AGP Executive Report

EU Climate & Farming Aid: The European Commission backed a €56m push from the agricultural reserve for farmers hit by adverse weather, with Slovenia set to receive €2.8m alongside Portugal (€30m), Romania (€14.8m), Cyprus (€4.6m) and Croatia (€4.4m), covering fruit, nuts, vines, olives and arable crops. Heat & Risk Reality: Across Europe, heat alerts and record temperatures are again shaping daily life and travel, underscoring how fast climate impacts are turning into economic pressure for households and sectors. Slovenia Industry With a Green Angle: Dewesoft’s “City of Acrobats” tech campus in Trbovlje aims to revive the Zasavje region with a large start-up and production hub opening in 2032–2034, while Yaskawa’s new Kočevje logistics and robot production expansion targets shorter supply chains for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Biodiversity & Forests: A spotlight on the “hidden biodiversity battle” to save Europe’s forests keeps conservation front and center for the region. Sustainable Travel Inspiration: Cycling and slow-tourism pieces highlight low-impact routes and experiences, including Slovenia-linked journeys that connect nature, culture and local communities.

Heatwave Pressure on Europe’s Health Systems: The EU says heatwave response is mainly a national job, but acknowledges hospital strain as temperatures hit 35°C+ for millions, with countries including Germany, Czechia, Hungary and Poland among the hardest hit. EU Climate-Linked Farm Aid: The European Commission backed over €56m from the agricultural reserve for farmers hit by adverse climatic events, including Slovenia (€2.8m) plus Portugal, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia. Forest Resilience Research: An EU-funded project (OptFORESTS) is testing mixed tree species and genetic diversity across 28 European sites to build more resilient forests for future climates. Biodiversity Protection Focus: A report highlights the “hidden biodiversity battle” to save Europe’s forests, tying ecosystem health to climate and species survival. Slovenia in the Spotlight via Energy Infrastructure: WALDEVAR Energy signed a full EPC deal with GEN-I Sonce for a new 110 kV substation and grid connection works—supporting the energy transition through stronger transmission capacity. Civic Climate-Adjacent Mobilisation: Albania’s protests that began over controversial tourism developments have grown into a wider push for accountability and anti-corruption, showing how environmental disputes can spark broader governance change.

Heatwave pressure on Europe’s health systems: The EU says heatwave response is mainly a national job, but acknowledges hospital strain as temperatures hit tens of millions of people across Central and parts of Europe. Climate-hit farming support: The European Commission backed over €56m from the agricultural reserve for farmers hit by adverse weather, including Slovenia (€2.8m) alongside Romania, Portugal and others. Forest resilience research: An EU-funded project is testing more diverse tree species and genetic mixes across Europe to build forests that can better handle future climates. Biodiversity in focus: A new look at the “hidden biodiversity battle” highlights what’s at stake for Europe’s forests. Sustainable tourism & heritage: Malta’s Birgu regeneration project earned major international architecture recognition in Slovenia, spotlighting heritage-led, pedestrian-friendly public space renewal. Green energy infrastructure: WALDEVAR Energy and GEN-I Sonce signed an EPC deal for a new 110 kV substation, aimed at integrating storage and supporting the energy transition. Water access data: A global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underlining the scale of the clean-water gap.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is baking again, with forecasts warning of more record temperatures and hospitals under strain; the EU says heatwave response is mainly a national job, but it stands ready to help via the Civil Protection Mechanism. Water Security: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with big gaps even across Europe and far worse access in many low-income countries. Farm Resilience: The European Commission backed over €56m from the agricultural reserve for farmers hit by adverse climate events, including Slovenia (€2.8m) alongside Romania, Portugal and others. Biodiversity & Forests: EU-funded research is testing more diverse tree species and genetic mixes to build forests that can better handle future climates. Ultra-Fast Fashion: Germany, France and the Netherlands push for tougher EU rules on short-lived, low-quality clothing, with Slovenia among supporters. Clean Waters: The EEA’s annual bathing-water rankings highlight where beaches, lakes and rivers meet the highest standards for swimming. Energy Transition (Slovenia in focus): Reports point to Slovenia’s growing role in energy networks and storage, including grid and PV market developments.

EU Farm Aid: The European Commission says EU Member States backed a €56m push from the agricultural reserve after adverse weather damage, with Portugal set for €30m, Romania €14.8m, Cyprus €4.6m, Croatia €4.4m and Slovenia €2.8m for fruit, nuts, vines and olives. Heatwave Reality Check: A continent-wide heatwave is stressing hospitals and driving record temperatures, while the EU argues heat response is mainly a national job—though it stands ready to help via the Civil Protection Mechanism. Forest Biodiversity Fight: An EU-funded project is testing more diverse tree species and genetic mixes across Europe to build forests that can better handle future climates and protect biodiversity. Clean Water Map: A new global dataset highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach—showing huge gaps between wealthy countries and many low-income regions. Ultra-Fast Fashion Push: Germany, France and the Netherlands (with Slovenia among supporters) are urging tougher EU action against ultra-fast fashion, calling for higher sustainability rules and better reuse/recycling outcomes. Slovenia Energy Angle: EU energy ministers agreed a negotiating position on the “grids package,” aiming to speed up permitting and expand cross-border infrastructure for electrification and decarbonisation. Local Industry Move: Kansai Helios says it will gradually relocate production from Croatia to sites in Slovenia and Serbia, with Zagreb output winding down over coming years. Wildlife/Marine Concern: Kenya is monitoring a cargo vessel beached for weeks near a marine protected area, saying pollution risk is currently minimal but oversight continues.

Heatwave and health strain: Europe is bracing for more record-breaking heat as hospitals report pressure and the EU response stays split, with the European Commission saying heatwave management is mainly a national job while offering help via the Civil Protection Mechanism. Biodiversity and forests: A new EU-backed effort is testing how mixing tree species and genetics can make European forests more resilient, aiming to protect biodiversity and improve forest performance under future climates. Clean water access: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, highlighting huge gaps between much of Europe and parts of lower-income regions. Ultra-fast fashion crackdown push: Germany, France and the Netherlands are urging tougher EU rules on short-lived, low-quality clothing, with Slovenia among supporters. Slovenia in the spotlight: Slovenia ranks among the cleanest performers in a 2026 U.S. News land-and-resource sustainability list, while EU energy ministers also advanced a grids package that Slovenia backed to speed electrification and permitting. Wildlife and marine risk: Kenya is coordinating efforts after a cargo ship has been stuck off Nyali beach for weeks, with authorities saying pollution risk appears minimal but monitoring continues.

Extreme Heat Watch: Europe is bracing for more record temperatures after a historic heatwave set new highs and disrupted events, with warnings tied to a warming continent and rising health risks. Clean Water Snapshot: A new map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, highlighting huge gaps between wealthy regions and low-income countries. Swimming Water Rankings: The EU’s latest bathing-water assessment finds 96% of sites meet minimum standards and 85% score “excellent,” pointing to where summer dips are safest. Packaging Rules Pushback: Eight EU member states, including Slovenia, are asking for clearer implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation ahead of August deadlines, warning firms face unpredictable obligations. Textile Waste Fight: Germany, France and the Netherlands are pushing tougher EU action against ultra-fast fashion, arguing disposable clothing can’t keep being a “competitive advantage.” Energy Transition: EU energy ministers agreed a negotiating position for the European grids package to speed electrification and decarbonisation via faster permitting and stronger cross-border links. Local Green Note: Slovenia ranks among the cleanest performers in a U.S. News land-and-resource sustainability list, with Cambodia topping the category.

Water Access: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with over 2 billion people lacking reliable, contamination-free service—highlighting huge gaps even as access nears universal levels in parts of Europe. Heat & Climate Impacts: Europe is bracing for more record-breaking heat after a historic heatwave, with warnings across countries and knock-on effects from strained power grids to disrupted daily life. Health & Safety in Extreme Weather: The heat is also hitting public services hard, including prisons in France where poor insulation and maintenance leave buildings “like a kettle,” raising urgent welfare concerns. Clean Water for Swimmers: The European Environment Agency reports that 96% of EU bathing waters meet minimum standards and 85% are rated “excellent,” with only 1.5% classified as poor. Local Green Economy: Slovenia is mentioned among top performers for land and resource sustainability in a U.S. News ranking, placing second globally in that category behind Cambodia. EU Policy Pressure: Italy and seven other EU states—including Slovenia—are pushing for clearer, more predictable packaging rules ahead of the August 2026 rollout, warning current plans are too hard for businesses to implement. Slovenia in the Climate Tech Mix: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project adds Slovenia’s meteorology agency (ARSO) to join from 2027, aiming to improve forecasting and climate-related applications.

EU Heat Emergency: Europe keeps breaking heat records, with power-grid strain and health warnings as the WMO calls it the worst since the mid-1970s. EU Policy Push: Germany, France and the Netherlands are urging tougher EU rules on ultra-fast fashion, arguing cheap disposable clothes should not be a competitive advantage and backing higher sustainability standards. Water Quality Watch: A new European Environment Agency ranking finds 96% of EU bathing waters meet minimum standards, with 85% rated “excellent” and only 1.5% “poor.” Packaging Rules Clash: Eight EU countries, including Slovenia, ask the Commission for clearer implementation of the packaging and packaging waste rules due in August, warning SMEs can’t invest without predictable obligations. Slovenia in the Spotlight: Slovenia ranks second globally for land and resource sustainability in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list, behind Cambodia. Local Climate Tech: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project adds Slovenia’s ARSO as a partner from 2027, aiming to improve weather forecasting with new national collaboration.

Heatwave & water quality: Europe’s intense heat is driving people to beaches, lakes and rivers, but a new European Environment Agency report shows where swimming water is cleanest: 96% of 22,000+ monitored bathing sites meet minimum EU standards and 85% are rated “excellent,” with only 1.5% classed as poor. Extreme heat strain: Record temperatures across Western Europe are also stressing power grids and public services, with France reporting grid failures and tens of thousands of homes without electricity. EU packaging rules pushback (incl. Slovenia): Italy and seven EU countries, including Slovenia, are asking the Commission for clearer, more predictable implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation from August, warning SMEs can’t invest without stable obligations. Slovenia in climate tech: ARSO is set to join ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project, expanding forecasting collaboration with Slovenia joining in 2027. Local environment & health culture: A Slovenian-linked “bee-air” therapy trend is spreading in parts of Europe, with claims tied to inhaling filtered air from active hives.

EU Energy & Climate Policy: EU energy ministers agreed the Council’s negotiating position on the “European grids package,” aiming to modernise and expand infrastructure, speed up permitting, and strengthen cross-border links to support electrification and decarbonisation. Packaging Rules Pushback (Slovenia in the mix): Italy and seven EU countries, including Slovenia, asked the Commission for “greater clarity” on how the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will be implemented from 12 August, warning that unclear obligations could force costly delays for businesses. Heatwave Pressure on Europe: Record-breaking heat continued to strain power grids and public services across Europe, with warnings issued in many countries and growing concerns about how buildings and infrastructure cope. Slovenia’s Energy Transition: Gen-I completed the acquisition of three utility-scale battery storage systems in Bulgaria, boosting its storage portfolio and underlining the role of batteries in integrating renewables. Geothermal for Central Europe: A look at geothermal’s potential in Central and Southeast Europe, especially for district heating, as countries seek steadier, import-independent clean heat. Biodiversity & Land Stewardship: Cambodia topped a global ranking for land and resource sustainability, with Slovenia also placing high—highlighting how protected areas and emissions performance shape environmental scores. Forecasting & Data Cooperation: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project added new partners, including Slovenia’s ARSO, to improve weather and climate services. Local Industry Shift: Kansai Helios plans to relocate production from Croatia to Slovenia and Serbia, framing it as a more efficient long-term network. Sustainable Travel Demand: Trip.com data shows Europeans increasingly choose short breaks and “coolcations,” with Slovenia among the cooler-climate destinations gaining searches.

EU Packaging Pushback: Italy and seven EU countries, including Slovenia, asked the Commission for “greater clarity” on how the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will be applied from 12 August, warning rules are too costly and unclear for small firms. Heat and Resilience: Western Europe sweltered under record heat, straining power grids and forcing health warnings, while France’s extreme temperatures highlighted how poorly insulated public buildings can turn heatwaves into a crisis. Energy Transition at EU Level: EU energy ministers agreed a negotiating position on the “European grids package,” aiming to speed permitting and expand cross-border infrastructure to support electrification and decarbonisation. Slovenia’s Solar Shift: Slovenia’s PV market is moving into a new phase with a nationwide energy-sharing mechanism and growing battery storage, with early registrations already topping 1,000. Storage Investment: Gen-I completed the purchase of three utility-scale battery storage systems in Bulgaria, boosting its regional storage portfolio and signaling more cross-border clean-energy investment. Geothermal Potential: A new look at Central Europe’s geothermal prospects points to district heating as the likely near-term win for cutting fossil fuel dependence. Climate Data for Forecasting: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project added new partners, including Slovenia’s ARSO, to improve weather and climate services.

Extreme Heat Across Europe: A record-breaking early-summer heatwave has pushed France to its hottest day on record, with schools and tourist sites closing early and power grids strained—another reminder that heat is getting more frequent and more intense. EU Packaging Rules Pushback: Italy and seven other EU countries, including Slovenia, are asking the European Commission for “greater clarity” on how the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will be implemented from August, warning that unclear obligations could force costly delays for businesses. Slovenia’s Solar Market Update: Slovenia’s new nationwide energy-sharing mechanism is drawing early interest (over 1,000 registrations), alongside growing battery storage and a rebound in residential solar demand. Energy Transition Funding: Twelve EU countries including Slovenia want the Modernisation Fund continued and expanded beyond 2030 to protect energy security and competitiveness during the transition. Climate Finance for Forests: A major push to conserve tropical forests is moving from promises toward real funding mechanics, with payments tied to standing forest protection. Wildfire Recovery for Cyprus: Cyprus is one step closer to accessing over €9m from the EU solidarity fund for infrastructure rebuilding after last year’s wildfire. Biodiversity & Nature: A Slovenian-led expedition helped uncover a 1,000-year-old Maya city in Mexico’s jungle, highlighting how much biodiversity and history still lies hidden under dense forest canopies.

Extreme Heat Across Europe: A record-breaking early-summer heatwave is hitting France and beyond, with red alerts, power strain, and school closures—another reminder of how fast climate impacts are intensifying. EU Packaging Rules Pushback: Italy and seven EU countries, including Slovenia, are asking the Commission for clearer implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, warning that businesses can’t invest without predictable obligations. Slovenia’s Solar Market Update: Slovenia is rolling out a nationwide energy-sharing mechanism for PV, alongside growing battery storage adoption—aimed at widening access to solar even without ideal rooftops. Biodiversity in Action (Danube): Slovenia has opened its first sterlet hatchery on the Mura River to restock the endangered sturgeon relative, supporting LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon efforts to halt declines. Energy Transition Funding Debate: Twelve EU countries, including Slovenia, want the Modernisation Fund continued and expanded beyond 2030 to protect energy security and competitiveness during the transition. Climate Data for Forecasting: ECMWF signed an updated Machine Learning Project agreement that brings Slovenia’s ARSO into the initiative from 2027. Wildfire Aid for Cyprus: EU solidarity funds are moving forward for Cyprus to rebuild after last year’s wildfire damage.

Extreme Heat in Europe: A severe early-summer heatwave has pushed France to its hottest day on record, with schools and tourist sites closing early and red alerts issued across parts of Europe—another reminder that heatwaves are intensifying with climate change. Climate Finance for Forests: The Tropical Forest Forever Facility is moving from promise to test, aiming to conserve tropical forests by tying payments to investment returns—an effort to make climate protection work in real markets. Slovenia’s Solar Push: Slovenia’s new nationwide energy-sharing mechanism is drawing early registrations, while battery storage and a rebound in residential solar adoption point to a new phase for the PV market. Biodiversity in Action: Slovenia has opened its first sterlet hatchery on the Mura River to restock an endangered Danube sturgeon species, supporting LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon efforts. EU Support for Farmers: The EU approved emergency CAP funding of over €56m for farmers hit by adverse weather, including €2.8m for Slovenian apple growers. Energy Transition Funding Debate: Twelve EU countries, including Slovenia, are urging the Commission to extend and scale the Modernisation Fund beyond 2030 to protect energy security and competitiveness. Cross-border Energy Storage: Gen-I has bought three utility-scale battery storage systems in Bulgaria, expanding storage capacity and accelerating renewables integration. Local Community Design: A new village school complex in Hotič is being built as a shared social center—blending education with community life. International Spotlight: India praised Slovenia’s support during National Day events, including Slovenia’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Extreme Heat in Europe: A brutal early-summer heatwave has pushed France to its hottest day on record, with schools and transport disrupted and health warnings issued across the region. EU Disaster Support: Cyprus is one step closer to receiving €9.21m from the EU solidarity fund after a wildfire destroyed homes and infrastructure, while the EU also approved over €56m in CAP emergency aid for farmers hit by drought, heatwaves, storms and floods, including Slovenia (€2.8m for apples). Slovenia’s Solar Market Shift: Slovenia’s PV sector is moving into a new phase with a nationwide energy-sharing mechanism and growing battery storage, with the first registrations already topping 1,000. Grid Flexibility via Storage: Gen-I has expanded beyond Slovenia by acquiring 30 MW/76 MWh of battery storage in Bulgaria, aiming for 100 MW of storage by year-end. Biodiversity Rescue in the Mura: Slovenia opened its first sterlet hatchery on the Mura River to restock an endangered sturgeon relative, as part of the LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project. Industrial Decarbonisation Push: The EU launched an auction for industrial heat decarbonisation grants, backing 65 projects across member states, including Slovenia. Climate Diplomacy Debate: An analysis questions whether Europe’s climate diplomacy in Central Asia is built on equal partnership or risks becoming “green colonialism.” Just Transition Pressure on Farmers: Ukrainian farmers are asking for longer timelines to meet EU pesticide and production rules to keep access to EU markets and CAP support.