AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Safety: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports sea-quality results for 127 tested beaches: 122 rated “excellent,” three “good,” and only Prožura (Mljet) and Ponta Žal (Dubrovnik) “satisfactory,” though both still meet bathing standards. Road Safety: Croatia is launching a €2.725m tender for 40 new fixed high-tech radars plus 120 camera housings, with cameras able to catch wrong-way driving and illegal overtaking across solid lines. Defense & Industry: South Korea’s defense minister Ahn Gyu-back heads to Croatia for talks and to attend the signing of Hanwha’s Chunmoo rocket launcher export deal. Environment & Protest: Tens of thousands rallied in Zagreb demanding action over illegal toxic waste in Lika, including calls to halt waste imports and hold the government accountable. EU Politics: Croatia warns Serbia to suspend EU talks over the glorification of Ratko Mladić, calling it contrary to EU values. Culture & City Life: Zagreb’s Croatian National Theatre is set for renovation after nearly 57 years, with bids now in for conceptual design work. Travel & Connectivity: Air Canada’s new Dubrovnik–Montreal route is set for May 2027, with three weekly flights in the summer season.

Croatia’s Economy & Jobs: Croatia’s labour market keeps growing: the pension insurance system counted 1,797,071 insured people at end of August, up by 16,263 year-on-year. Cost of Living: The government froze petrol and diesel prices after emergency fuel-duty cuts, blocking a potential diesel jump of up to 14 cents per litre. Demographics: Makarska posted a rare natural increase in 2025, with 146 births versus 131 deaths—one of only six Croatian towns with more births than deaths. Tourism Pressure: Croatia remains the EU’s most seasonal tourism destination: 54.5% of overnight stays happen in July and August. Public Health & Community: Dubrovnik lit up the Great Onofrio Fountain red for World Duchenne Awareness Day, pushing the message “Access Changes Lives.” Regional Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian diplomats over the glorification of Ratko Mladić, escalating tensions after his funeral in Belgrade. Tech & Mobility: Robotaxi firm Pony.ai’s CEO says driverless taxis could be widespread within five years, pointing to its Zagreb launch as part of Europe expansion.

Zagreb Protests & Toxic Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands gathered in central Zagreb over delays in removing hazardous waste stored near Gospić/Lika, with organizers warning the cleanup promises still haven’t turned into action. Politics & Public Trust: A new CRO Demoskop poll for RTL shows HDZ at its weakest level in two years (25.3%), with the waste scandal in Lika cited as a key driver of dissatisfaction. Regional Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina recalled embassy staff from Belgrade and suspended bilateral meetings with Serbia after the glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, while the EU warned against honoring him. Croatia Football: Luka Modrić was named in Croatia’s Nations League squad, with goalkeeper Dominik Livaković joining after his Barcelona move and Croatia coach Slaven Bilić stressing the need for match minutes. Travel & Tourism Signals: Župa Dubrovačka saw more arrivals but fewer overnight stays in 2026, and Dubrovnik’s nautical tourism cooled in August. Infrastructure & Mobility: An Osijek firm plans to develop unmanned systems in Vukovar, and traffic on Croatian motorways is up 3% versus the same period in 2025.

Croatia–EU Security & Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina announced it will recall embassy staff in Belgrade and suspend bilateral meetings with Serbia, cutting communication to the “lowest possible level” after reactions to the death and funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Public Safety: Zagreb police are checking bomb threats after 20 faculties and university services received an anonymous warning about planted explosives and firearms. National Team Focus: Luka Modrić has been named in Croatia’s Nations League squad by coach Slaven Bilić; Croatia open Group A against Czechia on Sept. 26, with Bilić saying Modrić won’t play every match. Defense Modernisation: Croatia approved the purchase of 18 South Korean Chunmoo K239 launchers (about €544m) to replace older rocket systems, with deliveries planned for 2026–2029. Housing Market: New-build apartment prices keep climbing: Croatia’s average hit €2,994 per sq m in H1 2026, while Zagreb surged to €3,518 (+18.9% year-on-year). Environment & Health: Air quality in Split returned to the red category as smoke from Bosnia wildfires drifted over Dalmatia. Waste Crisis Backdrop: USKOK expert findings flagged microplastic contamination in groundwater tied to waste sites in Varaždin and Gospić.

Back to School in Croatia: Education Minister Radovan Fuchs kicked off the new school year, urging pupils to be curious, brave and persistent—and reminding first-graders that mistakes are part of learning. Toxic Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb demanding urgent cleanup of illegally dumped hazardous waste near Gospić in Lika, where authorities say around 35,000 tonnes were involved; protesters want a nationwide plan with clear deadlines and a halt to waste imports while investigations continue. Dubrovnik Wildfire Smoke: Dubrovnik woke under a smoky haze as wildfires burned across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina; firefighters say the city isn’t threatened, but smoke has lingered for days. Tourism Rules Under Pressure: Brussels moves toward tougher limits on short-term holiday rentals as Croatia tightens tourist apartment rules—raising the question of who pays the price amid housing strain. Health Snapshot: Eurostat data puts Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with experts pointing to diet and lower activity levels. Transport Update: Croatia is set to replace toll booths with an electronic free-flow system, Crolibertas, from March 2027.

Toxic Waste Protests: Tens of thousands marched through Zagreb demanding urgent action over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, where authorities say about 35,000 tonnes of imported waste (including medical and electronic) were buried after arrests in 2025; protesters want a moratorium on waste imports and a nationwide waste-management plan within 20 days. Tourism Rules in the Spotlight: The EU is moving toward tougher limits on short-term holiday rentals as housing pressure rises, while Croatia tightens its own tourist apartment rules—raising the question of who will pay the price. Maritime Access Concern: An electrified fence on Croatia’s island of Vis was found blocking access to the maritime public domain; the owner was ordered to remove it and a misdemeanour report was filed. Transport & Safety: Zagreb police cracked down on e-scooters and other personal transport vehicles, seizing 15 and issuing 114 offences, mostly for missing helmets. Sports & Culture: Croatia’s Luka Modrić confirmed availability for UEFA Nations League matches after the World Cup; and Croatia’s Oscar hopeful “God Will Not Help” was selected as the country’s international feature entry.

Toxic Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched through Zagreb on Saturday demanding urgent action over illegal hazardous waste dumped near Gospić in Lika, with protesters calling for a moratorium on imports and a national waste plan within 20 days. Police & Probe: Authorities say Europol-backed investigations followed arrests of 13 people in 2025, with claims of tens of thousands of tonnes and soil contamination; officials dispute the worst contamination fears. Football: Croatia captain Luka Modrić, 41 next week, has confirmed he’ll keep playing for the national team and is set for UEFA Nations League matches against Czechia, Spain and England under Slaven Bilić. Education: Croatia’s new school year starts tomorrow, but the education minister says more than 4,000 first-graders have had enrolment postponed, urging parents to rely on professionals rather than personal judgment. Sports (MMA): Stephen Loman returned after three years away but lost to Lasha Abramishvili at BRAVE CF 108 in Pula Arena.

Toxic Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched through Zagreb on Saturday demanding urgent action over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika, where authorities say about 33,000–37,000 tonnes were stored, including medical and industrial waste; soil tests found heavy metals and PFAS in groundwater, and protesters want the waste removed fast and those responsible prosecuted. Football & National Pride: Luka Modrić, turning 41 this week, has confirmed he will keep playing for Croatia and will be included in Slaven Bilić’s squad for UEFA Nations League matches against the Czech Republic, England and Spain. Local Safety Crackdown: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered electric scooters after a two-day crackdown found riders breaking traffic rules, including issues with speed and power limits. Travel & Culture: Štrudlafest kicked off in Jaškovo near Ozalj, spotlighting traditional strudel-making and new festival workshops, while Dubrovnik’s September heat broke records with temperatures above 35°C and sea temps near 29°C.

Defense Modernisation: Croatia approved major purchases of South Korean Chunmoo rocket launchers, including 18 K239 systems worth about €544m (with delivery planned by 2029) to boost long-range, rapid target engagement, following earlier HIMARS buys. Energy Prices: Diesel at Croatian pumps could jump sharply next week as Iran-related tensions keep oil markets volatile, with analysts warning of steep per-litre increases. Aviation & Tourism Links: International Zagreb Airport welcomed the first direct China–Croatia passenger flight as Air China starts Beijing–Zagreb via Bucharest, while Air Canada also announced a big summer 2027 expansion that includes a new Dubrovnik–Montreal route from May 2027. Public Order in Dubrovnik: Police removed men who had glorified Ratko Mladić online, leading to fines and plans to revoke permits and end stays. Culture & Heritage: A restored historic sundial on Pag’s Cape Škamica and ongoing work on Đurđevac’s lowland fortress highlight fresh preservation efforts. Sports Spotlight: BRAVE CF 108 hits Pula Arena tonight with Croatian Andi Vrtacic headlining, and UFC has reportedly signed Croatian knockout artist Roberto Soldić.

Aviation & Tourism: International Zagreb Airport welcomed Air China’s first direct Beijing–Zagreb passenger flight on Sept. 4, operating three times a week via Bucharest and opening a year-round gateway for Chinese visitors and business links. Defense Procurement: Croatia is set to buy 18 South Korean Chunmoo K239 multiple rocket launchers in a €435.2m deal (excluding VAT), with rockets reportedly covering 30–300+ km and Poland’s WB Group TOPAZ command-and-control system to integrate the platforms. Maritime Science: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split under the FAO’s GFCM to strengthen science-based fisheries management and cooperation across Adriatic countries. Population Update: Croatia’s population rose slightly in 2025 to 3,874,993 (+8,760), with growth concentrated in several coastal and central counties including Istria and Zagreb County. Local Life & Debate: A Krk restaurant controversy sparked online debate after Hungarian tourists were reportedly asked to leave for ordering only dessert during peak hours. Tech Marketing: Google expanded Waze Ads availability to Croatia and other select markets, rolling out Performance Max store-goal ad support beyond the US.

Autonomous Mobility in Zagreb’s Orbit: Uber has launched public autonomous taxi rides in London using fewer than 20 all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles with Wayve tech, with a licensed safety driver inside; it’s the second European city after Zagreb, where Uber started autonomous rides in August. Croatian Defense Push: Hanwha Aerospace is set to sign Croatia’s first export deal for the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher—18 launchers and guided rockets worth about €435.2m—with deliveries starting in 2028 over two years. AI Cooperation: Nine Central and Eastern European countries, including Croatia, agreed in Prague to deepen AI coordination, connect computing capacity, and align European AI policy through the Prague AI Declaration. Zagreb Local Governance: Varaždin will ban alcohol sales in shops and kiosks after 22:00 (until 07:00) and fine people for drinking alcohol in public outside bar/restaurant/café premises. Tourism & Travel: Dubrovnik’s airport hit a new August record with 566,259 passengers, while Air Canada announced a new seasonal Montreal–Dubrovnik direct route starting May 11, 2027. Business Pulse: Croatia’s fiscalised receipts rose 17% in August, with accommodation and food services among the strongest performers.

Zagreb City Upgrade: Work has started on the €3.4m (VAT excluded) reconstruction of central Stara Vlaška Street, turning it into a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, square and park, with new paving, greenery, lighting and drainage, aiming for completion by end-2026. Tourism & Spending: Croatia’s August fiscalised receipts hit €6.56bn, up 17% year-on-year, while Dubrovnik-Neretva County logged 2.07m overnight stays in August (British visitors led). Transport & Travel Links: Air Canada announced major Summer 2027 expansion, including a new seasonal Montréal–Dubrovnik route from May 11, 2027. Robotaxi Watch: Uber and Wayve launched London’s first public robotaxi rides (with a safety operator at first), while noting Zagreb already has a similar service. Regional Flashpoint: Serbia says Ratko Mladić’s body will arrive in Belgrade late afternoon, with tens of thousands expected at the funeral—sparking EU and Croatia criticism. Croatia Economy: Industrial output grew 7.2% year-on-year in July, the fastest pace in eight months.

Robotaxi Rollout in London: Uber and Wayve launched London’s first public self-driving taxi service, starting with a small phased rollout (fewer than 20 cars) and a human safety driver ready to take over, while full driverless approval still depends on separate UK regulatory steps. Zagreb’s Tech Link: The move puts London in the same “robotaxi” conversation as Zagreb, where Croatian company Verne already operates supervised autonomous rides using Pony.ai technology. Croatia’s Economy Snapshot: Croatia’s registered unemployment fell slightly in July to about 78,000 people (4.3% rate), according to Eurostat estimates. Adriatic Travel Boost: Jadrolinija is extending the high-speed Zadar–Ancona ferry line until Sept. 6, adding trips and promotional fares. Culture & Language: The Kaljski dialect from Kali (Ugljan) was officially added to Croatia’s protected intangible cultural heritage register. Weather Watch: DHMZ data shows Croatia’s summer 2026 was extremely warm overall, with major dry areas raising agriculture concerns.

Environmental Cleanup in Gospić: Croatia is accelerating remediation at a major illegal waste site near Gospić, with plans to remove tens of thousands of tonnes, including covering surface waste and tackling an estimated 32,000–33,000 tonnes of buried ash; Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met local health and inspection bodies to set out a safety-first plan for water, soil and air. Zagreb/HT Business: Hrvatski Telekom has appointed Marina Burazer as its new Director of Corporate Communications, succeeding Igor Vukasović. Nord Stream Court Fight: Lawyers for Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, detained in Croatia over alleged Nord Stream sabotage, say a key extradition hearing is set for Sept. 4 in Croatia, with Ukraine urged to join the defense. Sports—Local Spotlight: Hajduk Split legend Ivan Gudelj has died at 66; the club says he made 362 appearances and scored 93 goals for Hajduk. Public Order Case: A Croatian court issued a suspended 15-day prison sentence to a Bosnian national convicted of glorifying Ratko Mladić via social media posts.

Croatia–EU Politics: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković warned Serbia that granting full state and military honours to war criminal Ratko Mladić would “close the doors” to EU membership, as tensions flare over how the 1990s legacy is handled. Zagreb & Tourism: Zagreb Tourist Board launches 31 free themed walking tours in September, including Upper Town stories, the Mažuranić family, and a child-friendly programme. Dubrovnik Visitor Management: Dubrovnik opened a new 24/7 public toilet in the Old City and is planting 57 trees for a “Green Ring” project, while the Dubrovnik Pass reaches the final of European sustainable cultural tourism awards. Economy: Croatia’s inflation picked up to 4.1% in August, driven by energy and services costs. Transport & Tech: Mate Rimac’s Verne robotaxi project has formally ended, but a review may trigger repayment of €89.7m if obligations weren’t met. Sports: Niko Sigur is close to a €6.5m move from Hajduk Split to Toulouse. Climate: A UN report says global heating will reach at least 1.8°C, with “no good outcomes” beyond 1.5°C.

EU Enlargement Watch: Iceland’s voters rejected restarting EU accession talks, with nearly 53% voting against renewed negotiations—another setback for Brussels as it tries to keep enlargement momentum alive. Regional Power Play: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković, alongside Czech and Slovenian leaders, argued Central Europe should use its growing weight to shape EU policy direction at the Bled Strategic Forum. Croatia Economy: Croatia’s inflation rose to 4.1% in August (from 3.9% in July), driven mainly by energy (+17.4% year-on-year) while food prices were nearly flat. EU Recovery Funds: Croatia has received €7.3bn of its €10bn EU recovery package, with final payment requests planned after the Aug. 31 deadline. Zagreb City Life: The Zagreb Tourist Board is running 31 free themed walking tours across September, including Upper Town stories and family-friendly routes. Tourism & Lifestyle: Cres was named The Guardian’s winning “unsung island” reader tip, praised for wild landscapes and griffon vultures. Sports (Croatia): Hajduk’s Niko Sigur is close to a €6.5m move to Toulouse, while Croatia’s national team notched a big win over Latvia in FIBA qualifiers.