AGP Executive Report

UN General Assembly, Croatia in the spotlight: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković used the UNGA debate to slam Serbia for honoring convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, calling it an affront to victims and international courts. Ukraine ceasefire push: 50+ UN member states and the EU backed a joint call for Russia to agree to a full, immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine—while the US stayed out. Bangladesh–Croatia ties: PM Tarique Rahman met Plenković at UN headquarters to expand cooperation on trade, investment, skilled manpower, education and technology. Space & science: Croatia officially signed the Artemis Accords with the US, joining a framework for peaceful, transparent civil space exploration. Dubrovnik autumn boom: Booking.com data shows Dubrovnik searches up 56% for September–October stays, with interest rising across solo, couples and families. Culture & film: Nordisk Panorama in Malmö crowned Sylvelin Måkestad’s The Smuggler with Best Nordic Documentary; the festival also highlighted Nordic shorts and new voices. Korčula food culture: Blato on Korčula launches an eight-day Blato Wine Experience (Sept 23–30) with tastings, workshops, heritage walks and a wine quiz.

Croatia-Serbia at the UN: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković sharply criticized Serbia at the UN General Assembly for honoring convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, calling it an affront to victims and international court judgments. Middle East diplomacy: In the same UN setting, Croatia joined Canada and Angola in backing a two-state solution and demanding protection of civilians and humanitarian access. Croatian film on the Oscar shortlist path: Montenegro selected the documentary “To Hold a Mountain” as its official Academy Awards candidate; it’s a regional coproduction including Croatia, and follows a mother and daughter defending their mountain and nomadic herding tradition. Croatia in international screen culture: “Outer Banks” wrapped its final season, with overseas filming that included Croatia—another reminder of how Croatian locations keep showing up in global pop culture. Cruise industry update: MedCruise admitted 11 new members at its Las Palmas assembly, including Croatia’s SeaCras, while approving constitutional changes that put sustainability more explicitly at the center. Wellbeing & travel reality check: Research on digital nomads warns of a “hidden admin tax” from visas and bureaucracy that can drain time, income, and mental wellbeing. Culture & community tourism: An American couple tied their wedding celebrations to a Croatian football fans’ gathering in Philadelphia and now plans a Croatia trip in October, with stops in Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

Film & Festivals: Montenegro has selected the documentary To Hold a Mountain / Planina as its official Oscar bid, with a multi-country coproduction that also includes Croatia; the story follows a mother and daughter defending their mountain and herding tradition against a NATO training ground. Cinema Production: Slovenian director Lun Sevnik has wrapped The Healers / Zdravilca, a Slovenian/Macedonian/Czech/Croatian/French coproduction filmed in Slovenia and Croatia, about a debt-ridden “New Age healer” pulled into a miracle narrative. Sports & Culture Tourism: Croatia’s CRO Race kicks off today with six stages and nearly 1,000 km from Split to Zagreb, showcasing coast-to-inland landscapes as it debuts in the UCI ProSeries. Local Culture & Community: Zagreb is rolling out a new cargo bike service as the Bajs system reaches 2 million rides, adding a greener, city-life angle to everyday mobility. Education & Youth Wellbeing: Croatia is highlighted in PISA 2025 life-satisfaction comparisons, topping the regional table in one report, while the UK shows a worrying drop among teenagers. International Spotlight with Croatia Links: An American couple who went viral with Croatian fans in Philadelphia is visiting Croatia in October, including the Croatia–Spain Nations League match in Split.

Women’s Rights & Safety: Symbolic protests across Croatia on Sept. 22 urged tougher action on violence against women, calling for gender-based violence to be treated as a criminal justice issue and for standardized risk assessments and specialized training. Migration & Integration: A new Croatian law for foreign workers from 2027 is drawing criticism after language “integration” is set at just A1.1 Croatian to extend residence and work permits. Culture & Heritage Tech: EU project XRculture is using AI, 3D and XR to help protect cultural heritage at risk, including an offline-first AR tool tested with museum staff and volunteers in Odesa. Local Culture & Community: Zagreb is pushing Chinese tourism with a new promotional drive in Beijing and Shanghai, backed by a fresh Air China link to make the city easier to reach. Health & Innovation in Croatia: KBC Rijeka has started its robotic digestive surgery programme with the da Vinci system, marking a new state-funded step in advanced care. Public Transport & Costs: A Greenpeace study says Bratislava’s annual public transport pass jumped nearly 32% since 2023, spotlighting how fare hikes can reshape everyday mobility across Europe. Sports & International Spotlight: BRAVE CF marks its 10th anniversary with a decade of expansion across Europe, including Croatia’s Pula Arena.

Robotic Surgery in Rijeka: KBC Rijeka has carried out its first digestive procedures using the da Vinci robotic system, launching a new state-funded robotic surgery programme with international proctoring. Women’s Rights Protests: Across Croatia, women’s organisations held symbolic protests ahead of Sept. 22, demanding gender-based violence be treated as a criminal justice issue and calling for standardized risk assessments and specialized training. Public Transport Costs (Bratislava study): A Greenpeace analysis says Bratislava’s annual public transport pass jumped from €199 (2023) to €263 (+32.2%), while Slovakia ranks near the bottom among EU countries. Education Focus (Croatia PISA): Croatia’s latest PISA results triggered calls to extend primary education and strengthen math and core skills after declines in reading and overall performance. Istria by Rail: Istria marked 150 years of railways with a historic journey to Pula and ongoing €55m reconstruction works. Dubrovnik Sustainable Tourism: The GUSTI project wrapped up in Dubrovnik, spotlighting cross-border Croatian-Italian gastro-diplomacy and sustainable tourism practices. Zagreb-China Tourism Push: Zagreb Tourist Board ramps up promotion in Beijing and Shanghai, betting on a new Air China link to boost long-haul visitors. International Culture Link: Hong Kong artist Wong Chi-yung brought “The Tower of Light – Croatia Edition” to Visualia Festival of Light in Pula.

Education & Youth: Croatia’s latest PISA results are sparking fresh calls to strengthen primary schooling, with the Croatian Employers’ Association pushing for longer primary education and a heavier focus on math and core skills after declines in reading and mathematics. Cost of Living: Croatia’s consumer prices rose again in August, led by sharp jumps in transport (+13.5%) and housing/fuels (+10.8%), alongside higher restaurant and accommodation costs. Environment & Public Health: In Lika, residents are alarmed after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in nearby wells following a hazardous waste scandal, with sampling showing at least one well above the permitted limit. Culture & Community Abroad: The Croatian Cultural Club in Zurich marked 25 years with a celebration bringing together Croatian institutions, artists and community members. Film & Memory: Croatian theatre director Martina Petković Liker is in postproduction on a documentary, Through the Process, focusing on families of children killed in a 1993 missile attack in Bosnia and how reopened cases disrupt decades of silence. Heritage & Travel: A restored Croatian castle and park area has reopened after major funding and conservation work, adding another cultural stop for visitors.

Croatian Culture Abroad: The Croatian Cultural Club in Zurich marked its 25th year with a community celebration featuring certificates, a concert by Hojsak & Novosel, and a look at how the club has adapted across generations. Documentary & Memory: Sarajevo-based theatre director Martina Petković Liker is in postproduction on Through the Process / Kroz proces, a long documentary about families of children killed in a 1993 missile attack and how reopened proceedings reopen old wounds. UN & Diplomacy: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to make his first UN General Assembly address on Sept. 24 in Bangla, spotlighting the Rohingya crisis, climate, democracy, youth and women’s empowerment—while holding bilateral meetings that include Croatia. Croatia Lifestyle & Costs: Croatian consumer prices rose again in August, with the biggest jumps in transport, housing and restaurants—while clothing and footwear fell. Travel & Culture: A Croatian bell tower in Buje offers views into Slovenia, Italy and Austria, adding another reason to explore Istria’s hilltop towns. Heritage & Restoration: A castle and park reopening highlights major restoration work funded through EU and national resources, including archaeological research and wall-painting discoveries. Local Sports Culture: Croatia’s presence in international football continues to ripple outward, with Croatia listed among teams in a youth FIFA Under-15 festival group.

Croatia & Region: Croatia’s consumer prices rose again in August, up 4.2% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month, with the biggest jumps in Transport (+13.5%) and Housing/fuels (+10.8%). Zagreb Culture & Education: A renovated FER University campus in Zagreb (Buildings B and C) reopened after a €50m overhaul, bringing new lecture halls, classrooms and labs. Travel & Lifestyle: Brits may face border refusals across much of Europe, including Croatia, once ETIAS becomes mandatory later in 2026. Food & Family: A new study estimates the first-year cost of baby essentials across Europe, ranging from €2,813 (UK) to €6,294 (Spain). Heritage & Travel Spots: In Istria, Buje’s bell tower offers views into Slovenia, Italy and Austria on clear days. Sports & Culture: AI is reshaping how Croatian students do homework, pushing schools to rethink assessment beyond traditional writing tasks. Arts & Events: ANIMASYROS 2026 unveiled its full program in Greece, with 280+ films and screenings across nearby islands. Obituaries: Canadian boxing legend George Chuvalo has died at 89.

Zagreb Culture & Lifestyle: Ferrari is bringing its first “Ferrari Lounge” to Croatia, with a public showcase planned for King Tomislav Square in central Zagreb from 25–27 September, turning a landmark city spot into a luxury car event. Education & Tech: Croatian teachers say AI is reshaping homework and essays, making it harder to tell what students wrote independently and pushing schools to rethink assessment beyond simple assignments. Sports & Youth: Saint Lucia’s junior team is set for its debut at the inaugural FIFA Under-15 Boys Festival in Azerbaijan (Oct 22–31), with Croatia among the group opponents. EU Travel Rules: Several EU countries can pause parts of the EES rollout for the rest of 2026, as queues and passport-control problems continue to spark complaints. Croatia in the Spotlight: A renovated University of Zagreb FER campus in Zagreb has reopened after a €50m upgrade, including new lecture halls and teaching spaces. Nature & Community: Fota Wildlife Park celebrates the birth of two endangered red panda cubs and invites visitors to help name them for International Red Panda Day. Global Mobility: The US published a list of 23 countries whose citizens can use Global Entry for faster airport immigration clearance, including Croatia. International Culture: ANIMASYROS 2026 has revealed its full animation festival program in Syros, running Sept 21–27 with films, masterclasses, and island-hopping screenings.

Zagreb Campus Upgrade: A renovated University of Zagreb FER campus (Buildings B and C) worth over €50 million has officially opened, bringing new lecture halls, classrooms and labs to Unska Street with EU co-financing. Dubrovnik Art Spotlight: Croatian artist Eugen Varzić opened “Size Doesn’t Matter” in Dubrovnik, with around 100 works exploring love, intimacy, war and modern life until Oct. 25. Adriatic Discovery: Dubrovnik speleologists have documented five new sea cave sites along the coast, with plans to add them to Croatia’s speleological register. Festival Watch: ANIMASYROS 2026 has revealed its full program for Sept. 21–27 in Syros, featuring 280+ films, multiple competitions, and screenings expanding to nearby islands. Culture & Design in Hospitality: A Dubrovnik workshop by Artiq put art at the start of hotel design, pairing curators with architects and operators to shape property identity from day one. Pay Equity Push: EU pay transparency rules are still not fully implemented across 22 countries, with Croatia among those lacking published legislative text.

Dubrovnik Art Scene: Croatian artist Eugen Varzić opens “Size Doesn’t Matter” at the Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery, bringing about 100 works that move from love and intimacy to war, fear and modern life, running until October 25. Adriatic Discovery: Dubrovnik speleologists from HPD Sniježnica report five newly explored sea cave sites along the coast, with plans to archive them in Croatia’s speleological register. Festival Spotlight: Greece’s ANIMASYROS animation festival (Sept 21–27, Syros) unveils its full program with 280+ films from 50 countries, plus masterclasses and island-hopping screenings. Tech & Aging Privacy: A European COST Action GoodBrother project looks at smart home cameras and microphones for older people—while stressing the line between care and surveillance. Workplace Equality: EU pay transparency rules are still not fully in force across 22 countries, including delays with no published legislative text in several states—raising fresh pressure on Croatia and the region. Croatia in the News: Germany clarifies visa-free entry for children joining parents, listing Croatia among the exempt countries. Culture & Lifestyle Abroad: Spain’s World Cup coach Luis de la Fuente announces his Nations League squad from Ceuta as a gesture of support amid the migration crisis.

Dubrovnik Underwater Discoveries: Local speleologists with HPD Sniježnica have documented five previously unexplored sea-cave sites along the Dubrovnik coastline, with plans to archive them in the Croatian Register of Speleological Sites. Split Port Revamp: A new passenger and hospitality complex is set for Split Port after the Split Port Authority received a location permit, repurposing the protected Dalmacijavino building under conservation rules. Dubrovnik Charity Walk: The Women’s Bank Walk returns to the Stradun this Sunday for its 12th edition, raising funds to help women in developing countries gain education, training, and income opportunities. Ston Tourism Holds Steady: Despite the Pelješac Bridge and new road network changing traffic patterns, Ston’s historic attractions are still drawing tens of thousands of visitors, with heat blamed for August dips. Mljet Klapa Night: Klapa Subrenum performs on Mljet this Friday evening in front of the Church of St. Paul, offering a free dose of traditional Dalmatian music. Zagreb Mobility & Culture: Zagreb’s new cargo bike service (Bajs) has reached 2 million rides, while a major Zagreb education project—an Autism Centre with €35 million funding—gets underway after 20+ years. Business Milestone: Zvijezda marks 110 years, celebrating its long-running leadership in Croatia’s edible oil and mayonnaise market.

Dubrovnik Off-Season Guide: Dubrovnik’s quieter months are easier to “read” as the Old City stops feeling like a queue, with more breathing room for architecture, side streets and seasonal services. Charity & Community: The Women’s Bank Walk returns to the Stradun for its 12th edition, raising funds to help women in developing countries gain education and income opportunities. Heritage Tourism Watch: Ston’s historic attractions are still drawing tens of thousands even after the Pelješac Bridge and new roads shifted traffic away from the town center. Dalmatian Music Live: Klapa Subrenum performs on Mljet this Friday evening in front of the Church of St. Paul. City Park Revival: Dubrovnik’s Gradac Park reopens after its first full restoration since 1898, with preserved trees, new planting, paths, lighting and a refurbished playground. Hotel Culture & Design: Villa Argentina in Dubrovnik reopens after a major renovation, blending contemporary design with preserved heritage and joining The Leading Hotels of the World. Local Nature Protection: A petition in Zadar’s Kožino–Diklo area seeks permanent protection for the “green heart” coastal pine forest, Peruština. Heritage Festival: Rastoke’s Mill Days on 19 September brings milling traditions, food, crafts, music and workshops tied to the Slunjčica River. EU Culture Diplomacy: EU ambassadors visit Bahrain’s King Hamad Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, highlighting education, cultural and media programmes.

Dubrovnik Heritage: Gradac Park, Dubrovnik’s oldest public park (opened in 1898), has reopened after its first full restoration in nearly 130 years, with preserved trees, new plantings, repaired paths, lighting, fountain work, and a refurbished playground plus a small outdoor auditorium. Art & Conservation: Researchers have uncovered a hidden portrait beneath a historic Dubrovnik painting, identifying the concealed woman as Frana Gondola through inscriptions and conservation work. Zagreb Mobility: Zagreb’s Bajs system adds cargo bikes for shopping and family transport, with a pilot using four stations and €3 for the first two hours. Commemorative Culture: Croatia’s Croatian National Bank approved a new commemorative €2 coin for Vukovar, featuring the iconic water tower, with 500,000 pieces planned. War Memory & Politics: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was horrified by Ratko Mladić’s funeral scenes but held back on punitive measures against Serbia, keeping EU accession pressure in focus. Community & Safety: A 15-year-old in Velika Gorica is under investigation after an alleged school stabbing injured a classmate and a janitor, with Roma leaders condemning attempts to stigmatize an entire community. Wildlife & Family Fun: Fota Wildlife Park in Cork welcomed two endangered red panda cubs and is inviting visitors to help name them ahead of International Red Panda Day.

EU Memory & Accountability: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was “horrified” by Ratko Mladić’s funeral images in Belgrade, but stopped short of new Serbia sanctions, as Croatian leaders and MEPs renewed calls to block EU progress over war-criminal glorification. Croatian Heritage & Culture: Dubrovnik Museums experts uncovered a hidden portrait beneath “Portrait of Marija Ghetaldi-Gondola,” identifying the concealed woman as Frana Gondola. Local Mobility: Zagreb expanded its Bajs system with a cargo-bike pilot, adding four pickup stations for bigger loads and family trips. War-Related Remembrance: Župa Dubrovačka veterans’ memorial room moves forward after a €204,000 contract was signed, with veterans shaping how stories are told. Arts & Literature: British author Jane Cable will speak in Dubrovnik on how the city inspired her novels, including themes tied to Croatian War of Independence memory. Archaeology: Salona near Split revealed a rare Roman burial with the deceased placed face down and rich grave goods. Inclusive Education: Zagreb’s long-awaited Autism Centre project finally starts, with €35m planned for support for around 200 children. Wildlife & Community: Fota Wildlife Park welcomed two endangered red panda cubs and is inviting visitors to help name them.

Autism Care & Education: Zagreb’s long-awaited Autism Centre in Oporovec is finally moving from permits to reality, with a €35m project planned for about 200 children and built-in therapy spaces (music, art, aquatic) after 20+ years of delays. War Memory in the Community: Župa Dubrovačka signs off on a €204,000 Veterans’ Memorial Room, with local veterans shaping how the Croatian War of Independence stories are told. Heritage & Culture Venues: Erdödy Kerestinec Castle reopens after nearly a decade and almost €13m in restoration, adding a new cultural venue and library for Sveta Nedelja. Archaeology in Dalmatia: Near Split’s ancient Salona, archaeologists uncovered a rare Roman burial with the deceased laid face down, plus perfume-like glass vessels and other grave goods. Commemorative Collecting: Croatia’s National Bank will issue a new €2 coin featuring the Vukovar Water Tower, with 500,000 pieces planned for collectors and the public. Croatian Football as Culture: adidas and HNS unveil new national team kits—Glagolitic letters woven into the checkerboard home shirt and lace-inspired design for the away kit. Arts Across Borders: Flamenco spectacle “PURO” tours Mostar, Sarajevo, and Tuzla this week, bringing improvisation-driven performances to the region. Local Food Tourism: A travel feature spotlights Samobor’s kremšnita tradition, pitching the town’s version as a must-try stop near Zagreb. Sports Infrastructure: Ston’s new €3.5m sports hall is nearing completion, set to expand recreation and school sport with modern facilities. Inflation Watch: Croatia’s August inflation ticks up again, with transport costs up 13.5% and housing-related expenses rising 10.8%, squeezing household budgets.