AGP Executive Report

Local Sports & Europe: Larne kicked off the season with a Charity Shield win over Coleraine on penalties, and attention now turns to their Champions League first qualifying round tie against Tre Fiori of San Marino—while Inver Park’s new pitch has received FIFA PRO certification, keeping European fixtures at home on track. San Marino in the News: A FIFA inspection is also in the spotlight as Larne prepare for the San Marino opponent, with the first leg set for Tuesday and the return leg later this month. Culture & Travel: The Huntington Library in San Marino, California is preparing for two Titan Arum “corpse flower” blooms, expected to last just 24–48 hours each, with a live stream option for viewers who don’t want the smell. International Policy: Turkey has expressed interest in joining the EU’s Single Euro Payments Area, which already includes European microstates like San Marino.

Travel Rules Update: U.S. land-border travelers under the Visa Waiver Program are being tripped up by outdated guidance—ESTA approval has been required since 2022, and conflicting website info is leading to abrupt denials. Local Community & Safety: Pasadena and Altadena are gearing up for Independence Day with parades, breakfasts, civic events, and a drone show, while officials stress fireworks are illegal in Pasadena and enforcement may be stepped up. San Marino in Sports: Larne’s European campaign is tied to whether Inver Park passes FIFA checks; if cleared, the club hosts San Marino’s Tre Fiori in the Champions League first qualifying round. San Marino on the Map: A new Manchester-to-Rimini route is making San Marino easier to reach by direct bus, highlighting how microstates are becoming more accessible. Rare Nature Moment: The Huntington in San Marino, California, is preparing for two Titan Arum “corpse flower” blooms, with public viewing and a live stream.

San Marino-Europe Football: Larne’s Inver Park has passed a FIFA PRO pitch inspection, clearing the way for Champions League first qualifying action versus Tre Fiori of San Marino—first leg away Tuesday, return leg a week later—after last season’s European games were forced to alternative venues. Local Sports Boost: Larne also won the NIFL Charity Shield on penalties against Coleraine at Inver Park, with goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson starring in the shootout. San Marino Community & Sport: FIVB Volleyball Empowerment funding helped women’s teams from Scotland, San Marino and the Faroe Islands sweep medals at a zonal championship in Andorra la Vella. San Marino Travel Access: New Manchester-to-Rimini routes are making San Marino easier to reach, with direct bus links cutting travel time to about 45 minutes. Culture in San Marino: The Huntington Library in San Marino, California is preparing for two rare Titan Arum “corpse flower” blooms, with public viewing and a live stream available. US 250th Anniversary Angle: Coverage marks America’s 250th birthday and debates what “country age” really means, with San Marino’s own long-running documents also noted.

San Marino Spotlight: The Huntington Library in San Marino, California is preparing for a rare double bloom of two Titan Arums (“corpse flowers”), with each flowering expected to last just 24 to 48 hours and visitors able to watch in person or via a live stream. European Football: Larne’s Inver Park has received FIFA PRO certification, clearing the way for European qualifiers this summer, including a Champions League first qualifying round tie against San Marino’s Tre Fiori. Local Sports Transfer: Larne is also reportedly close to sealing a deal for former Hamilton striker Kevin O’Hara ahead of that European run. Travel & Mobility: A new Ryanair route from Manchester to Rimini is making San Marino easier to reach, while an EU-wide Entry/Exit System is set to add friction for many non-EU short-stay travelers. Citizenship & Identity: Croatia’s passport ranks 8th on the Henley index for visa-free access in 2026.

Volleyball Spotlight: FIVB Volleyball Empowerment funding helped Scotland, San Marino and the Faroe Islands win medals at last week’s zonal women’s championships in Andorra la Vella, with San Marino’s federation receiving USD 147,000 in coach support plus equipment and working under Italian coach Cristiano Lucchi. Local Culture & Nature: The Huntington Library in San Marino is preparing for a rare double bloom of endangered Titan Arums (“corpse flowers”), with two plants on public display and a live stream available; each bloom is expected to last just 24–48 hours. Travel & Policy: A new EU border system, the Entry/Exit System, is rolling out across Schengen’s external borders and is set to change how many non-EU visitors are processed for short stays. EU Finance: EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis says Turkey has expressed interest in joining the Single Euro Payments Area, which already includes microstates like San Marino. Sports (San Marino in Europe): Larne’s Champions League qualifying tie against San Marino’s Tre Fiori is set to hinge on an upcoming UEFA ground inspection at Inver Park.

Housing & Recovery: California’s SB 1090, the “Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act,” cleared two Assembly committees, setting a temporary moratorium on state density laws (SB 9 and SB 1123) after concerns that post-Eaton Fire rebuilding is being exploited by real estate speculators. Local Culture & Nature: The Huntington in San Marino says two endangered “corpse flower” Titan Arums are expected to bloom together in July, offering a rare chance to see—and smell—the rare plants. Euro Policy: EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis says Turkey has expressed interest in joining the Single Euro Payments Area, which would expand euro transactions across a wider region. Travel Rules: Europe’s Entry/Exit System is rolling out at external borders, replacing passport stamps with digital entry/exit records and biometric checks for many short-stay visitors. San Marino in Sports: Larne’s European hopes hinge on whether Inver Park gets UEFA approval for a Champions League qualifier against Tre Fiori of San Marino. Citizenship Politics: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez backed the U.S. Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, calling it a unifying victory.

Telecom Rules & Coverage Maps: A new episode of “Two Blokes Talking Tech” breaks down Australia’s Sender ID SMS rules and why telcos were pushed to update coverage maps so customers get consistent information. Local History & Community: The Union Democrat marks 172 years since its 1850 origins in Gold Rush Tuolumne County, while San Marino’s Collenette School of Ballet celebrates its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of training in the city. San Marino in Sports: Larne’s Gary Haveron says he’s keeping plans close ahead of a European tie in San Marino, and FIFA World Cup coverage notes Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path that included San Marino in qualifying. International Spotlight: Canada joins Eurovision for 2027, and Ukraine appoints Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta. Global Demographics: A new fertility-focused look highlights how some countries face population decline while others keep growing.

San Marino & Malta Diplomacy: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Ihor Brusylo as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while also dismissing several other Ukrainian ambassadors. San Marino Sports Spotlight: Collenette School of Ballet in San Marino is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of training in the city. Local Travel & Culture: A guide highlights San Marino’s prettiest hilltop gardens, from Guaita Garden to Montale Tower Garden. World News, With a San Marino Link: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, prompting a statement from Senator Sasha Renée Pérez that includes San Marino among the communities she represents. Community & Heritage: The Huntington in San Marino (California) hosts a THIS LAND IS… Community Festival tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Citizenship Ruling: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez says the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding birthright citizenship is a “victory” that should help unify the country. World Cup Focus: The U.S. is set for the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Bosnia’s path including qualifying drama and playoff wins on penalties. San Marino Ties in Sports: Northern Ireland’s Cameron McGeehan is back at Colchester after “unfinished business,” and the wider football week keeps circling San Marino connections. Diplomacy Update: Ukraine’s President Zelensky appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while dismissing several other ambassadors. Local Culture Spotlight: San Marino’s Collenette School of Ballet is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of training in the city. Travel & Visas: Kazakhstan’s updated guidance lists San Marino among destinations for visa-free stays, while Canada’s International Experience Canada program offers repeat work-permit access for eligible young adults from San Marino. FIBA Small Countries: Malta won the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2026, with San Marino featuring in the tournament’s results and awards.

Supreme Court & Citizenship: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez backed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding birthright citizenship, saying children born in the U.S. are citizens “at birth” and should not be targeted for political gain. Local Courts: San Marino’s real estate dispute hit a dead end as the Court of Appeal ruled that sellers’ agents had no duty to warn buyers about city parking rules, noting the restrictions were public record. San Marino in Sports: San Marino’s Pietro Ugolini earned a spot on the FIBA Small Countries All-Star Five as Malta won the 2026 title, while Malta’s Jordan Tucker took MVP honors. World Cup Focus: The U.S. is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, with Bosnia advancing via qualifying and penalty wins that included a group featuring San Marino. Diplomacy: Ukraine appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, following Zelenskyy’s ambassadorial reshuffles.

Local Governance: A San Marino real estate dispute reached the Court of Appeal, which ruled that sellers’ agents didn’t have to warn buyers about city parking rules—restrictions were public record, including limits on street parking overnight and leaving cars in driveways for 48 straight hours. Diplomacy: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while also dismissing several other ambassadors in separate decrees. Sports (Regional): Malta won the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2026, beating Andorra in the final; San Marino’s Pietro Ugolini made the All-Star Five after standout play. Travel & Entry Rules: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival access, and a separate guide lists visa-free options for San Marino citizens to Canada under International Experience Canada. Culture: San Marino’s Collenette School of Ballet marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of training in the city.

Sports Spotlight: Robert Lewandowski is set to join MLS with the Chicago Fire on a two-year deal, pending visa and transfer paperwork, with a possible debut July 16. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety’s camera network has topped 100,000 units as dozens of cities cancel contracts over alleged unauthorized federal data access and improper sharing. Local Law: San Marino’s Court of Appeal says realtors don’t have to warn buyers about parking limits that are already public record, rejecting claims tied to early-morning street and driveway restrictions. Diplomacy: Ukraine appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while dismissing several other ambassadors. Community & Culture: The Huntington in San Marino hosts a “THIS LAND IS …” festival tied to America’s 250th anniversary, blending performances, talks, and hands-on art. Travel Rules: Canada’s International Experience Canada work permits may be available for repeat use for eligible young adults, including San Marino citizens. Sports (Regional): Malta won the FIBA Small Countries title, with San Marino featuring in the tournament’s results.

San Marino Jet Operator Scrutiny: A Lukashenko-linked Gulfstream G550—sanctioned by the UK in 2021 and later re-registered in San Marino—now appears to be run by Falcon Luxe, tied to businessman Mustafa Egemen Şener, raising fresh money-laundering concerns. Diplomatic Moves: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while dismissing several other Ukrainian ambassadors. Local Governance in Focus: A California Court of Appeal ruled that realtors don’t have to warn buyers about city parking ordinances, saying such rules are public record. Sports—San Marino in the Spotlight: In FIBA’s European Championship for Small Countries, Malta beat San Marino in the semis and then won the title; San Marino’s Pietro Ugolini made the All-Star Five. Community & Culture: San Marino’s Collenette School of Ballet marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of training in the city.

FIBA Spotlight: Malta capped an unbeaten run by beating defending champions Andorra 90-76 to win the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries, with Jordan Tucker named MVP after a tournament that included a standout semi-final versus San Marino. Local Sports: San Marino’s run ended in the semis after Gibraltar edged them 72-67 in the opening game, while Malta and Andorra set up the final. Local Community & Culture: The Huntington in San Marino, Calif. hosts a THIS LAND IS … Community Festival on June 28, mixing music, kite-flying, storytelling, and a talkback tied to the museum’s land-themed exhibition. Travel & Mobility: San Marino citizens aged 18–35 can access Canada’s International Experience Canada work permits up to two participations, depending on eligibility rules. City Life: A Court of Appeal ruling says San Marino realtors don’t have to warn buyers about city parking ordinance limits because they’re public record. World News Link: Ukraine’s president appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta.

World Cup & Sports: Malta and Andorra set up a repeat FIBA final after wins over San Marino, while San Marino’s run continues with Malta vs San Marino and Andorra vs Gibraltar in the semis. Local Law: San Marino, Calif. Court of Appeal says realtors don’t have to warn buyers about city parking rules listed as public record, rejecting claims tied to restricted overnight street parking and driveway limits. Diplomacy: Ukraine’s President Zelensky appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while dismissing several other ambassadors. Travel & Visas: The UAE expanded visa-free entry for citizens of about 70 countries and added visa-on-arrival access for six more countries, with airlines and routes listed. Culture & Community: Collenette School of Ballet in San Marino, Calif. marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of training in the city. Sports Media: RTL Today and RTL Play announced the MotoGP broadcast schedule for Sunday, including races at Assen and later stops that include San Marino on Sept. 13.

Sports Spotlight: Gibraltar set the tone in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries, beating San Marino 70-61 in the opener, but Malta then crushed San Marino 99-60 to reach the final, setting up a repeat title game between defending champions Andorra and unbeaten Malta after Andorra’s 91-42 win over Gibraltar. Diplomacy: Ukraine appointed Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to San Marino and Malta, while also dismissing several other ambassadors, including postings to Oman, Cyprus, Vietnam and Cambodia. Local Culture: The Collenette School of Ballet in San Marino is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of training in the historic studio where generations of dancers have practiced. Legal Watch: A California appeals court ruled that realtors don’t have to warn buyers about city parking ordinances, saying such restrictions are public record. Travel & Visas: Kazakhstan updated visa-free entry guidance, listing San Marino among destinations eligible for visa-free stays.