lesser-known regions and “human stories” behind the bottles.