AGP Executive Report

Croatia Tourism & Culture: Dubrovnik’s “King’s Landing” boom may be cooling, but Zadar is surging—Zadar Airport is up to 595,000 passengers by June and could top 700,000, with Ryanair growth and even talk of a possible United Airlines New York route. Public Safety: Croatian police detained four suspects over alleged coordinated fires across ten sites in Zadar County, including damage to a car and dozens of olive trees. Archaeology: Cavtat near Dubrovnik has yielded a massive Roman-era stone sarcophagus sealed for 1,500+ years, offering a rare look at Late Antiquity burial practices. EU Digital Rights: The EU’s e-Evidence rules now let investigators in most member states order tech firms to hand over user data directly, speeding cross-border digital evidence requests. Climate & Resilience: New EU-focused reporting highlights how flood policy is expanding beyond defenses—risk mapping, river planning, nature restoration, adaptation, and emergency response all play a role. Tech & Innovation (Croatia): Croatian deep-tech firm Neuromorphyx is partnering with BrainChip to ship the AKD1500-based BrainBoard1500 for neuromorphic AI development. Arts & Travel: Kristina Banden’s “Conversations with the Sea” returns to Dubrovnik’s JK Orsan, exploring sailing culture and the Adriatic through a summer exhibition.

Tech & Culture Exchange: Croatian deep-tech company Neuromorphyx (Nex Novus d.o.o.) partners with BrainChip to bring neuromorphic AI to embedded designers via the compact AKD1500-based BrainBoard1500, with Arduino Nicla compatibility and power-monitoring for edge-device testing. Archaeology in the Adriatic: In Cavtat near Dubrovnik, archaeologists uncovered a massive Roman-era sarcophagus sealed for over 1,500 years, offering a rare look at Late Antiquity burial practices. Heritage on the Water: Italy’s ambassador Paolo Trichilo visited Šibenik region and backed the “Vela Latina per la Pace” project, celebrating the lateen sail tradition through the Tisno regatta and the Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding in Betina. Travel & Lifestyle: Viking Yi Dun launched its Chinese-language Europe season from Tarragona, with a Mandarin-first itinerary that includes Dubrovnik. Dalmatian Fire Aftermath: Reports from the Omiš fire describe dramatic sea rescues and “astronomical” damage as residents begin returning to devastated homes and businesses. Digital Nomads Spotlight: A new study ranks Spain top for remote workers, with Croatia placing third thanks to affordable living and a dedicated digital nomad visa. Sports & Local Pride: Zrinka Ljutić won the Karl Burtscher Senior Memorial Race in New Zealand, linking Croatian skiing with a long-standing Austrian legacy. Culture Calendar: Dubrovnik’s Stradun Classic Festival returns with Mischa Maisky and other major names ahead of late-August concerts.

Omiš Fire Aftermath: Croatia’s central Dalmatian wildfire has been brought under control, but the damage is described as “astronomical,” with homes, businesses, boats and cars destroyed as residents return to assess losses. Coastline Rescue: In the same crisis, hundreds fled into the sea and were pulled to safety by local boats and crews, including a heavily pregnant woman and families with small children. Heritage at Risk: The Croatian Army has been deployed to help recover a reconstructed Roman ship replica stranded on a sandbank in the Drava near Osijek, protecting the 18-metre, six-ton vessel from permanent damage. Dubrovnik Art & Sea: Kristina Banden’s “Conversations with the Sea” arrives in Dubrovnik at JK Orsan, shaped by months in the city’s sailing community and focused on the culture behind the Adriatic. Film & Docs: DokuFest Prizren’s 25th edition wrapped with Merve Dilşad Aladağ’s “As the Spring Arrives, Water Recalls the Nomads” winning the Balkan Dox Competition, with a Croatian special mention for Srdjan Kovačević’s “The Thing to Be Done.” Sports & Legacy: Zrinka Ljutić won the Karl Burtscher Senior Memorial Race at Roundhill in New Zealand, linking Croatian skiing to Austrian alpine history. Tech & Business: Arrow Electronics expanded IBM distribution coverage to include Croatia, aiming to support enterprise-ready infrastructure, automation and data solutions via local channel partners. Digital Nomads: A study ranks Spain top for remote work, with Croatia placing third thanks to affordable living and a dedicated digital nomad visa. Travel Culture: Dubrovnik’s Stradun Classic Festival returns (Aug 28–Sep 6) with Mischa Maisky and Stefan Milenković among the headline classical names.

Velika Gospa in Croatia: August 15 is marked as a major Catholic holiday, with Masses, processions and pilgrimages to Marian shrines like Sinj, Marija Bistrica, Trsat and Aljmaš—many institutions close, while tourist areas keep some services running. Wildfires and culture at risk: A Pelješac wildfire destroyed a historic church and forced firefighters to defend a nearby monastery, while in Omiš residents described the blaze as “like being in hell,” with evacuations and rescues from the sea. Maritime heritage spotlight: Betina on Murter prepares for the 24th Regatta za dušu i tilo, celebrating traditional wooden boatbuilding and lateen/spritsail vessels with lectures, workshops and a night procession of illuminated gajetas. Croatian language abroad: The University of Chile launched an international Croatian language and culture course, linking Croatian history and everyday conversation for students with Croatian roots in Chile. Local history under water: A look at the Kupa River in Sisak, where underwater research has revealed remains of ancient Siscia and an ~1,800-year-old Roman barge. Festival news: Dubrovnik’s Stradun Classic Festival returns with major classical names, including cellist Mischa Maisky.

Dubrovnik Culture & Music: The Stradun Classic Festival returns for its ninth edition, running Aug 28–Sep 6, with star power led by legendary cellist Mischa Maisky and first-time guest violinist Stefan Milenković, turning Rector’s Palace into a major Adriatic concert hub. Velika Gospa & Pilgrimage: Croatia marks Aug 15 with Assumption Day, bringing Masses, processions and thousands of pilgrims to Marian shrines like Sinj, Marija Bistrica, Trsat and Aljmaš. Omiš Wildfire Aftermath: A devastating blaze near Omiš forced large-scale evacuations and left at least one person dead, with residents describing it as “like being in hell” as smoke and flames spread in minutes. Pelješac Fire & Heritage: Firefighters defended a monastery complex near the Pelješac wildfire threat, after Dubrovnik Bishop Roko Glasnović visited the devastated area. Croatian Language Abroad: The University of Chile launched a Croatian language and culture course, linking Croatian heritage in Chile with history, literature and everyday conversation. Travel Safety Reality Check: Across Europe, record heat and drought are driving wildfire evacuations, while Croatia’s tourism sector also faces rising hotel operating costs even in peak summer.

Velika Gospa & Marian pilgrimages: Croatia marks August 15 with Masses, processions and major pilgrimages to shrines including Sinj, Marija Bistrica, Trsat, Pleternica and Aljmaš, with many institutions closed but tourist spots still active. Omiš wildfire aftermath: A fast-moving blaze near Lokva Rogoznica swept toward Omiš, forcing about 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate; maritime teams rescued 194 people from the sea as firefighters battled intense conditions. Local solidarity: Sinj’s mayor Miro Bulj announced €20,000 in aid for Omiš, calling it a shared duty between neighboring towns. Pelješac monastery threatened: A Pelješac wildfire destroyed a historic church, while firefighters defended the Our Lady of Delorita monastery in Kuna; the Dubrovnik bishop visited the devastated area. Culture & education abroad: The University of Chile launched a Croatian language and culture course, with over 50 students attending the opening, highlighting links between Croatia and Chile’s Croatian-descended communities. Tourism pressure: Croatian hotel companies report profitability squeezed by rising operating costs even at peak summer demand. Photo perspective: A drone photo from Ilok shows Danube sandbars revealed by record low water levels, turning a drought into a striking human-and-landscape story.

Wildfires & Evacuations: A major blaze near Omiš (started by Lokva Rogoznica) swept through Dalmatia, killing one, injuring 40, and forcing about 1,200 residents and tourists to flee; maritime rescue teams pulled people from the sea and boats as flames threatened homes and vehicles. Local Solidarity: Sinj Mayor Miro Bulj announced €20,000 in aid for Omiš, calling it a shared moment for Croatia’s neighboring towns. Religious Life: Croatia marks Velika Gospa (Assumption Day) today, with Masses, processions and pilgrimages drawing thousands to shrines including Sinj, Marija Bistrica, Trsat, Pleternica and Aljmaš. Culture & Community: A Sarajevo Film Festival special award for promoting gender equality highlights 14 debut films, aiming to boost gender balance in cinema. Sports & Travel: A UJ volleyball program brought players to Peru for training and community work, continuing a Europe visit that included Croatia. Tourism Watch: Croatian hotel profitability is under pressure from rising operating costs, even as summer revenues hold up better than expected.

Wildfire Crisis: A major blaze near Lokva Rogoznica raced toward Omis on Croatia’s coast, killing at least one person, injuring dozens, and forcing about 1,200 residents and tourists to flee; firefighters reported flames spreading across roughly 1,000+ hectares in hours, while a large maritime rescue pulled people from the sea and boats. EU Heat Emergency: The same extreme conditions are driving wildfires across Europe, with evacuations also reported in Greece and France and new fire alerts in the UK as record heat and drought linked to climate change leave landscapes tinder-dry. Velika Gospa Pilgrimages: Despite the chaos, thousands of pilgrims marked Velika Gospa with Masses and processions at Marian shrines nationwide, with the biggest gatherings in Sinj, Marija Bistrica, Trsat, Pleternica and Aljmaš. Local Solidarity: Sinj Mayor Miro Bulj announced €20,000 in aid for Omiš, framing it as shared faith, tradition, and neighborly support in the aftermath. Tourism Pressure: Reports say rising operating costs are squeezing Croatian hotel profitability even in peak summer, adding strain as the season faces disruption from extreme weather. Culture & Community: Zagreb’s Okolo festival is set to turn city streets into open-air art spaces, continuing the push for accessible local culture. Sport Spotlight: UFC 330’s weigh-ins drew huge crowds in Philadelphia, with a Croatian fan presence noted ahead of Saturday’s bouts.

Wildfire Crisis in Omis: A fast-moving blaze near Lokva Rogoznica swept into the coastal town of Omiš overnight, forcing about 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate, injuring 36 (with 14 hospitalized and seven in life-threatening condition), and burning roughly 900–1,000 hectares; emergency shelters were set up between Omiš and Split, while a major maritime rescue operation pulled people from the sea and boats, with rescuers deploying from Split, Makarska, Milna and Hvar. Europe-wide Heat & Fires: The Omis disaster is part of a broader wildfire wave across Europe, with evacuations also reported in Greece and France as record heat and drought—linked to climate change—fuel dangerous conditions. Croatian Football Abroad: Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić is set to lead the UAE senior national team, with Igor Bišćan and Branko Ivanković taking other roles, signaling a growing Croatian coaching footprint in the Gulf. Culture & Film in Croatia: Šibenik’s Croatian International Film Festival returned with an intimate, historic setting in the Square of the Republic of Croatia, bringing red-carpet energy to the Dalmatian summer.

Wildfires & Travel Disruption: Greece’s Halkidiki wildfire forced evacuations by land and sea, while Croatia’s Dalmatian coast also faced a major blaze near Lokva Rogoznica, shutting part of a key highway and displacing hundreds. Tourism & Pop Culture: Croatia’s National Tourist Board campaign starring John Malkovich (“Croatia – I Hear It’s Beautiful”) has racked up 17.3 million views in under two months, with strong engagement on YouTube and social platforms. Zagreb Street Art: The Okolo festival returns 20–30 August, turning Zagreb’s streets and parks into open-air contemporary art spaces with themes of emotional connections and layers of memory. Youth & Living Arrangements: New data for International Youth Day shows Croatians leave home later than anywhere else in the EU, with 89.1% of 16–29-year-olds living with parents. Culture Calendar (Dubrovnik): José Carreras is set to perform in Dubrovnik on 27 August at the historic Cathedral setting, with local soprano Dušica Bijelić and the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Heritage & Research: Archaeologists in Osijek are studying Roman-era well burials, including a possible link to the Plague of Cyprian, as new analysis is presented. Language Policy (EU): Croatia says it won’t oppose adding Catalan, Basque and Galician as EU official languages if EU legal services deem Spain’s request justified.

Archaeology & Public Memory: Nearly four dozen Roman-era skeletons found in an Osijek well may point to mass deaths during the Plague of Cyprian, with researchers linking earlier well finds to the Battle of Mursa. Contemporary Art in Croatia: Zagreb’s Okolo festival returns (20–30 August), turning seven city-centre spots into open-air galleries with themes of “The City as an Emotional Network” and “Layers of Memory.” Classical Music & Dubrovnik: José Carreras will sing in Dubrovnik on 27 August in front of the historic Cathedral, with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and Croatian soprano Dušica Bijelić. Tourism & Culture Marketing: Croatia’s HTZ campaign starring John Malkovich, “Croatia – I Hear It’s Beautiful,” has hit 17.3 million views in under two months. Youth & Society: New data for International Youth Day shows Croatians aged 16–29 leave home later than anywhere else in the EU, with 89.1% still living with parents. Religion & Media: Zagreb’s Sr. Nina Krapić highlights how AI-driven misinformation is reshaping communication and trust, calling for more human-centred storytelling.

Youth & Housing: Croatia’s young adults are staying with parents longer than anywhere else in the EU, with 89.1% of 16–29-year-olds living at home, even as youth employment and unemployment improve. Dubrovnik Culture: A new spotlight on Dubrovnik’s Museum of Modern Art offers a cool, crowd-avoiding cultural stop just steps from Banje Beach. Archaeology in Croatia: Underwater work off Mljet has recovered about 600 grams of gold from a Byzantine shipwreck, pointing to an imperial passenger and a rare glimpse into early medieval trade. Regional Arts & Film: Sarajevo Film Festival director Jovan Marjanović previews a lineup with more female directors and a strong regional presence, as the festival returns to the Bosnian capital. Sports & Community: In Croatia’s wider region, a Croatia Walking Festival in Lika (Sept 5–6) pairs nature routes with heritage tied to Nikola Tesla and Ante Starčević. Travel & Connectivity: Air China launches Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb flights from Sept 4, boosting tourism and people-to-people links. Cultural Infrastructure: Dubrovnik’s Preparandija site could finally get a purpose-built concert hall and congress venue, with a planned underground parking garage.

Youth & Home Life: Croatia’s young adults are staying with parents the longest in the EU, with 89.1% of 16–29-year-olds living at home (average move-out age: 31.5), even as youth employment and unemployment improve. Dubrovnik Culture: A quick detour from Banje Beach leads to the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik—contemporary exhibitions, waterfront architecture, and a calmer summer escape. Croatian Travel & Region-Hopping: TUI is pitching Dubrovnik as a base for multi-country trips, pairing Croatia with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina via day excursions. Arts & Events: Dubrovnik’s Preparandija site could finally get a purpose-built concert hall (about 450 seats) plus a large underground garage, with the City and University of Zagreb working on a joint plan. Walking & Heritage: The Croatia Walking Festival returns to Gospić on Sept 5–6, with routes tied to Lika’s Tesla and Starčević paths. International Connections: Air China launches a Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from Sept 4, boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Archaeology: A Byzantine shipwreck off Mljet has yielded major gold finds, including a signet ring linked to imperial authority.

Dubrovnik Culture Infrastructure: Dubrovnik’s Preparandija site could finally get a purpose-built concert and congress hall, with plans for a ~450-seat auditorium, a smaller 150-seat space, and a 204-space underground garage. Adriatic Nature Under Pressure: A new Interreg BIOPRESSADRIA monitoring study warns that in some Croatian areas 25% to 65% of vessels anchor directly over protected Posidonia oceanica meadows—damage that can take decades to recover. Travel & Lifestyle (Croatia): TUI is promoting a “one base, three countries” holiday from Dubrovnik’s coast, using TUI BLUE Kalamota Island to reach Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina via excursions. Tourism Spotlight: Dubrovnik is also being highlighted internationally for its overtourism management approach, with the city’s measures discussed as a model for other hotspots. Events & Experiences: Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik is offering a 50-meter-high dining experience over the Adriatic, while Dubrovnik’s concert-hall plans add to the city’s growing push for year-round cultural venues. Travel Connections: Air China plans a new Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route starting Sept 4, boosting China–Croatia travel options.

Immigration & Borders: A new analysis of the “Dublin cases” crisis in Ceuta highlights how asylum seekers’ “secondary movements” from Italy to Germany are straining EU rules and sparking fresh friction between Italy’s Meloni and Germany’s Merz. Marine Conservation: Croatia’s Adriatic is under pressure from growing nautical tourism: satellite monitoring suggests up to 65% of vessels anchor over Posidonia oceanica meadows in some areas, risking long-term seagrass damage. Travel Rules for Brits: The UK Foreign Office updates travel guidance as the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rolls out biometric checks (fingerprints and photos) for Schengen entries, with summer waivers reported for Greece. Dubrovnik Culture & Sports: Dubrovnik’s Wild League water polo final brings a historic Old Harbour showdown, with matches streamed live. Zagreb Lifestyle: A guide to Zagreb’s underground world spotlights the city’s WWII-era tunnels and the Grič Tunnel as a cooler, quirky cultural escape. Local Business & Tech: Adriateh marks 30 years in Croatia’s car wash industry, saying customer expectations are driving upgrades across Europe. Arts & Nightlife: Sam Morril brings sharp New York stand-up to Zagreb on Sept 5. Health & Public Life: Eurostat reports Croatia has one of the highest rates of daily tobacco use in the EU (23.6%). Tourism Experience: “Dinner in the Sky” returns to Dubrovnik, lifting diners 50 meters for a 360-degree Adriatic view.

Tourism & Lifestyle: Dubrovnik is leaning into “high-end” experiences and crowd management at the same time: Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik now lifts diners 164 feet above the city for a 360-degree meal, while the British Daily Express spotlights Dubrovnik’s overtourism measures as a model for other hotspots. Local Culture & Sports: In Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour, the Wild League Water Polo Championship reaches its grand finale today, with Porporela and FUN H2O Mlini fighting for the title and a chance to make club history. Zagreb Culture: Zagreb’s “green heart” gets a spotlight, with Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe and the city’s parks and forested hills framed as part of everyday life, not just sightseeing. Arts & Film: Sarajevo Film Festival’s Dealing with the Past programme brings nine films that refuse to treat conflict history as closed, mixing animation, interviews and re-enactments. Education & Exchange: RMG’s Summer School adds an international internship element for the first time, bringing Georgian students into a month-long placement alongside participants including Croatia. Community & Heritage: Sinj’s UNESCO-recognised Sinj Alka crowns Tino Radanović for a third time, with President Milanović presenting the ceremonial sword. Travel Practicalities: A Vitaljina border-queue report shows how conditions can swing fast—hours-long waits described one day, then almost no queue the next. Language & Identity: A Romanian-language day debate echoes a wider cultural issue: how languages live (or fade) in public life, from cinema schedules to cancelled events.