AGP Executive Report

Referendums: Slovenes are voting on four measures in a first test for Janez Janša’s government, including proposals on social assistance and public-broadcasting funding. Digital Economy: Slovenia’s .si registry recorded 19,541 new domain registrations in 24 hours amid a global rush for “SI” names; Indian buyers narrowly outpaced US customers in one registrar’s data. Trade Links: Vietnam has urged Slovenia to ratify the EU–Vietnam investment protection agreement and strengthen links between the Port of Koper and Vietnamese ports. Business & Investment: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million over misleading data in its attempted purchase of Slovenian insulation maker Trimo; Kingspan plans to appeal. Growth: Slovenia approved its 2027 and 2028 budgets, with the government citing economic growth, stability and development potential. Technology: 5G has overtaken 4G for the first time in Slovenia’s mobile market.

Vietnam Trade: Slovenian and Vietnamese officials discussed closer business ties, including links between the Port of Koper and Vietnamese ports. Vietnam also urged Slovenia to ratify the EU–Vietnam investment protection agreement. Digital Economy: Slovenia’s .si domain registry recorded 19,541 new names in 24 hours, about five times its usual daily pace, amid a global rush for short domains; Indian registrations narrowly outnumbered US ones in Hostinger’s data. Corporate Deal: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million over misleading information in its abandoned acquisition of Slovenian insulation maker Trimo. Kingspan plans to appeal. Mobility: Germany is backing Tesla’s push for EU-wide approval of its driver-assistance system, subject to a clearer name and other conditions. Slovenia is already among eight European countries where the system is approved. Trieste Event: Barcolana’s annual sailing race drew 1,858 boat entries, with crowds gathering for final preparations ahead of Sunday’s event.

Digital Economy: Slovenia’s .si registry recorded 19,541 new domain names in 24 hours, about five times the usual pace. Hostinger data put India narrowly ahead of the US among registrants, as interest surged after Donald Trump’s “super intelligence” rebrand. Economic Policy: The government’s proposed 2027–28 budgets aim to support investment, lower labour taxes and growth, while accelerating the use of EU cohesion funds. Corporate: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million over misleading information in its abandoned acquisition of Slovenian insulation maker Trimo; Kingspan plans to appeal. Connectivity: 5G has overtaken 4G for the first time in Slovenia’s mobile market. Trade: Karbi Anglong ginger producers in India are exploring links with Slovenia as a possible route into the wider EU market.

Digital Domains: Slovenia’s .si rush continued on Oct. 9, with 19,541 new registrations in 24 hours—about five times the usual pace. Hostinger data shows India narrowly ahead of the US among buyers, with Morocco third. Public Finances: Prime Minister Janez Janša says proposed 2027–28 budgets will fund the government’s development agenda, including lower labour taxes, investment and faster use of EU cohesion funds. Trade Opportunities: Slovenia’s ambassador to India is exploring links between Karbi Anglong ginger producers and Slovenian businesses, with a view to reaching the wider EU market. Wine Business: More than 45 producers from Slovenia and neighbouring countries showcased Decanter-awarded wines at Brdo, presenting regional varieties to trade buyers and consumers.

Trade Links: Slovenia’s ambassador to India is exploring ways to connect Karbi Anglong ginger producers with Slovenian businesses and the wider EU market. Consumer Market: Singapore’s reputation among Central and Eastern European consumers has risen, and it now ranks ahead of China in Slovenia, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia. Automotive: Tesla’s supervised driving system is approved in Slovenia and seven other European countries; Germany is pushing for EU-wide approval after Tesla agreed to rename it “Tesla Assisted Driving.” Competition: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its proposed acquisition of Slovenian insulation maker Trimo; Kingspan plans to appeal. Finance: Slovenia is among 12 EU countries that have introduced extra taxes on banks, as Bulgaria weighs a temporary levy to raise revenue. Digital Business: Slovenia’s .si domain registrations surged amid a naming frenzy sparked by Donald Trump’s push to replace “AI” with “SI.” Telecoms: 5G has overtaken 4G in Slovenia’s mobile market.

Trimo Deal: The European Commission fined Ireland’s Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its abandoned bid for Slovenian insulation maker Trimo. Kingspan says it will appeal. Interest Rates: Slovenian central bank chief Primož Dolenc said inflation risks could justify further ECB rate rises, but stable core inflation and limited wage effects leave the timing uncertain. Digital Market: Slovenia’s .si domain registrations surged after Donald Trump pushed a rebrand of artificial intelligence as “super intelligence,” fuelling speculation, including a high-profile listing of AI.si. Business and Infrastructure: Slovenia’s 2027–28 budgets were approved with a focus on growth and stability; Temu also partnered with the Slovenian Chamber to support small businesses’ digitalisation. Slovenia’s mobile market has meanwhile crossed a milestone, with 5G overtaking 4G.

Competition: The European Commission fined Kingspan €40 million for misleading information during its review of the company’s abandoned bid for Slovenian insulation maker Trimo. Interest Rates: Bank of Slovenia Governor Primož Dolenc says persistent inflation risks could require further ECB rate hikes, though decisions will depend on incoming data. Public Finances: Slovenia approved its 2027 and 2028 budgets, with economic growth, stability and development among the stated priorities. Digital Economy: 5G has overtaken 4G for the first time in Slovenia’s mobile market, while Temu and the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce have partnered to support small-business digitalisation.

Driver-Assistance Race: Germany’s transport minister is backing Tesla’s push for European approval of its driver-assistance software. Slovenia is among eight countries that have already approved it nationally, but Reuters reports that independent safety researchers have challenged Tesla’s supporting studies. Digital Market: Slovenia’s .si domain registrations have surged as companies and speculators chase the “SI” branding trend; local reports say registrations topped 20,000 in a day. Telecoms: 5G has overtaken 4G in Slovenia’s mobile market, marking a shift in the country’s connectivity landscape. Public Finances: The government has approved budgets for 2027 and 2028, with economic growth, stability and development among its stated priorities. Energy Infrastructure: ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa are joining forces to advance Slovenia’s hydrogen network.

Logistics & E-commerce: GLS is opening a new purpose-built fulfilment centre in Kolding, Denmark (5,000 sqm, scalable to 15,000), to bundle warehousing, picking and packing with parcel delivery for SMEs—adding Denmark to its fulfilment footprint that already includes Germany, Hungary, Spain, Slovenia and Canada. Energy Costs & Industry: Greece is offering €95m in electricity subsidies for energy-intensive manufacturers (cement, food, paper, plastics), but the move highlights how persistent power prices still threaten industrial competitiveness. Auto Sector Pressure: Dacia is temporarily suspending production at its Mioveni plant for two days due to falling orders, alongside a voluntary departure programme aimed at reducing staffing. Slovenia in the Spotlight (Domains): After Trump’s “super intelligence” push, Slovenian .si domain registrations surged, with reports of speculative buying and high-priced listings—while the registrar and White House deny wrongdoing. EU Budget Politics: EU institutions warn leaders against “excessive” cuts in the multiannual budget, arguing that trimming too far could hit agreed priorities. Retail Demand: Eurozone retail sales edged up 0.1% month-on-month; Slovenia recorded a 1.1% rise. Health & Innovation: Slovenia and Kenya are stepping up scientific cooperation on bacteriophages to tackle antimicrobial resistance, focusing on research, clinical use and regulation.

AI & Domains Boom: Trump’s “Super Intelligence” rebrand is driving a surge in Slovenia’s .si registrations, with reports of 13,603 new .si domains in a single 24-hour period and AI.si listed for nearly $700,000, while claims of domain profiteering are denied by the registry. Tech & Consumer Costs: Apple raised Apple One Family prices in multiple European markets including Slovenia, adding about €2/month for new and renewing customers. Business Travel & Retail: Eurozone retail sales edged up 0.1% month-on-month in August; Slovenia led among available data with +1.1%. Health Cooperation: Slovenia and Kenya are stepping up research collaboration on bacteriophages to fight drug-resistant infections. EU Budget Politics: EU institutions warn leaders against “excessive” cuts in the 2028–2034 multiannual budget, with cohesion and farm funding at stake. Energy/Industry: Croatia began removing non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit site, tied to an investigation involving alleged illegal waste imports from Slovenia and Italy. Sports & Media: Slovenia’s RTV funding independence is flagged as a concern amid broader media reshaping, while Tesla’s AI/robotics outlook is again in focus ahead of Q3 earnings.

EU Enlargement Strategy: The European Commission is set to present its long-awaited pre-enlargement plan on Oct 6, with debates ahead of an Oct 15–16 summit and controversy over how “diluted” membership could work for new entrants. Slovenia Tech & Domains: After Trump’s “Super Intelligence” push, Slovenia’s .si domain boom is accelerating—20,276 new registrations in 24 hours and 46,066 in the past month, while even a two-letter AI.si listing is reported near $700,000. Public Media Funding: Slovenian journalists and the EFJ are backing the case for keeping independent, predictable funding for RTV Slovenija ahead of an Oct 11 referendum on abolishing the mandatory RTV contribution. Mobile Market: Telekom Slovenije leads with 36.49% of active users in Q2 2026, as 5G edges past 4G (47.50% vs 47.47%). Labor Mobility: Israel will stop private recruitment of construction workers from India and Sri Lanka from Jan 1, 2027, while keeping Slovenia on an approved list of source countries. Energy/Transport Policy: A new report says EU battery-electric vehicle sales hit a record in 2026 (1.64m BEVs Jan–Aug, +45%).

Domain Boom & Speculation: After Donald Trump’s “Super Intelligence” rebrand, Slovenia’s .si domain has turned into a global trading target, with Register.si reporting tens of thousands of new registrations in days and even a two-letter AI.si listing reportedly asking nearly €700,000. Media Funding Watch: Slovenian and European journalist groups are pushing back against a referendum that could abolish the mandatory RTV contribution, warning it could weaken RTV Slovenija’s independence and stability. Tech & Telecom: Telekom Slovenije reported 5G overtaking 4G as the top connection type in Q2, while the mobile user base remains highly concentrated. EU Budget Politics: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovenia, are urging Ireland to protect cohesion and farm funding in the 2028–2034 budget talks. Climate & Assets: Triglav glacier is shrinking to fragments that researchers say could vanish within days, underlining the economic stakes for tourism and mountain heritage. Business Expansion: Notey closed a €3M seed round and is expanding across the Balkans via a distribution partnership with Telemach. Energy Transition: A new EU-wide report shows battery-electric vehicle sales hitting record levels, driven by pricing and policy pressure.

Telekom Slovenije Market Update: Telekom Slovenije strengthened its lead in Q2 2026 with 36.49% of active users, followed by A1 (25.13%) and Telemach (25.09%), while 5G Adoption hit a milestone as 5G became the top connection type (47.50%) just ahead of 4G (47.47%). EU Budget Fight for Slovenia: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovenia, urged Ireland’s EU Council presidency to protect Cohesion & CAP Funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken Europe’s economy and public support. Slovenia’s .si Boom: Slovenia’s national domain .si saw a surge after Trump’s “super intelligence” push, with September registrations jumping to 46,066 from 3,515 in August. Housing Signals: Across Europe, Real Estate data showed fewer newbuild homes sold in Q2 2026 but more existing home sales, highlighting a market shift. Tech Regulation Watch: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving rollout in Europe faces delays as an EU-wide vote appears pushed back, keeping drivers waiting.

Slovenia’s .si Boom: Register.si logged 46,066 new .si domains in September after Donald Trump’s “super intelligence” rebrand sparked a rush for the SI label, with demand accelerating to 12,600+ registrations per day and pushing totals above 250,000 by early October. Public Finance & Growth: Slovenia’s 2027–2028 budgets were approved with a focus on development, faster EU-fund absorption, higher municipal per-capita funding, and a deficit target below 3% of GDP. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovenia, urged Ireland’s EU Council presidency to protect farm and regional funding—Cohesion Policy and the CAP—warning cuts would weaken the bloc and risk losing public support. Tesla in Europe: EU discussions on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system are set to continue after a planned vote appears delayed, keeping uncertainty for drivers across Europe. Hospitality Expansion: Minor Hotels will bring Dukes London into its Minor Reserve Collection ahead of a 2027 reopening, signaling continued luxury-hotel investment with a Slovenia-linked portfolio.

Slovenia’s .si Domain Boom: After Donald Trump’s “super intelligence” rebrand, Slovenia’s national domain registry saw registrations surge—46,066 new .si domains in September and momentum rising to 12,600+ per day, with demand linked to speculative buying and AI-related naming. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovenia and Croatia, urged Ireland’s EU presidency to protect farm funding, Cohesion Policy and the CAP in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken the bloc and undermine support. Energy & Infrastructure: Croatia pushed an Adriatic–Ionian rail corridor idea connecting Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and the Western Balkans, aiming to unlock cross-border freight and passenger links. Hydrogen & Gas Ambitions: Croatia also floated plans to use its Krk LNG terminal to supply Germany within two years via a southern corridor through Slovenia and Austria. Business Policy at Home: Slovenia’s PM highlighted a Development of Slovenia Act to support competitiveness amid energy costs and skills shortages, including VAT relief on energy products, a development cap for skilled staff, and faster procedures for infrastructure projects. Regional Environment Watch: Croatia’s hazardous waste cleanup in Lika faces local fears of long-term damage after years of illegal dumping.

EU Budget Standoff: Seventeen EU countries, including Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, have urged Ireland’s EU presidency to protect farm funding plus Cohesion Policy and the CAP in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken the bloc and undermine public support. Slovenia’s .si Boom: After Trump’s “super intelligence” rebrand, Slovenia’s .si domain registrations surged—Register.si logged 46,066 new domains in September and demand spiked immediately after the announcement, turning web addresses into a quick-win business bet. Prime Minister’s Growth Plan: Slovenia’s PM presented the “Development of Slovenia Act” to boost competitiveness amid high energy costs and skills shortages, including a temporary VAT cut on energy products, a development cap to attract experts, and steps to cut administrative burdens for faster infrastructure. Regional Connectivity Push: Croatia-backed plans for an Adriatic–Ionian railway corridor aim to link Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and the Western Balkans, with the goal of unlocking port-led trade and better freight and passenger routes. Housing Watch: Eurostat data shows house prices rising across Europe at uneven speeds, with Slovenia among the countries seeing solid annual growth.