Slovenia

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has selected five finalists—Helsing (Germany), Destinus (Netherlands), C-Astral (Slovenia), UAVision (Portugal), and Spirit Aeronautical Systems (Greece)—for the second phase of its Sentinel Strike Challenge, a competition to test loitering munition technologies. Over 140 organizations expressed interest. The finalists will field-test their attack drones during the EU OPEX26 campaign at Portugal’s Santa Margarida military training area this autumn. Military users from EU member states will assess performance, resilience, and operational suitability. Winners share €1.8 million in prizes, with overall results expected in 2027.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:19 PM UTC

Germany has officially submitted its bid to host the Grand Départ of the 2029 Tour de France, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Bid Book, titled 'Freedom in Motion,' was handed over by German Cycling to Tour Director Christian Prudhomme and organizer ASO at the German Bundestag in Berlin. The proposed route would involve Berlin and the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Prudhomme, who has a personal connection to Germany from Alsace, praised the symbolic significance for Franco-German friendship and European history. Former Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping highlighted the opportunity to honor those who paved the way for German unity. A decision on the bid is expected in spring 2027. Potential stage plans include Dresden-Jena, Erfurt-Magdeburg, and a time trial from Halle to Leipzig, though Berlin's specific role remains undefined. Competing bids include Slovenia for Tadej Pogacar and Prague, though Prague is considered unlikely for 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:51 PM UTC

The article recaps three international professional pickleball tournaments held over the July 26th weekend. In Singapore, the PPA Asia 500 event saw Collin Johns & Len Yang win men's doubles gold, Hong Kit Wong claim his third men's singles gold in four events, and Yufie Long win both women's singles and doubles. A notable upset occurred in mixed doubles where 16-year-old Jaeda Minniefield partnered with Luc Pham for the title. In Malaysia, the APP Penang Open featured Quang Duong winning men's singles and doubles, while Roos van Reek achieved a triple crown (singles, doubles, mixed doubles). In Slovenia (hosting the PPA's inaugural Italian series event), Louis Laville & Tom Protzek won men's doubles, and Katie Morris secured both women's doubles and mixed doubles titles.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:27 PM UTC

FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The 46-year-old, assisted by fellow Slovenians, has officiated high-profile matches including the 2024 Champions League final. Controversy surrounds his selection due to a 2020 arrest in Bosnia during a raid on an adult party involving drugs and prostitution, though he was not charged. Spanish media have also criticized his recent performance.

30 reports · 10 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:05 PM UTC

On July 6, 2026, Tadej Pogacar won the third stage of the 113th Tour de France in Les Angles, taking the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard. The stage proceeded despite devastating wildfires in southwestern France, with temperatures up to 40°C. Organizers banned public access and canceled the advertising caravan; over 10,000 people were evacuated and 4,600 hectares burned. Pogacar and Vingegaard are now tied on time, with Pogacar leading on bonuses.

25 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:23 AM UTC

Tadej Pogacar won the mountain finish at Alpe d'Huez during the 113th Tour de France, completing the legendary 13.8-kilometer climb in a record 35:26 minutes, beating Marco Pantani's 1995 record by 1:24 minutes. The Slovenian world champion extended his overall lead to 7:11 minutes over Remco Evenepoel and 9:42 minutes over Isaac del Toro. Pogacar launched his decisive attack 13 kilometers from the finish, shaking off all rivals and the last breakaway riders 900 meters before the line. He finished ahead of Lenny Martinez and Richard Carapaz. The victory came despite a virus spreading through his UAE team, with riders isolating in single rooms. Pogacar's main rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz had already abandoned the race due to crashes. Over half a million spectators created a festive atmosphere on the mountain, with thousands camping overnight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:32 PM UTC

A virus outbreak has swept through the Tour de France, affecting riders across almost all 23 teams, including UAE Emirates, the team of superstar Tadej Pogacar. American rider Brandon McNulty was forced to withdraw due to illness, while teammates Florian Vermeersch and Adam Yates also showed symptoms. Teams are reverting to COVID-era precautions such as wearing masks, isolating sick riders in single rooms, and canceling shared dinners. German rider Nils Politt noted the widespread nature of the illnesses, saying he has never seen so many teams affected at once. Despite the outbreak, Pogacar remains healthy and is being protected by his team as he aims to reach Paris safely. The article also reports that Richard Carapaz won the 18th stage from a breakaway group.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:45 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a significant setback as seven member states voted against it, ten abstained, and ten supported it, failing to secure the required majority. The main point of contention was the Commission's decision to remove core funding for civil-society health organisations, including operating grants for patient and health advocacy groups. Countries opposing included Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. Even some supporting states shared concerns about the NGO cuts. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, with the €4.4 billion EU4Health programme being folded into the new European Competitiveness Fund. The Commission may either refer the matter to an appeal committee or amend the programme for a new vote. Health NGOs welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent civil society.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a divided vote among EU member states, with seven countries voting against, ten abstaining, and ten supporting. The main point of contention was the Commission's proposed cuts to operating grants for civil-society health organizations, which several member states and NGOs argued would weaken health advocacy. Among the opposing countries were Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. The Commission failed to secure the required majority for approval. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, including the planned merger of EU4Health into the European Competitiveness Fund and a nearly 20% budget cut from €5.3 billion to €4.1 billion. Possible next steps include referring the matter to an appeal committee or amending the programme for a new vote. NGOs such as the European Patient Forum and EURORDIS welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent health advocacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck won the 17th stage of the Tour de France, a 175 km route from Chambéry to Voiron. German champion Felix Engelhardt (Jayco AlUla) was part of a six-man breakaway that was caught before the finish. Philipsen, who had struggled in the first twelve stages, dedicated the win to his team and emotionally stated the victory 'costs me a few years of my life.' He is now only seven points behind Mads Pedersen in the green jersey competition. In the overall standings, Tadej Pogacar leads Remco Evenepoel by 4:32. German rider Florian Lipowitz, who crashed out during Tuesday's time trial, underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and hopes to return this year. Engelhardt called his performance his best day at the Tour.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:17 PM UTC

The Slovenian government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming the EU's special representative for the Sahel region. Fajon, a social democrat, was the front-runner but was denied the post after Slovenia's new foreign minister, Tone Kajzer, raised procedural objections and formally opposed her candidacy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas then withdrew Fajon's nomination and approved the second-ranked candidate, Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen. The move is seen as a power play by the European People's Party (EPP), which supported Janša's right-wing government. Critics, including Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and MEP Matjaž Nemec, called it a loss for Slovenia and questioned the EPP's commitment to democratic values. Fajon accused Ljubljana of lobbying against her and discrediting her personally. The incident follows Janša's earlier failed attempt to block Slovenia's EU commissioner nomination.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:08 PM UTC

The Slovenian government has blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from taking a senior EU diplomatic post as special representative for the Sahel, with the role going to Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen. Fajon, a social democrat, was the front-runner but faced a sustained campaign against her by Slovenia's right-wing government led by Janez Janša. Foreign minister Tone Kajzer raised procedural concerns, leading EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to withdraw Fajon's candidacy. The move is seen as a power play by the European People's Party (EPP), the dominant EU political force. Slovenia's president Nataša Pirc Musar called it a major defeat for the country, while Fajon said Ljubljana lobbied against her and sought to discredit her personally. The controversy highlights tensions between domestic politics and EU appointments, with critics accusing the EPP of tolerating Janša's confrontational style.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:08 PM UTC

A European citizens' initiative called the 'Save Europe Act,' launched in May 2026 by Dutch white supremacist Eva Vlaardingerbroek and Austrian neo-Nazi Martin Sellner, has been formally rejected by the European Commission. The initiative sought to halt non-Western immigration and promote 'remigration'—a far-right euphemism for mass deportation of immigrants, including those with European nationality. EU Commissioner for Social Rights Roxana Mînzatu stated the initiative lacked a legal basis and would constitute discrimination based on race and ethnic origin. Despite the rejection, the petition amassed nearly 600,000 signatures, including from former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, German far-right politician Björn Höcke, and several far-right MEPs from Italy, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Poland. Vlaardingerbroek had staged a publicity stunt outside the European Parliament earlier in July to drum up support.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

A European citizen's initiative called the 'Save Europe Act,' launched in late May by Dutch white supremacist Eva Vlaardingerbroek and Austrian neo-Nazi Martin Sellner, has been formally rejected by the European Commission. The initiative sought to halt non-Western immigration and promote 'remigration'—a far-right euphemism for mass deportation of immigrants, including EU citizens. EU Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu stated the initiative lacked a legal basis and would constitute discrimination based on race and ethnic origin. Despite the rejection, the petition amassed nearly 600,000 signatures, including from former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, far-right German politician Björn Höcke, and several European Parliament lawmakers from Italy, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Poland. Vlaardingerbroek had staged a publicity stunt outside the European Parliament earlier in July to drum up support.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

A forum post on RedCafe.net compiles the preseason friendly schedules for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. Key fixtures include Arsenal playing Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, plus the Community Shield against Manchester City. Aston Villa faces Porto, Bayern Munich, and PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea and Tottenham tour Australia and Asia, playing each other in Sydney. Liverpool and Manchester United have matches in the US and Europe. The schedule covers over 20 clubs, with matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:53 PM UTC

SuanNutra, a Madrid-based group backed by private equity firm Carbyne, has announced its acquisition of specialty ingredients businesses from International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). The acquired assets will be merged into an enlarged natural ingredients platform, expanding SuanNutra's manufacturing footprint across Spain, Slovenia, Peru, and the United States. This deal underscores Carbyne's strategy to consolidate the natural ingredients sector and enhance SuanNutra's global production capabilities. The transaction is expected to strengthen SuanNutra's position in the specialty ingredients market, leveraging IFF's established operations and customer base. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the announcement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:12 AM UTC

The Tour de France enters its final stretch with a demanding 26.1 km individual time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains. Belgian Remco Evenepoel, Olympic champion and three-time world champion in the specialty, has an opportunity to challenge Slovenian Tadej Pogacar's overall lead. Evenepoel, who won Sunday's stage and rose to 2nd overall after Jonas Vingegaard's crash and withdrawal, acknowledges that making up the 5-minute deficit is unrealistic but aims to win another stage. Pogacar considers Evenepoel the big favorite for the time trial. The route features nine kilometers of climbing, eight kilometers of descent, and nine kilometers of flat terrain. Meanwhile, Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, winner of three stages, withdrew due to physical exhaustion.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:24 PM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) despite the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit promise. It argues that unresolved legacies of the 1990s wars, including contested historical interpretations, mutual mistrust, and incomplete reconciliation, hinder democratisation and regional cooperation. The article highlights that dealing with the past—through war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—is both a moral imperative and a formal EU membership requirement under the Stabilisation and Association Process. It notes that only Slovenia (2004) and Croatia (2013) have joined the EU, while others face stagnation due to ethno-political tensions and 'Balkanisation' tendencies. The piece suggests that Europe's model of addressing the past (Vergangenheitsbewältigung) offers lessons, but internal EU divisions and rising populism complicate the process. The transformation of EU policy from post-war reconstruction to enlargement conditionality is seen as key to progress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC

Tadej Pogacar (27) is on the verge of winning his fifth Tour de France, leading the general classification by four and a half minutes after a stage win on July 19, 2026. The Slovenian cyclist, dubbed the 'TOURminator,' would join legends Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain with a fifth victory. Former champion Lance Armstrong notes Pogacar eyes his seven titles, while Marcel Kittel predicts he could reach that mark by 2028. Pogacar is driven by a quest for records, including winning all three Grand Tours and all five Monuments, though he still lacks Olympic gold, the Vuelta, and Paris-Roubaix. His dominance has drawn boos from fans, but he remains unfazed. Chris Froome remarked Pogacar 'destroys them all.' Pogacar previously skipped the 2024 Olympics when his fiancée was not nominated, highlighting his personal priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:03 AM UTC

Tadej Pogacar is poised to win his fifth Tour de France, dominating the 2026 edition with a commanding lead. Lance Armstrong stated that Pogacar 'knows what the real benchmark is,' referencing his own seven titles (later stripped). Pogacar, 27, is driven by an addiction to records and a desire to avenge past defeats, such as his loss to Jonas Vingegaard in 2024. He aims to win all three Grand Tours, all five Monuments, Olympic gold, and the World Championship. Chris Froome noted Pogacar's extreme work ethic, while Marcel Kittel highlighted his likability. Pogacar plans to retire around 2029-2030, with an estimated annual salary of €8 million. The Tour may offer a Grand Depart in Slovenia to honor his career.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:54 AM UTC

This article profiles Slavko Vincic, the 46-year-old Slovenian referee appointed to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium. He is the first person from Slovenia to referee a World Cup final. Vincic, who also officiated the 2024 Champions League final, expressed shock and pride upon receiving the appointment. The article details his experience, including his role in Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final win, the 2022 Europa League final, and his handling of a controversial Champions League match involving Real Madrid. It also notes his previous World Cup matches, including Argentina's loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022. His assistant referees and VAR officials are also listed.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:45 AM UTC

According to Argentine journalist Martin Arevalo, recent comments by French defender Aymeric Laporte about the Argentine national team have caused strong dissatisfaction within the Argentine delegation. Laporte had stated, 'If the referee does his job well, I'm not worried about their aggression.' Arevalo reported that the Argentine team views these remarks as an attempt to put pressure on the referee, implying that Argentina's success is due to favorable officiating. Arevalo highlighted that the match referee, Vincic, is Slovenian, as is UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, suggesting that if an Argentine official had pointed out this nationality link, it would have become a major media story. The Argentine delegation insists that their achievements are earned through their own performance on the pitch, not through referee bias.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:28 PM UTC

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, was reportedly taken in for investigation during a 2020 police raid targeting prostitution and drug activities in Bosnia. According to a report by the Mail, Vincic was not charged with any illegal acts and was questioned only as a witness before being released. The raid seized 4 bags of cocaine, 10 handguns, 3 bulletproof vests, and over 10,000 euros in cash, with 26 men and 9 women detained. The following year, the gang leader admitted to charges of transnational organized prostitution. In a subsequent interview with Slovenian media, Vincic stated he had only been invited to a business lunch and was unexpectedly caught up in the operation. The story was shared on the Hupu soccer forum, with netizens discussing the revelation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:56 PM UTC

German cyclist Florian Lipowitz (25) of Red Bull is preparing for the decisive mountain stages of the Tour de France, starting Saturday with the 155 km stage from Mühlhausen to Le Markstein. Lipowitz, currently seventh overall, is targeting second-placed Jonas Vingegaard. His team boss Ralph Denk expressed confidence, stating the team is exactly where they want to be. On Friday's longest stage (206 km), Swiss rider Mauro Schmid won from a breakaway, while Lipowitz finished safely in the peloton. However, Lipowitz lost one place in the overall standings due to a surprise ride by Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock, who now sits fourth. Red Bull's stated goal of a stage win remains unfulfilled, but Lipowitz remains optimistic about the weekend. Tadej Pogacar continues in yellow, ahead of Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:50 PM UTC

Leeds United have completed the signing of Bosnia-Herzegovina international defender Tarik Muharemovic from Serie A side Sassuolo for £34.1 million. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Elland Road, replacing Pascal Struijk who joined Brighton for £20m in June. Muharemovic is Leeds' second summer signing after Harry Wilson's free transfer from Fulham. The defender made three appearances for Bosnia at the World Cup, including a match where US forward Folarin Balogun was sent off for fouling him, though the suspension was later waived after intervention from US President Donald Trump. Born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Muharemovic began his career at Wolfsberger in Austria before moving to Juventus, where he did not play a first-team game, and was sold to Sassuolo in 2025 after a loan spell. Juventus are reportedly entitled to 50% of the transfer fee due to a clause in the sale agreement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:00 PM UTC

IPG Photonics (NASDAQ:IPGP) has signed a binding offer to acquire Lumibird Medical, a medical laser systems business focused on ophthalmology, for €300 million plus a potential €50 million earn-out. The deal aims to expand IPG's exposure to higher-margin medical markets, particularly ophthalmology, and increase its advanced solutions revenue mix from 16% to about 26% of total sales based on 2025 pro forma results. IPG expects the acquisition to be accretive to gross margin, EBITDA, and adjusted EPS in the first year. The company plans to fund the purchase with cash on hand and maintain a strong balance sheet. Lumibird Medical has over 80,000 systems installed globally, more than 450 employees, and facilities in France, Australia, and Slovenia. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of Q4 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:05 PM UTC

FIFA appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium. While Vincic expressed emotional pride, the decision sparked controversy due to his past. Critics point to an unpunished stamp by Hakimi on Vinicius Jr. during Brazil-Morocco, controversial decisions in Champions League matches (including a forgotten yellow card for Camavinga), and a 2020 arrest during a police raid. Vincic officiated three matches in the tournament, including Mexico-Ecuador where he issued 7 yellow cards and a red. His assistants are fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:37 PM UTC

Slavko Vincic, a 46-year-old Slovenian referee, has been appointed to officiate the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. He is the first Slovenian to receive this honor, with a career spanning major tournaments including the World Cup, Euros, and Champions League final. Vincic previously refereed Argentina's shock 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup. He sparked controversy this season by sending off Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga for time-wasting in a Champions League match. In 2022-2023, Barcelona considered filing a complaint against him over disputed decisions in a match against Inter Milan. Additionally, in May 2020, Vincic was arrested in Bosnia during a police raid on a criminal network involved in drug trafficking and pimping, but he was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:06 AM UTC

The German U20 handball team was eliminated from the European Championship in Romania, losing 25-27 to Hungary in the quarter-finals. The match in Turda was a physical, defensive battle. Germany led 7-6 after 15 minutes but suffered a scoring drought late in the first half, trailing 13-15 at halftime. A 14-19 deficit early in the second half seemed decisive, but Julien Sprößig equalized at 19-19 in the 43rd minute. However, Hungary handled the crucial details better down the stretch, ending Germany's hopes. The German team, largely composed of players who won the U19 World Championship in 2025, will now compete for places 5-8. In other quarter-finals, Denmark beat Switzerland, Sweden crushed France, and Slovenia eliminated Spain. The semi-finals will feature Sweden vs. Denmark and Hungary vs. Slovenia.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tadej Pogacar, the dominant Slovenian cyclist and four-time Tour de France winner, is facing increasing hostility from some spectators during the 2026 Tour, with banners reading 'UAE Mafia' and audible boos. Despite his previously popular, spectacular riding style, his overwhelming success has begun to alienate some fans, reminiscent of past champions like Lance Armstrong and Chris Froome. Pogacar, however, remains unfazed, drawing mental strength from tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who faced similar crowd hostility throughout his career. Pogacar noted that 99% of fans are supportive and that boos are often misdirected. The article also previews the twelfth stage, a relatively flat route from Nevers to Chalon-sur-Saône, likely favoring sprinters including three German riders, before the race enters the Vosges and Alps.

1 reports · 1 sources