This is the first time that the European Commission has published a report on the implementation of the new rules.

Maribor, Slovenia, July 15, 2026, Slovenian entrepreneurs will benefit from a new partnership between the global e-commerce platform Temu and the national startup ecosystem platform Start:up Slovenija, enabling them to reach customers across the entire European Union more easily. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlines a joint program of activities for the years 2026 and 2027 aimed at supporting the digitalization of Slovenian businesses in the field of online sales. Both organizations will work together to strengthen knowledge and competencies within local entrepreneurial communities and assist founders in understanding how to expand their operations and enter new markets. Start:up Slovenija brings extensive experience, deep knowledge of the Slovenian startup ecosystem, and a broad network of connections to this partnership. Established in 2004, the organization is managed by Tovarna podjemov in Maribor. It serves as a founding member of the European Startup Network and Startup Europe CEE Network and acts as the Slovenian ambassador for the Startup Europe initiative, which operates under the auspices of the European Commission. The organization also hosts the PODIM conference, one of the most influential startup and technology conferences in Central and Eastern Europe. Urban Lapajne, leader of the Start:up Slovenija community, emphasized the importance of effective distribution and customer access in today’s competitive landscape. “Slovenian startups develop outstanding products that successfully compete with the best in the world. Today, however, developing an excellent product represents only part of the story, effective distribution and access to customers are more crucial than ever,” he stated. “This new partnership opens new paths to global markets and accelerates international growth. The mission of Start:up Slovenia is to support Slovenian entrepreneurs in building globally successful companies, so this collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving that goal.” Temu entered the Slovenian market in 2023 and opened its marketplace for Slovenian sellers in March 2026. This move has enabled Slovenian businesses to gain cost-effective channels for acquiring new customers and expanding their operations. In addition, last month, Temu signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Posta Slovenije, aiming to enhance logistics and delivery services for Slovenian sellers and consumers within the framework of the Local Seller Program. A representative from Temu commented on the new partnership, stating, “Slovenia has a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, and we aim to help them continue growing.” “By combining Temu's platform and logistics network with Start:up Slovenia’s strong ties to the local environment, we will help Slovenian businesses reach new customers throughout Europe while simultaneously building long-term presence on the Slovenian market.” The collaboration underscores the growing integration between international e-commerce platforms and local startup ecosystems, highlighting the increasing need for scalable solutions that connect regional innovation with global opportunities. As both organizations begin implementing their shared initiatives, they aim to foster sustainable growth for Slovenian businesses while reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for entrepreneurial activity in Europe.