AGP Executive Report

Bosnia Election Shockwaves: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Oct. 4 general vote looks set to keep ethnic parties in control, with Milorad Dodik’s SNSD strong in Republika Srpska and new faces emerging in the rotating tripartite presidency—Denis Bećirović (Bosniak seat), Darijana Filipović (Croat seat) and Željka Cvijanović (Serb seat)—as turnout fell to about 41.5%. Geopolitics in the Background: Dodik, barred from office, still framed the campaign around pro-Russian ties and even thanked Trump and Putin after declaring victory. Remembering Biljana Plavšić: The former Bosnian Serb leader and war-crimes convict Biljana Plavšić died at 96, a reminder of how deeply the 1990s still shape Balkan politics and memory. Croatia Sports & Culture: Croatia’s Nations League campaign continues at home with Croatia vs Czechia in Osijek on Nov. 15, while Luka Modrić publicly said the team felt “ashamed” after a 7-0 loss to England. Demography & Education Crisis: An AP report from Greece’s remote islands shows classrooms shrinking fast—Kalamos has just two students—mirroring a wider European population decline. Tourism Pressure Watch: Mallorca introduced cruise limits (max three ships/day, 7,500 passengers total) as cities push back against over-tourism.

Bosnia Election 2026: Nationalist parties look set to dominate Bosnia and Herzegovina after a general election with record-low turnout (41.5%). Early results point to Denis Bećirović (Bosniak seat), Željka Cvijanović (Serb seat) and Darijana Filipović (Croat seat) winning their respective tripartite presidency races, while Milorad Dodik—though barred from office—remains a key power broker and thanked Putin and Trump for “new environment” gains. EU & Daily Life Stakes: Voters also chose parliaments across the state and entities amid economic slowdown, stalled EU progress, and war-era rhetoric. Election Tech & Tensions: Voting used biometric identification and ballot scanning, with some polling stations delayed by digital issues. Croatia Culture/Policy: Croatia has launched a new national framework for developing its bioeconomy, including a coordination body and a 2027–2035 plan. Sports & National Mood: Croatia’s captain Luka Modrić said the 7-0 Nations League loss to England was the first time he felt “ashamed,” while manager Slaven Bilić called it hard to analyze after a defensive collapse. Tourism & Mobility: Croatian MEP and former tourism minister Nikolina Brnjac will speak at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta.

Bosnia Election Watch: Polls opened in Bosnia-Herzegovina as about 3.4 million voters choose the tripartite presidency, national lawmakers, and entity-level leaders, with results potentially shaping the country’s EU bid and influence from the US and Russia; voting faced delays at some stations due to new digital tech, while authorities use biometric ID and ballot scanning to curb past irregularities. Croatia Football Shock: Croatia’s Nations League home match in Rijeka turned into a historic 7-0 rout by England, leaving Luka Modrić “ashamed” and Slaven Bilić searching for answers after a performance that critics called catastrophic. Croatia Bioeconomy Policy: Croatia’s government is setting up a national framework for bioeconomy development, including a coordination body and a 2027–2035 plan, spanning agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, energy, and biotechnology. Local Culture & Travel: A spotlight on Munjara, a century-old hydro power plant in Ozalj that still generates electricity, and a travel feature on Trogir’s medieval charm near Split. Pop Culture Glimpse: Kylie Jenner shared what she’s reading—an explicit fantasy romance—after a trip that included Croatia.

Nations League Shock: England crushed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, with Harry Kane scoring twice, Bukayo Saka twice, and Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon also on the scoresheet, in a match played “behind closed doors” due to UEFA sanctions. Stadium Rules, Real Atmosphere: Instead of a full home crowd, about 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren were allowed in under a loophole, while only 100 England fans attended; some Croatian supporters even watched from a nearby rooftop. Aftermath in Croatian Media: Croatian outlets called it an “unacceptable catastrophe” and Croatia’s heaviest-ever defeat, while England papers celebrated a dominant “seventh heaven” performance. Culture & Lifestyle Angle: In Australia, Croatian-style “baka” biscuits are being kept alive by home-kitchen microbusinesses, showing how food traditions travel and adapt. Screening the Cold War: A new Croatian documentary series, Ispod radara, explores Cold War bunkers and secret tunnels across the region, turning hidden history into a cultural experience.

Bosnia-Herzegovina Elections: A “day of reflection” is underway ahead of Sunday’s general vote, with 3.4 million registered voters choosing a tripartite Presidency, parliament seats across the state and entities, and new cantonal representatives—using biometric ID machines and optical ballot scanners at 5,569 polling stations. Croatia-UK Football Culture: Croatia’s Nations League home match vs England in Rijeka is set to draw thousands of schoolchildren despite UEFA’s behind-closed-doors punishment, while England’s small fan group will avoid the notorious caged-away end. Croatian Screen & Heritage: HRT launches a four-part adventure documentary, “Ispod radara,” digging into Cold War bunkers, tunnels and command centres across Croatia and the wider region. Health & Environment: Croatian participants in an EU-linked PFAS (“forever chemicals”) blood study have spoken out, with a Gospić man reporting the highest levels among those tested. Gaming & Design: Nomion appoints Croatian 3D artist Space Meerkat as art director for “Rush is Real,” blending cyberpunk and brutalism with Eastern European and Asian references. Tech & History: AI has helped decipher a Napoleonic-era coded letter tied to General Marmont, cracking a mystery that lasted 217 years.

Croatia–Azerbaijan Cultural Diplomacy: Zagreb hosted the 4th Joint Commission session between Croatia and Azerbaijan, with talks spanning culture, economy, energy, transport, science, education, and tourism, ending in a signed protocol. EU Migration & Borders: The EU approved tougher migration rules, including broader penalties for people ordered to leave, longer detentions, and the possibility of “return hubs” outside the EU. Football in Rijeka (Culture + Community): Croatia–England in Rijeka is set to be “behind closed doors,” but UEFA’s exception lets thousands of schoolchildren attend for free, while 100 English fans will be moved from the caged away end to the open West Stand. Napoleon Decoded by AI: An AI system cracked a 217-year-old encrypted Napoleon letter, revealing details of French and Austrian troop movements in 1809. Bosnia Election Watch: Bosnia and Herzegovina heads to elections amid EU–Russia tug-of-war and renewed strain on the Dayton system. Arts & Film: Cyprus gets a theatrical release for Minos Papas’ gothic feature “MOTHERWITCH,” returning to the island after festival runs.

Bosnia Election Watch: Bosnia votes Sunday in a tense, nationality-shaped race as EU accession stalls and voters weigh corruption, slow reforms, and outside influence. Football & Youth Culture: Croatia’s UEFA punishment for past crowd incidents means the England clash in Rijeka is “behind closed doors,” but thousands of local schoolchildren (under 14) can attend free, turning the stadium into a youth-filled cultural moment. Travel Rules for Croatians & Visitors: The EU’s EES biometric entry/exit system is reshaping travel across Schengen, with Croatia among the participating countries and ongoing calls for more time as queues and delays have hit some routes. Croatia–China Link: Zagreb’s new direct Beijing–Zagreb flight is already boosting Chinese arrivals and overnight stays, opening doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. Arts & Community: The Neretva Delta hosts Sand Art Neretva (Oct 2–5), where monumental sand drawings are created for aerial viewing before the tide erases them. Beauty Retail: rhode expands into Sephora across 19 European markets, including Croatia, bringing its skincare and hybrid makeup to more shoppers. Sport Spotlight: Croatian powerlifter Teo Kalogjera sets six European records at an international meet in Poland.

Croatia–China Tourism Boost: Zagreb’s new direct Air China Beijing–Zagreb flight is already paying off, with Chinese arrivals up 7% and overnight stays up 8% in September, opening fresh doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. Music & Culture in Croatia: Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party lands at Pula Arena on 27 June 2027, while Zagreb-born jazz artist Ziza Muftic shares how music shaped her identity after moving to South Africa. Beauty Retail Expansion: rhode skincare and hybrid makeup debuts in Croatia via Sephora, rolling out to 19 new European markets including Croatia. Film Industry & Co-productions: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads Forum selects 14 projects from 15 countries, spotlighting representation and new takes on folk stories and growing up. Art in Public Space: The Neretva Delta becomes a temporary open-air gallery as the Sand Art Neretva festival turns the river mouth into giant sand drawings from 2–5 October. Zagreb Events & Craft: IFKT’s international knitting conference opens in Zagreb (30 Sept–2 Oct), bringing industry and academia together. Sports & Youth Access: Croatia’s behind-closed-doors Nations League clash with England will still draw 5,000–6,000 children via a UEFA loophole, with 100 English fans also allowed in. Bosnia Vote Watch: Bosnia heads to elections on 4 October amid EU-stall frustration and ethnic politics dominating the campaign.

Split Airport Culture: A new St. Jerome exhibition opens at Split Airport, bringing works by 24 Croatian painters and sculptors from the Marjan art colony—an art stop for travelers celebrating the airport’s 60th anniversary. Film & Festivals: CinEast in Luxembourg runs a Luxembourg–CEE Short Film Night plus avant-premieres of co-productions “3 Weeks After” and “Guria,” with guests including Jean Asselborn and a special Ukrainian programme tied to CinEast4Ukraine. Croatia on Screen: A Croatian documentary, “From the Ashes of Lipik / Iz pepela Lipik,” is filming in Lipik and Daruvar, revisiting wartime footage and the Children’s Home story through a theatre production with former residents. Beauty Retail: Rhode expands across Europe via Sephora, now available in Croatia and 18 other markets—another lifestyle signal for the region’s shopping culture. Travel Tech: Deutsche Telekom launches “T-Travel” eSIM data packages for 200+ destinations, aiming to make getting online abroad simpler. Bosnia Politics & Culture: Bosnia’s elections keep circling ethnic identity and emigration fears, with demographic collapse and youth leaving shaping the backdrop. Money & Collecting: Croatia issues a new commemorative €2 coin featuring Vukovar, with collectors able to pre-register for exchange.

Croatian Culture & Lifestyle: Croatia’s National Bank has issued a new commemorative €2 coin featuring Vukovar, part of the “Croatian Cities” series, with pre-registration open until 5 October and exchange options via the HNB system, Fina branches, or postal delivery. Travel & Mobility: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is reshaping travel for many non-EU visitors, with Croatia among participating countries—meaning biometric checks can mean longer airport queues and new pre-travel planning. Arts & Film: A Croatian documentary, From the Ashes of Lipik / Iz pepela Lipik, is filming in Lipik and Daruvar, revisiting wartime footage and connecting former residents with a theatre production about the Children’s Home. Human Stories & Heritage: Croatia’s foreign minister highlighted the return of Ukrainian children and missing persons at a Toronto conference, drawing on Croatia’s own post-war experience. Wellbeing Tourism: HVARMONY spotlights wellbeing on Hvar, leaning into the island’s quieter off-season lifestyle as a counterpoint to peak tourism. Health & Care: A new study presented in Paris suggests a nasal spray combining sufentanil and ketamine can bring fast pain relief to injured children in emergency rooms, with a Zagreb ER head noting mild side effects. Education & Youth: OECD warns teacher shortages are pressuring education systems, especially in math and science and in rural or disadvantaged areas. Beauty & Retail: Rhode expands across continental Europe via Sephora, including Croatia, bringing the brand’s skincare-to-makeup lineup into more local retail spaces.

Beauty & Retail Expansion: Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand rhode is rolling into Europe via Sephora, now available in 19 new markets including Croatia, with online access too—another step in the brand’s rapid retail push. Documentary & Memory: Filming is underway on the Croatian documentary “From the Ashes of Lipik / Iz pepela Lipik”, revisiting wartime destruction through newly found footage and a theatre process that reconnects former residents with younger generations. Justice & War Crimes: The Hague convict Jadranko Prlić has again requested early release, with his defense citing his prison roles and activities while serving his sentence in the UK. Healthcare Innovation: A new study highlights a nasal spray combining sufentanil and ketamine that can ease pain quickly for injured children in ERs, with Croatian emergency-department head Maša Šorić commenting on the findings. Croatia at UN: Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman spoke at a Toronto conference on returning Ukrainian children and POWs, stressing missing persons and family reunification. Education Pressure: An OECD report warns teacher shortages are hitting education systems hardest in math and science, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Local Culture: The 18th Festival of Romani Song and Dance took place in Beli Manastir, spotlighting Romani heritage, language, music, and dance.

Youth & Housing: Eurostat links why young Europeans leave home at very different ages to job prospects, housing costs, and family norms—Croatia stands out with a much later average exit than countries like Finland. Education Policy: The U.S. extends federal student-loan autopay enrollment to Dec. 31, keeping the interest-rate discount for borrowers who sign up in time. AI & Academia: Dartmouth launches an investigation after reports that its provost’s published work may have been AI-written, spotlighting double standards in disclosure rules. Film & Culture: Slovenia’s Lun Sevnik finishes debut feature The Healers, shot in Ljubljana and Split, while Cyprus prepares the release of gothic film Motherwitch after a festival run. Croatia’s Creative & Sports Scene: Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić becomes the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Roma Heritage: Croatia hosts the 18th Festival of Romani Song and Dance in Beli Manastir, celebrating language, music, and tradition. Health Workforce: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County launches a €250 monthly nursing/technician bonus plus scholarships to tackle shortages. Conservation: IUCN’s Important Shark and Ray Areas maps go live, aiming to guide protection of key marine habitats.

Croatian Sports & Culture: Freediving champion Vitomir Maričić has become the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, recognized not just for records but for his freediving education, safety work, and marine conservation efforts. EU Health Policy: The European Commission has proposed EU-wide cardiovascular health checks under a new Screening Week push, aiming to improve early detection and cut premature deaths. Local Lifestyle: Wellovar, billed as Croatia’s largest thermal baths, officially opens in Bjelovar with multiple indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, and sports facilities—an easy new reason to plan a day trip. Space & Science Diplomacy: Croatia has signed the Artemis Accords, joining a fast-growing list of countries shaping shared rules for lunar missions. Culture & Debate: Fest’s opening film “Zlatni rez 42 – Children of Goats” returns attention to wartime memory and controversy around how history is portrayed. Travel & Identity: A look at how the .eu domain became a quiet “everyday” marker of European digital identity. Regional Spotlight: Split hosted the CROYA Yacht Charter Show, bringing about 250 international brokers and luxury vessels to Croatia’s Adriatic scene.

Open Letter & Tech Ethics: European organisations demand governments scrap public-sector contracts with Palantir, citing surveillance and AI warfare uses. Film & Memory: Fest’s “Children of Kozare” premiere sparks controversy over attacks on actors and the director amid revisionist backlash. Split & Tourism Business: Split hosts the CROYA Yacht Charter Show with about 250 international brokers, 36 luxury vessels and Croatian exhibitors through Oct 1. Sports & Pride: Freediver Vitomir Maričić becomes the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Health & Daily Life: Croatia reports over 70% of preschoolers have tooth decay, while 12-year-olds’ oral health has improved. Culture & Music: Jala Brat and Buba Corelli dominate Croatia’s charts, flooding the Top 10 with hits. Arts & Learning: A study warns that test scores reflect more than knowledge, shaped by how questions appear and how students respond. Global Human Stories: Superbook brings joy to a Nova Gradiška girl, with Gizmo visiting her at home. Politics & Europe: Coverage highlights far-right parties moving mainstream across Europe.

Sports & Culture: Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić made history in Las Vegas, becoming the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, with the organisers praising not just records but his freediving education, safety work and marine conservation. Health & Kids: New research presented at a European emergency medicine congress backs a needle-free nasal spray pain relief option for children in ERs, aiming to get relief faster for injuries like fractures and burns. Education & Fairness: A new study by Serbian and Croatian researchers warns that test scores on computer-based exams reflect far more than knowledge, shaped by how questions are built, displayed, timed and even by quick facial reactions. Community & Heritage: Croatia’s foreign minister praised the Croatian community in Canada as a “bridge” that strengthens ties beyond politics, highlighting Montreal and Quebec’s cultural and business role. Arts & Film: The Dreamed Adventure won Best Film at Bulgaria’s Golden Rose National Film Festival, while Croatia-linked audiences can also catch the festival’s wider spotlight on European cinema. Local Lifestyle: Croatia’s coffee industry is pushing to abolish a special coffee tax, arguing it adds cost and paperwork despite the levy often being invisible to consumers. Music: Jala Brat and Buba Corelli keep dominating Croatian charts, with multiple tracks in the Top 10 and heavy presence across the Top 100.

Croatian Culture & Lifestyle: Croatia’s Month of Oral Health spotlights a worrying gap: over 70% of preschool children have tooth decay, even as 12-year-olds’ oral health improves (DMFT down from 3.21 in 2016 to 2.43 in 2023). The National Preventive Programme for 2025–2027 pushes early prevention via the Tooth Passport, supervised brushing in kindergartens and schools, and injury prevention. Music in Croatia: Jala Brat and Buba Corelli keep dominating Croatian charts—four songs in the Top 10 on Apple Music Croatia (including “Bass & Rave,” “Bez Koda,” “Mufasa,” and “Mačje Oči”) and heavy presence across the Top 100. Tourism & Heritage Tech: Dubrovnik Pass wins a European award for smart tourism and digital innovation, praised for real-time visitor monitoring, crowd forecasting, integrated ticketing, and support for cultural institutions and restoration. Food & City Life: A Split food guide highlights “gozba” culture—courtyard dining, seasonal local produce, and the ritual of sharing. Health & Everyday Life: Research on indoor air pollution urges action in homes, schools, and workplaces, pointing to invisible contaminants and the need for practical recommendations.