AGP Executive Report

EU Deal Watch: The EU Council has authorized the signing and provisional application of a comprehensive association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, aiming for closer ties and participation in an enlarged internal market, with financial services access set to be gradual after regulatory reviews. Education & Community: San Marino Unified School District highlighted a record year at its board meeting, citing top national rankings, a full six-year accreditation renewal, and strong post-graduate outcomes across goals including safety, fiscal health, and community success. Local Sports on the International Stage: In UEFA qualifiers, San Marino’s La Fiorita was eliminated by Luxembourg’s Una Strassen, while Tre Fiori fell to Northern Ireland’s Larne—setting up Larne vs Red Star Belgrade next. Global Affairs: U.S. Marines carried out a verification boarding of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman tied to sanctions enforcement, as Washington presses its Iran blockade. Travel Policy: Russia published the full 2026 list for its unified e-visa scheme, outlining eligibility and application timing rules.

Local Sports & Europe: San Marino’s La Fiorita were knocked out in UEFA qualifiers as UNA Strassen advanced, while Tre Fiori’s run ended when Larne beat them 2-1 on the night for a 3-1 aggregate, setting up Larne vs Red Star Belgrade. EU Integration: The EU Council signed off on a comprehensive association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, paving the way for closer ties and participation in an expanded internal market, including a gradual framework for financial services. Diplomacy & Expo 2027: Serbia’s tourism leadership met San Marino’s Federico Pedini Amati to discuss potential participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Culture & Community: A rare “corpse flower” double bloom at the Huntington in San Marino drew thousands, turning a fleeting spectacle into a major local attraction. Education: San Marino Unified School District highlighted record-year results, including top statewide rankings and renewed accreditation.

Education & Community: San Marino Unified School District says it kept raising the bar with a national top-school ranking, a full six-year accreditation renewal, and a graduating class headed to selective colleges, guided by board goals on safety and wellness, fiscal health, community, and post-graduate success. EU Integration: The EU Council has authorized the signing and provisional application of a comprehensive association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, aiming for closer ties and participation in an expanded internal market, including a gradual path for financial services. Sports (UEFA): Tre Fiori’s European run ended as Larne beat them 2-1 on the night for a 3-1 aggregate, setting up Larne vs Red Star Belgrade; meanwhile Shamrock Rovers advanced after Roberto “Pico” Lopes captained a 5-1 second-leg win. Local Spotlight: Pasadena Water and Power is set for a major grid communications upgrade under a $425,000 contract to replace aging systems and improve cybersecurity and monitoring. International Watch: U.S. Marines boarded the tanker Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman to verify it wasn’t violating the Iran blockade, with claims it was falsely flagged.

WHO Internship Access: The World Health Organisation opened its Global Internship Programme to citizens of all 194 WHO member states, including 54 African countries, with roles across Switzerland and worldwide offices posted on an ongoing basis. EU Deal for San Marino: The EU Council approved the EU’s association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, paving the way for closer ties and provisional application, including participation in an enlarged internal market and cooperation across areas like research, education, and culture. EXPO 2027 Talks: San Marino tourism officials met Serbia’s finance and trade leadership, with commissioner Federico Pedini Amati discussing how San Marino could showcase itself at EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. San Marino in Football Qualifiers: Tre Fiori’s Champions League run ended for now, but the San Marino club’s tie still fed into the wider European qualifying picture, with Larne advancing to face Red Star Belgrade. Local Sports & Community: Little League softball regionals begin this week, with streaming and schedules highlighted for teams across the U.S., including a matchup featuring San Marino National LL. Health & Safety in Sport: Chicago Fire postponed a match due to wildfire smoke, delaying Robert Lewandowski’s debut with the club. Botanical Buzz in San Marino: Thousands flocked to the Huntington in San Marino to see rare “corpse flower” blooms, including a rare double flowering event.

EU-San Marino Ties: The EU Council has approved the signing and provisional application of a comprehensive association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, aiming to deepen cooperation and bring both into an enlarged internal market under shared rules, with financial services access set to be gradual after regulatory reviews. EXPO 2027 Talks: San Marino’s tourism minister Federico Pedini Amati met Serbia’s officials in Belgrade to discuss a possible San Marino role at EXPO 2027, with Serbian leaders highlighting the event’s scale and partnership potential. Champions League Qualifiers: Larne advanced in Europe after beating Tre Fiori of San Marino 2-1 at Inver Park (3-1 on aggregate), setting up a second-round tie with Red Star Belgrade. Local Sports Spotlight: Roberto “Pico” Lopes returned to Champions League action, captaining Shamrock Rovers to progress after a 5-1 win over Floriana. San Marino in the Spotlight (Culture): At The Huntington in San Marino, two rare “corpse flowers” (titan arums) bloomed simultaneously, drawing thousands of visitors for a fleeting 24–48 hour spectacle.

Champions League Qualifiers: Larne kept their European dream alive, beating San Marino’s Tre Fiori 2-1 at Inver Park to progress 3-1 on aggregate and set up a “free hit” next round against Red Star Belgrade. More San Marino Football: Shamrock Rovers also advanced in UEFA qualifying, with World Cup star Roberto “Pico” Lopes captaining the side after a 5-1 second-leg win over Floriana. Local Culture (San Marino, California): The Huntington in San Marino is drawing huge crowds for a rare double bloom of corpse flowers—Odorysseus and Odora—each lasting just 24 to 48 hours and bringing a famously foul smell. Real Estate (San Marino): A restored historic San Marino estate is listed for $10.5 million, with buyers getting a 1931 Italian villa-style home on a secluded 1.75-acre lot. International Watch: Pope Leo XIV’s November South America tour is expected to begin in Uruguay, with Peru and Argentina also on the possible itinerary. Visa News: South Africa published its 2026 visa-free list for European countries, including a 90-day stay for eligible travelers.

IMF/World Bank Diplomacy: San Marino’s finance leadership joined the IMF–World Bank constituency meeting in Lisbon, where governors discussed AI adoption at multilateral institutions and central banks, plus employment impacts. Champions League Qualifiers (San Marino tie): Tre Fiori’s San Marino run ended as Larne came through 3-1 on aggregate, setting up a second-round clash with Red Star Belgrade; meanwhile Shamrock Rovers also advanced after Roberto “Pico” Lopes captained a win. Local Emergency Readiness: Pasadena is set to consider extra state funding to expand Urban Search and Rescue training, boosting a reimbursement agreement with no hit to the city’s general fund. San Marino (California) Culture & Tourism: The Huntington in San Marino is drawing huge crowds for a rare double bloom of corpse flowers, Odorysseus and Odora—short-lived, but unforgettable. Real Estate Spotlight: A restored historic San Marino estate is listed for $10.5M, adding to the week’s attention on high-end local property.

Local Culture (San Marino, Calif.): The Huntington Library in San Marino is drawing thousands for a rare double bloom of titan arums, aka “corpse flowers.” Two plants—Odora and Odorysseus—opened over the weekend and are expected to peak briefly before closing, with each bloom lasting only about 24 to 48 hours. Local Governance (Pasadena): Pasadena City Council approved a first major overhaul in 25+ years to Pasadena Water and Power’s communications gear, awarding $425,000 to replace an aging system and upgrade grid data meters. Local Emergency Prep (Pasadena): The council will also consider extra state funding of $77,250 to expand Urban Search and Rescue training through 2028. Sports (San Marino connection): Larne advanced in UEFA qualifying after beating San Marino’s Tre Fiori 2-1 at Inver Park, while Shamrock Rovers pushed on after Roberto “Pico” Lopes’ return. Global Travel Policy: Germany confirmed a 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries (up to 90 days), and multiple countries published updated visa-free entry rules for 2026.

Local Infrastructure Upgrade: Pasadena’s City Council approved a $425,000, two-year contract to modernize Pasadena Water and Power’s Remote Intelligent Gateway system and update CAISO revenue meters, replacing equipment installed in 1999 that now lacks cybersecurity and support. Emergency Preparedness Funding: The city will also consider an extra $77,250 in state money for Urban Search and Rescue training, extending a reimbursement agreement through 2028 with no hit to the General Fund. San Marino Spotlight (Culture & Tourism): The Huntington in San Marino is drawing huge crowds for a rare double bloom of corpse flowers—Odorysseus and Odora—each lasting only about 24–48 hours, with tickets selling out as visitors line up for the brief spectacle and its infamous stench. Football (San Marino Connection): Larne advanced in Champions League qualifying after beating San Marino’s Tre Fiori 2-1 in the second leg, setting up the next round. International Sports Star Move: Robert Lewandowski is set to join MLS side Chicago Fire on a two-year deal, aiming to “provide a big lift” as he starts a new chapter outside Europe.

Local Culture Buzz: The Huntington in San Marino is in full “corpse flower” mode as two Titan Arums—Odora and Odorysseus—bloom nearly together, drawing thousands who queue for hours to see and smell the rare, short-lived spectacle (peak viewing expected Monday; each bloom lasts about a day). Local Real Estate: A historic San Marino estate restored to original plans is listed for $10.5 million, while nearby high-end deals in California’s region include a $42.5M Miami Beach waterfront sale and a $24.6M commercial warehouse trade in Miami. Sports (San Marino ties): Tre Fiori’s Champions League qualifying run continues after Larne’s 1-0 win in San Marino, setting up the second leg at Inver Park. Travel Rules Roundup: Germany confirms a 2026 visa-free list for citizens of 62 countries (up to 90 days), and Cabo Verde publishes a visa-free entry list covering 67 countries with stay lengths from 30 to 180 days.

Botanical Spotlight: Two rare Titan Arums (“corpse flowers”) have begun blooming at The Huntington in San Marino, nicknamed Odora and Odorysseus, with peak viewing expected for a short window (about 24 hours) before the blooms close and the plants collapse again. Local Culture & Arts: Camerata Pacifica, which performs in San Marino, was named Chamber Music America’s 2026 Ensemble of the Year. Community & Public Safety: Pasadena City Council will consider adding $77,250 in state funding to expand Urban Search and Rescue training, boosting a reimbursement agreement to $324,450 through 2028. Heritage & Lifestyle: A restored historic W. Van E. Thompson estate in San Marino is listed for $10.5 million. Travel Rules Watch: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries outside the EU/Schengen, including San Marino, for short stays up to 90 days.

Visa Rules Watch: Germany’s Federal Foreign Office published its 2026 master list of 62 countries eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days (within 180 days), including San Marino—while Pakistan is notably excluded. Local Culture & Tourism: The Huntington in San Marino is gearing up for a rare double bloom: two corpse flowers (Titan Arums) are opening around the same time, with peak viewing expected Monday and each bloom lasting only about a day. Regional Travel Updates: Spain also released its official 2026 visa-free list (60 countries), and Cyprus confirmed visa-free short stays for EU/EEA citizens plus more than 60 non-EU countries. Sports—San Marino Connection: Larne’s Champions League qualifier is set against San Marino’s Tre Fiori, with manager Gary Haveron pointing to past European nights as the kind of memory he wants to recreate.

Local Culture: The Huntington in San Marino is drawing crowds with two rare Titan Arums (“corpse flowers”)—Odora and Odorysseus—set to bloom for just 24 to 48 hours, with visitors packing in for the brief, famously foul spectacle. Regional Travel Rules: Germany has published its 2026 visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), including San Marino, while Cyprus confirms similar visa-free access for EU/EEA visitors and many non-EU countries. Border Tech Updates: Cyprus says its airports are coping as the EU Entry/Exit System expands across Schengen, but Cyprus itself is still outside the system—raising questions as it moves toward accession. Sports (San Marino link): Larne’s Champions League qualifier vs Tre Fiori continues after a 1-0 first-leg win in San Marino, with manager Gary Haveron calling it a proud but slightly disappointing result. Travel & Visas (US/Canada): The US keeps visa-free entry under its Visa Waiver Programme for citizens of 42 countries (including San Marino), and Canada reiterates its 2026 tiered entry rules and eTA/visa exemptions.

Visa rules roundup: Germany published its 2026 list of 62 countries eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days, while Cyprus also confirmed visa-free access for EU/EEA nationals and more than 60 non-EU countries, with extra rules for travellers using previously used multiple-entry Schengen visas. Travel tech keeps expanding: The UK made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mandatory for visa-free visitors from 85 nations, and Japan confirmed visa exemption arrangements for 74 countries and territories with stay lengths capped at 15, 30, or 90 days. San Marino in the spotlight: A travel feature highlights San Marino as an easy duty-free shopping stop with historic sights on Mount Titano. Local sports (San Marino connection): Larne’s Champions League qualifying tie is back in focus after a 1-0 first-leg win in San Marino, with manager Gary Haveron saying the result should have been more decisive. Community & culture: The Huntington in San Marino, California, is preparing for rare “corpse flower” blooms and is extending evening garden strolls for select Sundays.

Armed Threat in San Marino Gated Community: A 61-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in Tijuana’s San Marino neighborhood after neighbors reported he threatened them with two handguns; police found two loaded 9mm pistols and extra magazines, and the case was handed to Mexico’s federal attorney general for firearms prosecution. Travel Rules Update for San Marino Passport Holders: The U.S. reiterated that citizens of 42 countries, including San Marino, can enter for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme with ESTA approval before travel. San Marino in the Visa-Free Spotlight: Canada also published clearer 2026 entry guidance, while Japan confirmed visa-exemption arrangements for 74 countries and territories, with stay lengths varying by nationality. Local Sports Connection: In European qualifiers, Larne’s Champions League tie with San Marino club Tre Fiori continues after a 1-0 first-leg win, setting up the next match in San Marino. San Marino Mention in International Finance: Azerbaijan’s president met anti–money laundering officials including Nicola Muccioli, chair of MONEYVAL and head of the San Marino Financial Intelligence Unit.

Travel & Borders: The U.S. keeps visa-free entry open for citizens of 42 countries under the Visa Waiver Programme, with trips limited to 90 days and requiring ESTA approval before travel—San Marino is on the list. Travel & Borders: Canada also updated its 2026 entry rules, clarifying who can enter visa-free and when an eTA is needed, while keeping a small set of exemptions for specific travellers. Travel & Borders: South Korea released short-term visa-free guidelines for 62 countries, with stay lengths varying by nationality. Local Culture & Tourism: San Marino’s name pops up in the travel spotlight again through a duty-free-focused travel feature highlighting Mount Titano sights and lower tax shopping. Sports (San Marino tie-in): Larne’s Champions League qualifier story includes a San Marino opponent, with the first leg decided 1-0 at the San Marino Stadium. Community & Lifestyle: The Huntington in nearby San Marino, California, is set for “Twilight Garden Strolls” and a rare double corpse-flower bloom event.