AGP Executive Report

Slovenia’s Green Transition Gets a Boost: A new €32m Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies opened in Kisovec, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free solutions in a former coal region, with 80% EU Just Transition Fund support. Local Governance & Environment: Slovenia ended temporary border controls with Croatia and Hungary, removing stationary checks and dismantling equipment—good news for smoother freight and travel as the government says the security situation has stabilized. EU Rules on Green Claims: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against 20 EU states for late transposition of the EmpCo Directive, targeting greenwashing and requiring clearer, better-supported environmental claims. Sustainable Tourism in Prekmurje: A new boutique hotel, Sončno Polje near Moravske Toplice, is built mostly from wood and designed to shift visitors away from mass tourism toward quieter, nature-connected stays. Regional Climate Tech: A Just Transition-linked energy future theme also runs through coverage of Slovenia’s energy and innovation push, including new infrastructure for carbon-free development.

Zero-Carbon Transition in Zasavje: Slovenia opened a €32m Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies in Kisovec, a major Just Transition Fund-backed step to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free solutions and help a former coal region reinvent itself. Border Policy Shift: Slovenia ended temporary border controls with Croatia and Hungary, dismantling the on-site checks and equipment after the government said the original security reasons no longer justify stationary monitoring. EU Consumer Greenwashing Crackdown: The European Commission launched infringement steps against 20 EU states for late transposition of the EmpCo Directive, aimed at better protection against unfair environmental claims and circularity labels. Forest Cover Snapshot: A World Bank-backed look at Europe’s forests highlights how climate and land use shape landscapes, with Slovenia among the most forested countries (about 61%). Cooling Costs Warning: New data shows electricity prices and cooling affordability vary sharply across Europe, with higher costs hitting households hardest. Biodiversity & Resilient Forests: An EU-funded project is testing more diverse tree species and genetic mixes across Europe to build forests that can better handle future climate stress.

Border Policy Shift: Slovenia will end temporary border controls with Hungary and Croatia, stopping police presence and dismantling check equipment at midnight, after the government said the security risks that justified the 2023 move have eased. Clean Tech Investment: A new €32 million Centre for Demonstration and Training in Carbon-Free Technologies opened in Kisovec near Zagorje, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free solutions—80% funded by the EU Just Transition Fund. EU Consumer Greenwashing Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against 20 EU member states for late transposition of the EmpCo Directive on environmental claims, pushing clearer, substantiated sustainability information. Forest & Climate Context: A World Bank-backed analysis highlights how geography and land use shape Europe’s forest diversity, with Slovenia among the most forested countries (about 61%). Energy Costs Lens: A new data roundup shows electricity prices vary wildly, with Europe and fuel-importing islands topping the expensive list—useful context as Slovenia and the EU weigh energy security and affordability.

Climate Justice Gap: A new look at Europe’s climate policies says the burden of extreme weather hits people unevenly, with poorer households facing higher wildfire and clean-water risks and many unable to cool homes adequately—urging “real behaviour” fixes like automatic eligibility and pre-financing. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A report on the International Whaling Commission highlights a shift from quota fights to conservation work, including tracking threats to cetaceans and using marine pollution and protected-area data for smarter protection. Regional Green Agenda: At the SEECP summit in Sofia, leaders discussed resilience to natural disasters and medical emergencies plus the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, with Romania set to take the rotating chairmanship next. Slovenia in the EU pipeline: Slovenia’s EU Commission greenlights a sixth RRF payment request worth €41 million. Circular Packaging in Practice: Pöppelmann TEKU is pushing reusable horticulture packaging, with a case study claiming major plastic waste savings through tray returns. Sustainable Skills: University of Primorska launches a new wood-industry bachelor focused on sustainable development and digital transformation. Energy Transition Tech: EU-backed INDTEGRATE aims to decarbonise hard-to-electrify industries via green hydrogen and waste-heat recovery, integrating solid oxide electrolysers.

EU Funding & Water Infrastructure: The European Commission has greenlit Slovenia’s sixth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request for €41 million, tied to labour market and education reforms but also the green transition via upgraded wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure, plus steps toward a more circular and digital economy. Biodiversity & Nature Protection: Slovenia is set to be referred to the Court of Justice for failing to comply with the Birds Directive, a move that puts wildlife protection back in the spotlight. Transport & Air Quality by Design: Night construction crews have started on a congested A1 motorway section near Postojna to cut chronic bottlenecks on the Koper–Ljubljana corridor ahead of summer travel. Forests & Climate Risk: A data roundup ranks Slovenia among Europe’s most forested countries (about 61% forest cover), underscoring the role forests play as both natural assets and climate-risk buffers. Regional Green Agenda: At the SEECP 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia, Romania takes over the rotating chairmanship with priorities including resilience to natural disasters and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Sustainable Industry Education: The University of Primorska launches a new bachelor’s programme on Innovations in the Wood Industry for Sustainable Development, aiming to train students for greener, more digital wood-based production.

EU Funding Watch: The European Commission has greenlit Slovenia’s sixth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request for €41 million, tied to reforms and investments including upgraded wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure, plus steps toward a more circular and digital economy. Biodiversity & Law: Slovenia is set to face the Court of Justice of the EU after a decision to refer it for failing to comply with the Birds Directive, a direct hit to conservation enforcement. Transport & Air Quality: DARS has started round-the-clock works on a congested A1 motorway section near Postojna, aiming to cut delays by 20–30 days ahead of the summer travel rush. Regional Sustainability Agenda: Romania will take over the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) presidency (July 2026–June 2027) with priorities including resilience to natural disasters and a Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Energy Transition Tech: A Horizon Europe project, INDTEGRATE, was launched to integrate solid oxide electrolyser cell tech and green hydrogen into hard-to-decarbonise high-temperature industries like glass and ceramics. Forests Snapshot: A new Europe-wide ranking puts Slovenia among the most forested countries, at about 61% forest cover.

EU Funding Watch: The European Commission has greenlit Slovenia’s sixth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request for €41 million, tied to reforms and investments including upgraded wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure plus steps toward a more circular and digital economy. Energy Transition: Borzen is running a €10 million grant scheme from Slovenia’s Climate Fund for non-repayable support toward battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) for eligible installations. Local Mobility & Logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the city’s pedestrian zone, starting with a route from City Hall to Soline shop. Nature & Climate Context: A data roundup ranks Slovenia among Europe’s most forested countries (about 61% forest cover), while World Ocean Day messaging highlights ocean protection needs amid pollution and climate pressures. Regional Cooperation: President Iliana Iotova will host the SEECP 30th anniversary summit in Sofia, with Slovenia among the participating leaders. Roadworks Impact: Night construction has started on a congested A1 motorway section near Postojna to cut delays ahead of the summer travel rush.

Transport & Air Quality Pressure Relief: Slovenia’s motorway operator DARS has started round-the-clock works on the A1 corridor near Postojna, using night crews to cut the project timeline by an estimated 20–30 days amid chronic summer bottlenecks and frequent accidents. Energy Transition Support: Borzen has opened a €10m rebate scheme from the Climate Fund to co-finance battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) for eligible grid-connected installations. Water & Sustainability Diplomacy: Azerbaijan took part in Slovenia’s Bled Water Forum, focusing on water security and efficient resource management, with officials highlighting national strategy work. Urban Logistics Shift: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the city’s pedestrian zone, aiming to support deliveries where vehicle access is limited. Biodiversity & EU Compliance: The European Commission has decided to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice for failing to comply with the Birds Directive, raising pressure on habitat protection and enforcement. Regional Cooperation: Slovenia is set to engage in SEECP summit diplomacy in Sofia, with Türkiye’s FM expected to stress connectivity and regional stability.

Energy Transition in Focus: Borzen has opened a €10m grant call from Slovenia’s Climate Fund to co-finance battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) for projects connected to the grid between January and July 2026. Biodiversity & Legal Pressure: The European Commission has decided to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice for failing to properly designate marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive, including for the Mediterranean Shag in Osrednji Tržaški zaliv. Urban Mobility & Logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the city’s pedestrian zone, aiming to complement existing delivery models and expand to local products, food, and event pick-up services. Water Security Diplomacy: Azerbaijan joined the Bled Water Forum in Slovenia to discuss water security and efficient water resource management, including a local hike to Straža Hill. Climate Policy Context: The EU Commission approved Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan, using carbon-pricing revenues to fund home energy renovations, EVs, and bike lanes for vulnerable households and micro-enterprises.

Energy & Grid Support: Slovenia’s grid operator Borzen opened a €10m grant call from the Climate Fund to co-finance battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh) for projects connected to the grid between January and July 2026. EU Climate Policy: The European Commission approved Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan to protect vulnerable households and small businesses in the clean transition, including home renovations, EV support, and bike-lane expansion. Nature Protection: Brussels has referred Slovenia to the Court of Justice for failing to designate enough marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive to protect the Mediterranean Shag, including in Osrednji Tržaški zaliv. Local Green Logistics: Pošta Slovenije and Ljubljana launched a pilot for assisted robotic last-mile delivery in the city’s pedestrian zone, testing deliveries from City Hall to Soline. Water & Cooperation: Azerbaijan joined the Bled Water Forum in Slovenia, discussing water security and efficient water-resource management. World Ocean Day: A World Ocean Day communique highlights the ocean’s role in climate regulation, carbon absorption, and biodiversity—while calling out pollution and illegal fishing pressures.

Birds Directive Pushback: The European Commission has decided to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to designate enough marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive, including for the Mediterranean Shag in Osrednji Tržaški zaliv—Brussels says the SIMARINE LIFE project already identified suitable sites. Clean Transition Funding: Lithuania’s Social Climate Plan was approved, mobilising €884m until 2032 from carbon-pricing revenues to cut energy bills via home renovations, expand social housing, and support cleaner transport like EVs and bike lanes. Aviation Emissions Rules: The Commission has launched infringement steps against 13 EU states, including Slovenia, over missing national penalty systems under ReFuelEU Aviation, aimed at boosting sustainable aviation fuels. Circular Economy Momentum: Istanbul’s Zero Waste Forum ran with a focus on circular systems, food loss reduction, and cutting methane from organic waste ahead of COP31. Local Recycling Investment: Slovenia’s Resand expanded its Norion Bank financing from €14.5m to €25m to scale foundry sand reclamation and recycling, citing growing sustainability pressure from foundries. Healthier Vending in Hospitals: A Slovenian study found healthier vending options can shift hospital purchases toward healthier items, even if total sales drop. New Government Watch: Slovenia’s new right-of-centre cabinet led by Janez Janša was confirmed, with promises including tax cuts and less bureaucracy—watch how that intersects with environmental regulation and enforcement.

Birds Directive Case: The European Commission has decided to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to designate enough marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive, leaving key waters such as Osrednji Tržaški zaliv insufficiently protected for the Mediterranean Shag. Aviation Emissions Enforcement: Brussels has launched formal infringement steps against 13 EU countries, including Slovenia, over missing penalty rules under ReFuelEU Aviation, aimed at boosting sustainable aviation fuels and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. Clean Transition Funding: Lithuania’s approved Social Climate Plan (€884m to 2032) uses carbon-pricing revenues to fund home energy renovations, social housing upgrades, EVs for public transport, and bike lanes—an example of how the EU is trying to make decarbonisation fair. EV Charging Push: The EIB is backing Ireland’s nationwide public EV charging rollout with advisory tools for faster, more equitable build-out, including neighbourhood on-street charging and local hubs. Circular Economy & Waste: An Istanbul Zero Waste Forum focused on circular systems, cutting food loss, and reducing organic waste to tackle methane emissions ahead of COP31. Local Health & Food Choices: A Slovenian hospital study found that healthier vending options increased the share of healthy purchases, even if total sales dipped.

EU Birds Directive Push: The European Commission has decided to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to properly designate Special Protection Areas in its marine waters under the Birds Directive, including key areas such as Osrednji Tržaški zaliv for the Mediterranean Shag. Aviation Cleaner Fuels: Cyprus and 12 other EU countries, including Slovenia, face legal action after not adopting or reporting penalty rules required under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, aimed at cutting aviation emissions by boosting sustainable fuel use. EV Charging Support: The European Investment Bank is backing Ireland’s nationwide EV charging rollout with advisory tools for faster, fairer build-out—an EU-wide signal for charging infrastructure momentum. Circular Industry Finance: Slovenia’s Resand expanded its Norion Bank loan facility from €14.5m to €25m to scale foundry sand reclamation and recycling, citing growing sustainability pressure from foundries. Healthier Vending in Slovenia: A Slovenian hospital study found healthier vending options can shift purchases toward better choices, even if total sales drop. Wildlife at Sea: New research links increased shipping traffic around South Africa with higher whale strike risk, urging urgent action to reduce collisions.

Birds Protection Push: The European Commission has referred Slovenia to the Court of Justice for failing to designate enough marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive, including key habitat in Osrednji Tržaški zaliv for the Mediterranean shag. Clean Transition Funding: Lithuania’s Social Climate Plan got EU approval, mobilising €884m to cut energy bills via home renovations, expand social housing, and support cleaner transport with EVs, bike lanes and charging. EV Charging Rollout: The EIB is teaming up with Ireland to speed a nationwide public EV charging network, aiming for access in every community. Recycling & Circular Industry: Finland’s Resand expanded its loan facility with Norion Bank to €25m to scale foundry sand regeneration and recycling, citing growing sustainability pressure from foundries. Healthier Vending in Slovenia: A Slovenian hospital study found that healthier vending options can shift purchases toward healthier items (even if total sales drop). Tourism Pressure & Rules: Several European hotspots are tightening caps and booking limits as travel rebounds, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Santorini.

Slovenia Birds Directive Case: The European Commission has referred Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to properly designate marine Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive, focusing on the Mediterranean Shag and areas including Osrednji Tržaški zaliv. EV Charging Push: The EIB is teaming up with Ireland to speed up a nationwide public EV charging rollout, aiming for charging access in every community and using advisory tools to build infrastructure faster and more fairly. Circular Materials Finance: Finland’s Resand expanded its loan facility with Norion Bank from €14.5m to €25m to scale foundry sand reclamation and recycling, driven by sustainability targets from foundries. Healthier Vending in Slovenia: A Slovenian university clinical study found that healthier vending options can shift hospital purchases toward better choices, even if total sales drop at first. Robotic Delivery Trial (Ljubljana): Pošta Slovenije and the City of Ljubljana launched Slovenia’s first assisted robotic delivery trial in the old town to cut congestion and emissions while easing delivery pressures.

EU Court Action on Nature: The European Commission has referred Slovenia to the Court of Justice over non-compliance with the Birds Directive, saying key marine areas in Slovenia’s jurisdiction—especially Osrednji Tržaški zaliv for the Mediterranean Shag—still aren’t properly designated. Local Environment Policy: New environment minister Polona Rifelj says she wants faster siting and building-permit decisions, with nature conservation, water management and housing now under her ministry. Energy Governance Watchdog: Slovenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman says the government and the Environment and Energy Ministry interfered with the Energy Agency during reforms to electricity network charges, breaching separation of powers and fairness. Sustainable Transport Trial in Ljubljana: Pošta Slovenije and the City of Ljubljana launched Slovenia’s first assisted robotic delivery trial in the pedestrian old town, aiming to cut congestion and emissions while easing delivery pressure. Healthier Food Access: A Slovenian hospital study found that healthier vending options can shift purchases toward water, juice, fruit and healthier snacks—even if total sales drop. Rail Freight Push: Rail Cargo Group highlights cross-border planning and reliability improvements, pointing to construction challenges around Slovenia’s Port of Koper.