AGP Executive Report

River Health Check: A new study says European rivers have improved since 2015–2021, but only Slovenia is on track for 2030 environmental targets—others need to keep strengthening pollution control. Methane Rules Delay: The EU is weighing a further postponement of methane import rules as energy ministers cite supply security and price pressure. Adriatic Spill Readiness: Slovenia hosted a cross-border exercise simulating a hydrocarbon spill in the Northern Adriatic, testing procedures and anti-pollution response with nearly 200 participants. Circular Food Logistics: COOL-BORDER (Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE) starts its first phase to cut packaging, cold-chain, paperwork and waste barriers for chilled and frozen SMEs across six countries, including Slovenia. Hydrogen Push in the North Adriatic: The Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic moves into a new phase for innovation and market deployment, with open calls and a major conference in November. Climate Extremes Watch: A “Super El Niño” is intensifying rapidly, with winter 2026/2027 impacts expected to be among the strongest in over a century. Local Governance: Slovenia’s Ministry of Local Self-Government is relocating its headquarters to Maribor as a step toward decentralisation. Consumer Sustainability Reality: A Slovenia-based Gen Z coffee study finds people like sustainability ideas, but convenience, price and routine still drive purchases.

Methane Rules on Hold: The European Commission is ready to delay activation of the EU methane rules for fossil-fuel imports, as energy ministers weigh supply security and price risks ahead of a decision expected in October/December. FSD Expands, EU Vote Delayed: Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving got approval in Croatia, while an EU-wide decision is pushed to December—raising new questions for Slovenia and the region as more countries move ahead. River Health Check: A new study finds European rivers improved since 2015–2021, but only Slovenia is on track for 2030 environmental targets, with others needing faster progress. Chilled Food Waste Barriers: Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE launches COOL-BORDER to cut packaging, cold-chain logistics, paperwork and hygiene-related waste barriers for frozen and chilled SMEs across six countries, including Slovenia. Adriatic Pollution Drill: Slovenia hosted a cross-border exercise simulating a Northern Adriatic hydrocarbon spill, testing coordination and anti-pollution response with nearly 200 participants from partner countries. Super El Niño Watch: Scientists report the 2026 Super El Niño is intensifying rapidly, with major winter weather impacts likely.

Chilled Food Cross-Border Support: The Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE project COOL-BORDER (Sept 2026–Aug 2028) is rolling out €1.19m to cut packaging, cold-chain logistics, documentation, hygiene and waste barriers for frozen and chilled food SMEs, with six cross-border hubs across Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Energy Security for Winter: Europe is entering winter with “exceptionally low” gas storage, as hot/dry weather drained reserves and LNG flows are squeezed, raising fears the energy price crisis could turn into a supply problem. Adriatic Pollution Readiness: Slovenia hosted a Northern Adriatic marine pollution exercise simulating a hydrocarbon spill, testing cross-border procedures and response assets with nearly 200 participants from six partner countries. Hydrogen Push in the North Adriatic: Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic is moving from a “Hydrogen Valley” into a broader platform for innovation and market deployment, with new open calls and a major conference in Gorizia and Nova Gorica in November. Super El Niño Watch: A rapidly intensifying 2026 Super El Niño is breaking records, with winter 2026/2027 weather impacts expected worldwide. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Europe’s Travel Summit in Brussels puts overtourism and “greening” cruise and aviation on the agenda, with record summer flight numbers cited. EU Public Data and Surveillance Concerns: An open letter calls for ending public sector contracts with Palantir across Europe, citing surveillance and AI warfare uses.

Sustainable Tourism in the Spotlight: Europe’s Travel and Tourism Summit in Brussels takes on overtourism and record demand, with Eurocontrol reporting the busiest summer ever (about 35,959 flights per day in July–August) and cruise/aviation leaders debating how to “green” growth. Energy Security for Winter: Brussels warns the EU heads into winter with “exceptionally low” gas storage after hot, dry weather boosted gas burn for power; LNG flows are also constrained by war-related disruptions. Adriatic Pollution Readiness: Slovenia hosted a cross-border exercise simulating a Northern Adriatic hydrocarbon spill, testing procedures and anti-pollution booms with nearly 200 participants from six partner countries. Renewables Push in the Western Balkans: A regional conference in Budva targets 20 GW of new renewable capacity by 2040, focusing on solar, wind and storage. Climate Extremes Watch: A “Super El Niño” is intensifying fast, raising concerns for major winter weather impacts across Europe and beyond. Local Consumer Reality Check: A Slovenia-based Gen Z coffee study finds sustainability matters, but convenience, price and routine drive what people actually buy.

EU Enforcement Watch: The European Commission has launched infringement procedures over gaps in how countries are transposing the EU “right to repair” rules, including extending repair rights to indoor heating appliances; letters of formal notice go to 18 states, including Slovenia, with two months to respond. Cross-Border Clean Energy: The Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic is moving from a “hydrogen valley” concept to wider cooperation and market deployment, with new open calls and a major conference in Gorizia and Nova Gorica on 11–12 November. Regional Power Balance: Croatia’s wind and solar output dropped sharply week-on-week, while hydropower rose—yet imports increased, showing how fast the grid can swing when renewables vary. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada, the EU and partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over C$339 million (€211m) to expand global ocean observation that supports weather, climate and coastal protection. Biodiversity & Forests: Analysis credits Brazil’s Lula-era policies with avoiding at least 20,000 km² of Amazon deforestation since 2022, underscoring how political choices shape climate outcomes.

Ocean Monitoring Boost: Canada, the EU and 29 partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System, securing over C$339m (€211m) in pledges plus €92m from the EU—aimed at better weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Right to Repair Enforcement: The European Commission opened infringement steps over incomplete transposition of the EU right-to-repair rules, including an expanded scope covering indoor heating appliances, pushing member states to cut waste and emissions by making products easier to fix. Industrial Emissions Pressure: Brussels also moved against EU countries for failing to fully notify the revised industrial emissions directive, with governments given two months to respond. EU Ocean Data for Climate Resilience: The new funding is set to keep ocean data flowing from thousands of platforms worldwide, supporting maritime safety and high seas protection. Slovenia in the Mix: Slovenia is named among states facing EU legal follow-ups on right-to-repair and other compliance gaps.

EU Enforcement Watch: The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against 18 countries, including Slovenia, over incomplete transposition of the EU “right to repair” rules—aimed at cutting waste and emissions by making products easier to fix, and also extending repair rights to indoor heating appliances. Industrial Pollution & Clean Air: The Commission also opened action over gaps in industrial emissions rules, with no EU member state fully notifying the revised directive—governments now have two months to respond. Ocean Monitoring Boost: Canada, the EU and 29 partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance at UN headquarters, pledging over €211 million (plus C$82 million from Canada) to strengthen global ocean observation that supports weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Circular Economy in Practice: A separate EU push targets the “right to repair” directive’s rollout, while the broader enforcement wave signals tighter follow-through on sustainability policies. Slovenia in the Spotlight: The enforcement steps place Slovenia directly in the EU’s compliance spotlight on repair and emissions—key issues for greener consumption and cleaner air.

EU Enforcement Watch: The European Commission has opened infringement procedures over gaps in how countries implement the revised industrial emissions rules, plus separate action on hydrogen and gas market rules and other legal areas—member states now have two months to respond. Right to Repair: The Commission also started infringement steps against Slovenia and others for not fully transposing the right to repair directive, including expanded coverage for indoor heating appliances—aimed at cutting waste and emissions. Circular Economy & Waste: A report on illegal toxic dumping in Croatia’s Gospić links buried waste to PFAS contamination in groundwater and heavy metals in soil, fueling calls for cleanup and accountability. Ocean Climate Data: Canada, the EU and 29+ partners launched the OceanEye alliance to strengthen global ocean monitoring, pledging over €211 million to support weather, climate predictions and coastal protection. Urban Clean Mobility: Nissan unveiled the all-new Pixo electric city car for Europe, with a 259 km range on a 27.5 kWh LFP battery—another push for lower-cost urban EVs. Slovenia Angle: The right-to-repair infringement list explicitly includes Slovenia, tying EU consumer and climate goals to local implementation.

Right to Repair: The European Commission has started infringement steps over the EU right-to-repair rules, including for Slovenia, after member states failed to fully transpose the directive and a revised scope covering indoor heating appliances. Industrial Emissions: The Commission also opened infringement procedures because no EU state fully notified the revised industrial emissions directive, with letters of formal notice sent to multiple countries and a two-month deadline to respond. Ocean Protection: The EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance at the UN, securing at least €211 million in pledges to strengthen global ocean observing for weather, climate and coastal resilience. Urban EV Push: Nissan unveiled the Pixo electric city car for Europe, with up to 259 km range and fast charging, a sign of continued momentum for cleaner urban transport. Local Waste Fallout: A report on illegal toxic dumping in Croatia’s Gospić highlights PFAS contamination risks—another reminder of why enforcement and cleanup matter for public health.

Right to Repair: The European Commission has started infringement steps over the EU “right to repair” rules, saying several countries—including Slovenia—failed to fully transpose both the original directive and a 2026 update that widens repair rights to indoor heating appliances. Industrial Emissions & Energy Rules: The Commission also launched broad infringement letters because no EU member state has fully notified the revised industrial emissions directive, and it is pursuing many states over hydrogen and gas market rules plus gaps in electricity, anti-money laundering, anti-trafficking and consumer protection. Ocean Monitoring Push: Canada, the EU and 29 other countries backed the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN, with pledges of at least €211 million (including €92 million from the EU) to keep ocean data flowing for weather, climate and coastal protection. Slovenia Angle: Slovenia is explicitly named in the right-to-repair notification gaps, tying EU waste-and-emissions goals directly to national implementation. Packaging & Recycling: Bayer introduced a mono-material polypropylene blister for Talcid in Germany, aiming to improve recyclability and extend the approach across more European markets.

Right to Repair: The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against 18 countries, including Italy, for not fully transposing the EU right-to-repair rules, and also launched cases against Slovenia and 17 others over a delegated update that extends repair rights to indoor heating appliances—aimed at cutting waste and emissions. Ocean Observation Push: At UNGA in New York, the EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges of at least €211 million so far to fill data gaps and strengthen global monitoring. Slovenia in the Mix: Slovenia’s foreign minister Tone Kajzer met India’s S. Jaishankar on UNGA sidelines, with talks covering trade, technology, renewable energy and multilateral cooperation. Circular Electronics for Health: A Slovenia-involved EU project (DiCE) tested ways to bring back unwanted healthcare devices, finding most participants would return them when collection is easy—supporting lower e-waste through better design and reverse logistics. Toxic Waste Fallout (Croatia): A Gospić dumping case linked to PFAS contamination has sparked wider calls for cleanup and stronger oversight. EV for Cities (Slovenia ties): Nissan’s new Pixo EV is set for European deliveries in early 2027 and will be built at Renault’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia, targeting short-range urban driving.

EU Defence Budget Fight: Twelve countries including Slovenia oppose France’s push for strict EU defence preference in the next European Competitiveness Fund, arguing third-country participation is key for interoperability and readiness. Ocean Protection Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA, with EU seed funding of €92m and pledges bringing total support to about €211m+ to fill ocean data gaps and strengthen monitoring. Biodiversity & Migration: New reporting highlights how migratory birds use Istanbul’s green stopovers, with ringing studies tracking routes between Europe and Africa. Slovenia in Global Talks: India and Slovenia reviewed cooperation during UNGA81, including trade, technology and renewable energy links. Circular Healthcare in Slovenia: The DiCE project tests ways to make healthcare devices easier to return and recycle, including pilots in Slovenia and a circularity dashboard for policymakers. Clean Transport Trend: Data shows zero-emission city buses are rapidly taking over across the EU, with Slovenia among states hitting 100% for new sales in 2025. Packaging Recycling Push: Bayer introduced a mono-material recyclable polypropylene blister for Talcid in Germany, building on a format first used in Slovenia.

Ocean Monitoring Boost: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance under the UN’s Global Ocean Observing System, with nearly €220 million pledged so far to expand sensors, drones, research vessels and close key data gaps—an effort tied directly to better weather and climate predictions. Circular Packaging in Focus: Bayer introduced a mono-material polypropylene blister pack for its Talcid antacid in Germany, replacing multi-layer plastic to improve recyclability and planning wider rollout across Europe in 2026–27. Cleaner Public Transport: New data shows zero-emission buses are rapidly taking over EU city fleets; in 2025, Slovenia recorded 100% zero-emission new city bus sales, and the EU could hit a fully zero-emission market by 2028. Slovenia in the UN Spotlight: Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer met India’s S. Jaishankar on UNGA sidelines, with cooperation discussed across trade, technology and renewable energy—while Slovenia also appears in UN-related diplomatic scheduling. Birds & Habitat: Migratory birds are using Istanbul’s green stopovers, with ringing studies tracking routes between Europe and Africa.

UN Climate & Environment at UNGA: Slovenia’s PM and FM Tone Kajzer are in New York as the UN General Assembly opens amid wars and climate shocks, with Slovenia stressing effective multilateralism and protection of civilians while the agenda also flags climate change and environmental protection. Circular Electronics for Healthcare: The EU DiCE project says healthcare can cut electronic waste by redesigning devices and building convenient return systems; pilots in Belgium, Spain and Slovenia found over 60% would return unwanted devices when collection is easy. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped secure about $339m in pledges for the Global Ocean Observing System via the OceanEye International Alliance, aiming to improve weather, climate predictions and coastal protection. Zero-Emission Buses: Europe’s city bus market is accelerating toward electrification: in 2025, six in ten new city buses were zero-emission, and Slovenia hit 100% for new sales. Slovenia’s Battery Research Boost: Comau delivered a flexible battery testing and formation system to Ljubljana’s National Institute of Chemistry, supporting safer, repeatable lab-to-industry cell testing. EU Law Simplification Push: 13 EU countries, including Slovenia, urge von der Leyen to pause new rules for a year and focus on simplifying what already exists.

UN climate and security agenda: UN General Assembly opened in New York amid wars and climate shocks; Slovak President Peter Pellegrini warned the world is worse than a year ago and flagged climate change, inequality and AI-guided weapons as urgent issues. EU law “deep-cleaning”: Thirteen EU countries, including Slovenia, urged von der Leyen to pause new rules for a year and simplify existing legislation to cut red tape. Biodiversity funding in Triglav: EU support is set to strengthen biodiversity in Triglav National Park. Nature-based urban resilience: The EU-funded Upsurge project (with Slovenia’s E-zavod) is showcasing nature-based solutions to cool cities, improve air quality and protect biodiversity. Battery research upgrade: Comau delivered a flexible battery cell formation and testing system to Slovenia’s National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, enabling more realistic, repeatable testing across cell types. Water stress across Europe: Record-low Rhine levels are choking barge traffic, raising costs and pushing freight onto less efficient routes. Green transition pressure: Greece’s energy-intensive industry is calling for EU support tools to protect jobs and investments needed for the green transition. Local sustainability tourism: Slovenia’s Žalec “Green Gold Fountain” lets visitors pour their own beer, linking local brewing heritage with seasonal tourism.

UN General Assembly Turmoil: UN leaders opened the annual meeting amid wars, climate shocks and deep global uncertainty, with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini warning that multilateralism is eroding and calling out AI-guided weapons as an urgent EU-level regulation issue. Urban Climate Resilience: Slovenia’s E-zavod highlights EU-funded Upsurge work using nature-based solutions to cool cities, improve air quality and support biodiversity—while tackling data, financing and long-term maintenance barriers. Biodiversity in Triglav: Slovenia secured €3.79m under EU Cohesion Policy to improve the conservation status of seven threatened species and habitats in Natura 2000 areas inside Triglav National Park. Textiles Pollution Fix: Aalto University’s Horizon Europe project Melange targets fabric coloration by shifting dyeing to the fiber stage, aiming to cut water and chemical use by up to 50%. Water Stress for Trade: Record-low Rhine levels are choking barge traffic, stressing logistics and pushing freight onto less efficient routes. Public Transport Affordability: A Greenpeace study finds Bratislava’s annual pass jumped 32% since 2023, underscoring affordability pressures across European capitals.