AGP Executive Report

Climate & Food Security in Slovenia: Slovenia’s potato growers are feeling the drought hard, with estimates pointing to a 30–90% drop in this year’s harvest and farmers warning that yields and supply are shrinking. Waste & Recycling Policy: England’s planned Deposit Return Scheme would charge shoppers an extra 20p per drink container and refund returns, but councils fear it could cut recycling income. Energy & Nuclear Planning: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s proposed JEK2 cooling towers weighs options, with a natural draft tower cited as the lowest-power, lowest-maintenance choice. Biodiversity & Water/Geology Research: New research links subtle trenches on Australia’s Nullarbor Plain to deep, collapsing cave systems—helping scientists read hidden underground landscapes. EU Agriculture Oversight: An EU audit says fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite support, blaming uneven national rules and complex EU requirements. Circular Economy & Materials: Aquafil highlights its ECONYL circular approach as it joins an investor conference, keeping the focus on turning waste into new products.

Climate & Food Security in Slovenia: Drought is hitting Slovenian potato growers hard, with estimates pointing to a 30–90% drop in this year’s harvest and 2025 production falling to about a third of domestic needs, pushing farmers to adapt as yields and prices struggle. Circular Economy & Recycling Policy: England’s planned Deposit Return Scheme would charge consumers an extra 20p for drink cans and plastic bottles, with refunds at return points—while councils warn it could reduce recycling income. Water & Energy Infrastructure Debate: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s proposed JEK2 nuclear project weighs cooling-tower options, with a natural draft tower estimated around 193–198 metres and pitched as lower electricity use and maintenance. Sustainable Food Systems (Citizen Science): Slovenia is joining the SPOON project’s next Citizen Science Lab round, focusing on how people store, prepare and eat food—aiming to co-create digital tools for healthier, more sustainable routines. Biodiversity & Nature Education: Slovenia’s initiative to celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst is being marked for the first time, spotlighting underground ecosystems and protection needs.

Recycling Policy Shock: England’s new Deposit Return Scheme will add a 20p charge on plastic bottles and metal cans from October 2027, with refunds at return points—raising fears it could cut local council recycling income. EU Food Sector Pressure: A European Court of Auditors report says fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite EU funding, blaming uneven national support, complex rules, and weak Commission follow-through. Slovenia’s Drought Hit: Slovenia’s potato harvest is down sharply after severe droughts, with farmers reporting major yield losses and reduced supply. Nuclear Cooling Choice for JEK2: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s planned JEK2 project weighs cooling tower options, with a natural draft tower estimated around 193–198 metres as the lowest-energy, lowest-maintenance route. Citizen Food Tools in Slovenia: The SPOON project launches new citizen science labs in Slovenia (Pomurje Region) to co-create digital tools for more sustainable everyday food routines. Climate Transport Affordability: Greenpeace reports public transport ticket prices are rising in 14 European capitals and calls for affordable “climate tickets” to cut emissions and fossil fuel dependence.

Climate & Food Security: Slovenia’s potato harvest is taking a hit as severe drought cuts yields, with farmers reporting major losses and warning that local production can’t keep up with demand. Nuclear & Water Use: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s proposed JEK2 nuclear project weighs cooling tower options, with a natural draft tower flagged as the lowest-electricity and lowest-maintenance choice, while climate-change impacts are built into the planning. Sustainable Food Systems: The SPOON citizen science project is launching new labs in Slovenia’s Pomurje region to help co-create digital tools for storing, preparing and eating food more sustainably. Biodiversity & Land: New research links subtle surface trenches in Australia’s Nullarbor Plain to hidden cave systems, offering a better way to map underground habitats. Public Transport Affordability: Greenpeace reports rising public transport ticket prices across many European capitals and calls for affordable “climate tickets” to cut emissions and fossil-fuel dependence. Circular Economy: Aquafil is promoting its circular-economy materials approach tied to ECONYL regeneration at an investor conference. Local Community & Nature: A new set of accessible beehives named after Slovenian beekeeper Anton Žnideršič supports hands-on beekeeping education for veterans.

Nuclear & Climate Impacts: Slovenia’s JEK2 feasibility study weighs four cooling tower designs, with a natural draft option proposed at about 193–198 metres, praised for low electricity use and simpler maintenance, while the final choice will still depend on reactor type, further checks, and spatial placement. Drought & Food Security: Potato growers in Slovenia warn that severe drought is cutting yields hard, with estimates of 30–90% losses this year and farmers citing higher input costs and weaker prices alongside the weather damage. Hydrogen & Energy Infrastructure: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa sign a memorandum to advance a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia, pointing to new steps in the country’s clean-energy buildout. Circular Economy & Materials: Aquafil will take part in the Lytham Partners Fall 2026 Investor Conference, highlighting its ECONYL® approach that turns nylon waste into new products. Biodiversity & Land Use: A Slovenian-linked study on Australia’s Nullarbor Plain uses subtle surface trenches to reveal hidden cave systems, offering new ways to map underground habitats and understand how landscapes evolve. Citizen Science for Sustainable Food: Slovenia joins the SPOON project’s next Citizen Science Lab round, focusing on how people store, prepare and eat food—aiming to co-create digital tools for healthier, more sustainable food systems.

Drought hits food security in Slovenia: A roasted-potato festival in Lipovci put a spotlight on falling yields. Farmers say this year’s harvest is down sharply, with estimates pointing to a 30–90% loss after Europe’s severe droughts, and Slovenia producing only about a third of its potato needs in 2025. Energy transition pressure: The EU’s Russian gas phase-out is moving forward, with bans already in place for short-term contracts and a full LNG stop set for 1 January 2027, reshaping supply options across Central and Eastern Europe. Sustainable food tools via citizen science: Slovenia is joining the SPOON project’s next Citizen Science Lab round, co-creating digital tools to improve everyday food storage, preparation and eating habits—starting with real-life testing of a digital toolset. Public transport affordability debate: Greenpeace research finds ticket prices have risen in 14 European capitals, pushing calls for affordable “climate tickets” that cut emissions and fossil-fuel dependence. Circular economy spotlight: Aquafil, known for ECONYL® regeneration, is set to present to investors at the Lytham Partners Fall 2026 conference. Climate and weather impacts on coasts: A Portorož sailing event was disrupted by heavy rain, unstable winds and thunderstorms, with only one race completed on day three.

Drought hits food supply: Slovenia’s potato harvest is taking a major hit after severe drought. A festival in Prekmurje put the spotlight on falling yields, with estimates of 30–90% losses and 2025 production dropping to about a third of consumption, pushing farmers to adapt recipes and cope with higher costs and pesticide limits. Energy transition in focus: The EU’s planned phase-out of Russian gas imports is moving forward, with bans already tightening on short-term LNG and pipeline contracts and a full LNG stop set for 1 January 2027—creating new supply opportunities for Central and Eastern Europe. Greener mobility debate: Greenpeace research says public transport ticket prices have risen in 14 European capitals, prompting calls for affordable “climate tickets” to boost transit use and cut fossil-fuel dependence. Citizen science for sustainable food: Slovenia’s Pomurje region joins the SPOON project’s next Citizen Science Lab, co-creating digital tools around everyday food storage, preparation and eating routines. Nature and hidden worlds: New research from Curtin University links subtle surface trenches in Australia’s Nullarbor Plain to collapsed ancient cave systems—offering clues for Earth cave mapping and Mars exploration.

Public Transport Affordability: Greenpeace research says ticket prices for monthly and annual passes have jumped in 14 European capitals over three years, pushing calls for cheaper “climate tickets” that cut emissions from road and air travel too. EU Food & Farming Pressure: EU auditors warn fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite about €1bn in annual support, citing uneven national help, complex rules, and weak responses to economic and environmental strain. Hydrogen Infrastructure in Slovenia: ELES and Plinovodi, with Yokogawa, sign an MoU to build a hydrogen ecosystem aimed at strengthening Slovenia’s critical energy infrastructure and enabling low-carbon hydrogen. Energy Transition Permitting: A landfill in Slovenia is set to host a new solar plant after receiving a building permit, turning waste sites into power sources. Biodiversity & Pollinators: A report highlights “unwilding” pressures on Patagonia’s pollinators linked to non-native bumblebees, raising alarms for ecosystems and food crops. Local Nature Protection: A reader criticises clearcut logging near Buttle Lake/Campbell Lake, warning of wildfire risk and damage to a key community watershed and tourism landscape. Caves & Karst Spotlight: Slovenia marks the International Day of Caves and Karst for the first time, building awareness for fragile underground habitats.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to strengthen critical energy infrastructure and support a low-carbon hydrogen sector through sector coupling and a hydrogen plant demonstration. Maritime Digital Upgrade: Slovenia opened testing for the updated European Maritime Single Window environment (EMSWe) application, with deployment planned for 2027 and feedback invited from users. Public Media Under Pressure: RSF and MEPs urged full implementation of the EU’s European Media Freedom Act, warning that safeguards for editorial independence and stable funding are being weakened in several countries, including Slovenia. EU Farm Support Critique: EU auditors say fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite about €1bn in annual support, blaming complex rules, uneven national backing and weak responses to sector pressures. Forest Damage Complaint: A reader reports clearcut logging along Campbell Lake near Buttle Lake, calling it a wildfire risk and a blow to tourism and local pride. Waste Pricing Debate: Malta’s business lobby proposes “pay-as-you-throw” rubbish charges to push waste prevention, recycling and better separation.

EU Food Oversight: The European Court of Auditors says fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite about €1bn a year in EU support, with declining membership and complex rules blamed for holding farmers back. Hydrogen & Energy Security: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia, aiming to strengthen critical infrastructure and link electricity, gas and hydrogen with a demonstration hydrogen plant. Waste Policy Debate: Malta’s business lobby is pushing for a phased “pay-as-you-throw” household rubbish charging system to boost waste prevention, recycling and better source separation. Water & Infrastructure Priorities: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu says local amalgamation must deliver results, with funding targeted to water and sewage, roads and essential services. Marine Trade & Climate Links: Canada’s PM Mark Carney urged Cyprus and nine other EU states, including Slovenia, to complete ratification of the EU-Canada trade deal (CETA), citing benefits for resilience and reduced dependence. Local Tech for Shipping: Slovenia launched a testing phase for the updated Maritime Single Window application, with deployment planned for 2027. Nature Tourism Demand: A travel forecast highlights rising interest in wildlife and nature experiences, including whale-watching and glacier hiking, with Slovenia listed among fast-growing emerging destinations.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to strengthen critical energy infrastructure and link electricity, gas and hydrogen networks via a demonstration hydrogen plant and resilient digital solutions. Caves & Karst Spotlight: Slovenia is celebrating the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst for the first time on 13 September, after the 2025 UNESCO proclamation—an effort led with the International Union of Speleology (based in Postojna) to boost research, education and protection of caves, karst landscapes and groundwater. Maritime Digital Upgrade: Slovenia opened testing for the updated EMSWe (European Maritime Single Window environment) application, with a 2027 production rollout planned and feedback invited from users via the test portal. Waste Policy Debate: Malta’s business lobby is urging a phased “pay-as-you-throw” household charging system to push waste prevention, recycling and better source separation. Local Water & Sewage Priorities: Moldova’s EU-region reform push for voluntary local amalgamation highlights water and sewage, roads and essential services as top funding targets.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, linking electricity and gas networks with digital solutions and exploring a hydrogen plant demo plus resilient “green hydrogen” mobility and backup power. Caves & Karst Spotlight: Slovenia is celebrating the UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst for the first time on 13 September, backing global awareness of caves, karst landscapes and groundwater and highlighting Slovenia’s role via the International Union of Speleology. Waste Policy Debate: Malta’s business lobby is urging a phased “pay-as-you-throw” system for household garbage to push waste prevention, recycling and better source separation. Recycling Ranking: A new circularity ranking puts Singapore top for keeping materials in use, with Slovenia among the leading countries—useful context for how recycling rates can hide structural differences. Energy Transition Context: Croatia’s squeeze on Montenegro’s EU accession bid is tied to transport-sector reform chapters, a reminder that EU rules can shape regional infrastructure timelines.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed a MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, linking electricity, gas and digital solutions and exploring a hydrogen plant tied into transmission networks. Circularity Watch: A new circularity ranking puts Singapore top for keeping materials in use, with Slovenia also in the top group—useful context for how recycling rates and “reuse” can hide very different realities. Local Nature Spotlight: Slovenia’s UNESCO International Day of Caves and Karst is being celebrated for the first time, building on a Slovenia-led UNESCO initiative and years of international speleology work. Tourism & Climate Pressure: Dubrovnik hosted a smart, sustainable tourism dialogue where cities—including Ljubljana—shared ways to manage visitor flows without squeezing residents. Energy Transition Signals: Tesla reported nearly a year of Full Self-Driving Supervised testing in Sweden, while EU-wide approvals remain the next hurdle—another reminder of how transport tech is moving fast. Waste Policy Debate (Not Slovenia, but relevant): Malta’s business lobby is urging “pay-as-you-throw” household garbage charges to push waste prevention and recycling.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed a MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, linking electricity and gas networks with digital solutions and exploring a hydrogen plant demonstration plus resilient “green hydrogen” mobility and backup power options. Energy Governance Watch: ACER’s new director, Christof Lessenich, told MEPs he wants more energy data shared and agency expertise used to help the EU steer an energy system shift, with “information for money” as the pitch. Climate and Water Security Lens: A new analysis argues Western Balkan rivers are becoming geopolitical assets as drought and demand rise, warning against unilateral water diversions and calling for an EU-backed Balkan Water Pact with shared data and joint impact assessments. Tourism Under Pressure: Dubrovnik hosted a North-South Dialogue on sustainable tourism, with Ljubljana among cities sharing how to involve residents and manage visitor flows without eroding quality of life. Local Spotlight: Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTV Slovenia faces renewed political pressure, with journalists warning proposed RTV Act changes could undermine financial and editorial independence.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed an MoU to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to link electricity, gas and hydrogen networks, test a hydrogen plant tied into transmission systems, and add digital tools for coordinated operation. Energy Transition Watch: The deal is framed as boosting resilience and energy security as renewables grow, with plans also touching green hydrogen mobility and backup power units. EU Energy Oversight: ACER’s new director, Christof Lessenich, told MEPs affordability is key and pitched more access to energy-market know-how in exchange for agency funding. Water & Climate Risk in the Balkans: A new analysis warns that drought and reservoir plans could turn transboundary rivers into geopolitical flashpoints, urging a EU-backed “Balkan Water Pact” with shared data and environmental flows. Sustainable Tourism Dialogue: Dubrovnik hosted a North-South Dialogue on smarter, resident-friendly tourism, with Ljubljana among cities sharing approaches to manage visitor pressure. Local Media Independence: Journalists’ groups warned proposed changes to Slovenia’s RTV Act could weaken public broadcaster independence and funding.

Hydrogen Push in Slovenia: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa signed a MoU to build a hydrogen ecosystem, including a demonstration plant tied into electricity and gas networks and digital tools for coordinated operation, plus portable hydrogen units for emergency backup and EV fast-charging. Climate Reality Check: Reports say the Triglav Glacier is effectively disappearing after unusually early melt and very thin snow cover, with researchers warning remaining ice could vanish by the end of the season. Karst Protection Spotlight: Slovenia is marking the first International Day of Caves and Karst with a conference in Postojna and a central ceremony in Postojna Cave, aiming at sustainable management and protection of underground heritage. Energy Governance Watch: Slovenia-based journalists and European press groups warn proposed changes to the RTV Slovenia Act could dismantle the broadcaster’s editorial and financial independence. Clean Tech Signals from IFA Berlin: A recap from IFA Berlin highlights how sustainability messaging is shifting in Europe—heat pumps and induction are becoming standard, while brands also focus on recycled packaging and lower CO2 in production. Mobility & Industry Context: Tesla says it has nearly a year of Full Self-Driving supervised testing in Sweden, while the new Dacia Spring is set to be built in Slovenia, boosting local EV production.