AGP Executive Report

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.

Low Rhine water levels: Drought has pushed the Rhine to dangerously low depths, threatening to halt barge traffic and forcing shippers to switch to costlier transport modes. EU nature funding for Triglav: A €3.79m EU-backed project will improve the conservation status of seven threatened species and key habitats in Natura 2000 areas inside Triglav National Park. Textile pollution push: A new Horizon Europe project led by Aalto University targets fabric coloration, aiming to cut water and chemical use by up to 50% by shifting dyeing to the fiber stage. Public transport affordability debate: A Greenpeace study finds Bratislava’s annual pass jumped 32% since 2023, highlighting how fare hikes can undermine greener mobility. Science diplomacy in Slovenia: Slovenia hosted talks on strengthening science diplomacy links between diplomacy, research and innovation, including UNESCO-focused cooperation. Security and environment crime: Operation ATLAS NEXUS dismantled transnational networks, including environmental crime, with hundreds of arrests and large wildlife seizures. Climate and weather context: UN leaders head into the General Assembly amid wars and climate shocks, while drought and extreme conditions keep shaping regional risks.

Public Media Funding in Slovenia: Ahead of a license-fee referendum, Slovenia’s RSF is urging safeguards for RTV SLO’s independent funding and governance, warning that any alternative model must protect against political pressure. Climate & Cities: An EU project on heritage-friendly decarbonisation (POCITYF) says historic city cores can cut carbon, with lessons for replication across Europe. Public Transport Costs: A Greenpeace study finds Bratislava’s annual public transport pass rose from €199 (2023) to €263 (now), up 32.2%, and ranks Slovakia near the bottom on affordability and ticket availability. Recycling Policy Watch: England’s planned Deposit Return Scheme for bottles and cans (from Oct 2027) could reshape local recycling income streams. Energy Transition in the Region: Slovakia is restructuring its “Green Households” solar support, shifting from vouchers to direct cash and reducing solar grants while boosting heat-pump direction. EU Rule-Making Push: Slovenia and 10 other EU states back a “deep cleaning” push to pause or simplify new EU laws and reduce “gold-plating” burdens. Wildlife & Environmental Crime: A cross-border operation (ATLAS NEXUS) targeting drug trafficking, document fraud, firearms—and environmental crime—led to 490+ arrests and seizures including wild animals.

Trade & Social Policy: Slovenian trade unions are launching a binding repeal referendum under Article 90, after the Constitutional Court upheld the initiative—aimed at stopping “systemic changes” to pensions, health, education and social protection, and pushing back against job insecurity. EU Red Tape Reset: Eleven EU countries, including Slovenia, are calling for a “legislative deep-cleaning” and a 12-month pause on new rules, arguing Brussels should ensure existing laws are fully implemented before adding more. Recycling & Waste Policy Watch: England’s planned Deposit Return Scheme for drink containers (from Oct 2027) could reshape local recycling income and collection flows, with councils warning about financial knock-on effects. Energy Transition (Solar Support): Slovakia is restructuring its Green Households subsidy, shifting from vouchers to direct cash—and cutting solar support limits and grants while steering help toward heat pumps. Climate & Weather Research: New work on Utah’s extreme cold “inversion” conditions highlights how cold-air trapping can worsen winter pollution, while a separate study explains a newly spotted tornado scar on Australia’s Nullarbor. Housing Rights: A new EU Citizens’ Initiative, “Right to Housing! Now and Forever,” has opened signatures to demand affordable, sustainable housing across the bloc.

Urban Climate Retrofit Legacy: The EU project POCITYF says historic city cores can cut carbon without damaging protected streetscapes, with partner cities like Alkmaar and Évora reporting major local energy self-supply in year one and a replication method meant to outlive the grant. Local Governance & Food Systems: A new European Court of Auditors report warns fruit and vegetable producer organisations are losing ground despite EU funding, citing uneven national support, complex rules, and weak follow-through as growers face rising costs and shifting demand. Slovenia Energy Debate: A feasibility study for Slovenia’s planned JEK2 nuclear project weighs cooling tower options, with a natural draft tower highlighted for low electricity use and simpler maintenance, ahead of a planned referendum. Recycling Policy Watch: England’s planned Deposit Return Scheme for drink cans and bottles is set to start in October 2027, with councils warning it could reduce recycling-related income. Biodiversity & Climate Research: Slovenian-linked research on Australia’s Nullarbor Plain reveals hidden cave systems through subtle surface trenches, reshaping how scientists read dry landscapes.

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.