AGP Executive Report

Heatwave Watch: Croatia braces for extreme temperatures as DHMZ issues red warnings for Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik, with daytime highs of 35–40°C and warm nights expected into early August. Sustainable Tourism: Čazma opens Croatia’s first biological swimming pool, using natural filtration instead of chlorine as part of the Čazma Natura green tourism push. Croatian Culture & Heritage: A Croatian Conservation Institute survey highlights a major Byzantine-era shipwreck off Mljet, with gold belt sets and coins recovered from a 7th/8th-century vessel. Diaspora & Weddings: Croatian-American bride Victoria Radman Brown returns to Petrčane for a Dubrovnik wedding, celebrating family roots and a Croatian passport. Travel Recognition: Croatia is shortlisted for major UK travel awards, including Wanderlust’s “Most Desirable European Country” and Food and Travel’s “Destination of the Year – Short Breaks.” International Spotlight: Medjugorje shrine vandalism sparks global prayer and cleanup as police detain a suspect; meanwhile, Canada refused over 20,000 World Cup-related visas, including most Ghanaian applications.

Sustainable Tourism in Croatia: Croatia opened its first biological swimming pool in Čazma, using natural filtration with aquatic plants and microorganisms instead of chlorine, as part of the wider Čazma Natura green-tourism push. Archaeology & Heritage: Early Christian 5th-century mosaics have been rediscovered at the St Andrew church complex in Betiga near Barbariga in Istria, with conservation and restoration planned after digital documentation. Urban History in Split: Excavations near Diocletian’s Palace in Split uncovered an early medieval church, a sealed tomb linked to “Marcial palatin,” and about 70 graves, shedding light on the palace’s medieval transformation. Culture & Faith: Police are investigating vandalism and desecration at the Medjugorje shrine area in Bosnia-Herzegovina, including damage to Marian statues and messages. Sports & Lifestyle: Luka Modrić visited an unfinished villa construction site in Istria, reportedly exploring it as a potential investment, while Josko Gvardiol signed a new five-year Manchester City contract through 2031. Public Space Across Europe: Žnjan 3.0 in Split made the shortlist for the 2026 European Prize for Urban Public Space, joining 25 projects across Europe.

Archaeology & Heritage: New early medieval finds near Diocletian’s Palace in Split—an unlisted church, a sealed tomb tied to “Marcial palatin,” and 70 graves—are shedding light on how the Roman complex became a medieval city. Urban Culture: Zagreb has started installing semi-underground waste bins in Ban Jelačić Square, sparking debate over modern infrastructure in a protected historic core. Film & Festivals: The 10th Imagination Lunchbox International Film Festival (Sept 13–20) is accepting short-film submissions from 17 countries, with a Croatia entry among the lineup. Lifestyle & Travel: A guide-style feature argues the “smart” way to experience Croatia is as one connected Adriatic coastline with Italy and Greece. Food & Wine: A wine-industry reality check asks whether the “wine crisis” is really doom—or a more nuanced picture from producers worldwide. Climate & Public Life: Europe’s heatwave and wildfires continue to drive evacuations and emergency responses, with France and Spain bracing for another intense stretch. Local Tourism & Nature: A Croatia Week interview spotlights Gorski Kotar through guided trails, gastronomy, and everyday life—positioning it as “green heart” travel beyond the usual guidebook stops.

Zagreb Heritage vs Modern Waste: Work has started on semi-underground waste bins in Ban Jelačić Square, with five underground containers planned at the Ilica entrance—sparking debate over whether such infrastructure fits a protected historic core and whether heritage approvals were properly secured. Dalmatia Land-Grab Alarm: A report alleges valuable agricultural plots in parts of Dalmatia are being excavated for landscaping soil around villas and hotels, with profits tied to low purchase prices and high resale of material—raising fears of illegal waste dumping and damage to farmland and water. Vis Sweet Gets Official Recognition: On the island of Vis, the traditional anise-scented Viški cvit has earned the Croatian Island Product designation, spotlighting local recipes and the family-run gastro stop that shares the sweet’s story with visitors. Wildfire Crisis in Europe: France and Spain are battling fast-moving wildfires amid extreme heat, with Macron calling the situation the toughest since WWII and evacuations already reaching hundreds of thousands. Remembering Bugojno: The 33rd anniversary of the Bugojno Croats’ deaths was marked in Bosnia, as families and an association say 15 victims are still missing and the search process is too slow. Book & Mindfulness Culture: Timoteo Crnković released Stop Fixing Yourself, reframing anxiety as a “hidden trance” sustained by constant self-improvement efforts rather than quick techniques. Croatia in the Wider Cultural Orbit: A Fulbright semifinalist from ETSU cited study in Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia, linking Balkan post-war peacebuilding to his teaching plans.

Zagreb Heritage vs Modern Waste: Work has started on semi-underground waste bins in Ban Jelačić Square, with five underground containers planned at the Ilica entrance. Supporters say it will modernize waste collection and improve the square’s look, but residents and heritage experts worry it’s the wrong place for infrastructure in a protected historic core, with questions raised about approvals. Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Record heat and drought are driving historic wildfires in France and Spain, forcing massive evacuations near Bordeaux and toward Madrid, as authorities warn the next days could be decisive. Croatia Heatwave Alert: Croatia is bracing for another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C and a yellow warning already issued. Island Food Culture: On Vis, Viški cvit—an anise-scented traditional sweet—has earned the Croatian Island Product designation, highlighting local recipes and heritage. Tourism Spotlight: Cavtat and Konavle have been named Europe’s Most Elegant Coastal Destination for 2026, praised for elegance, history, and tourism that stays close to local character. Local Savings News: Croatia’s Ministry of Finance is proposing a tax-friendly Croatian Investment Account, aiming to let citizens invest without paying tax on gains from 2027 if approved.

Heatwave Watch: Croatia is bracing for another round of extreme heat, with temperatures climbing toward 40°C in inland areas and a yellow warning already issued for Thursday by DHMZ. Wildfire Crisis Across Europe: Record-breaking heat has triggered massive evacuations in France and Spain, with France seeking EU help and Bordeaux-area residents facing possible “total evacuation” plans. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Cavtat and the Konavle region have been named Europe’s Most Elegant Coastal Destination for 2026, praised for timeless charm, vineyards, and local cuisine. Island Traditions: Korčula marks St. Todor (July 29) with Mass, procession, and the Moreška sword dance performances. Social Care in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik is moving to buy a historic villa in Gruž to create a long-term residential lifeline for people with autism and other disabilities. New Travel Money Moves: Croatia plans a tax-friendly Croatian Investment Account, aiming to let citizens invest without paying tax on gains from 2027 if approved. Local Transport Upgrade: Zadar Airport opens a new terminal, boosting capacity to up to 3 million passengers a year.

Coastal Tourism Boost: Cavtat and the Konavle region have been named Europe’s Most Elegant Coastal Destination for 2026, beating Portofino and other famous Adriatic and Riviera spots, with judges citing timeless waterfront charm and a strong blend of heritage and tourism. Island Culture Calendar: Korčula is gearing up for St. Todor (St. Theodore) on July 29, with council ceremonies, Mass and procession, and the iconic Moreška sword dance performances. Personal Finance & Savings: Croatia’s Ministry of Finance is proposing a Croatian Investment Account, a tax-friendly scheme that could let citizens invest without paying tax on gains, with public consultation and a possible start from Jan 1, 2027. Social Care in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik plans to buy a historic villa in Gruž to create a residential facility for people with autism and other disabilities, expanding local support services. Wildfire Solidarity: France has requested EU emergency help as wildfires force mass evacuations, with reinforcements including Croatian Canadair aircraft. Aviation & Travel Growth: Zadar Airport opened a new terminal, doubling capacity toward up to 3 million passengers a year. Diaspora Interest: Croatia’s passport keeps climbing in global rankings, driving more diaspora interest in obtaining Croatian (and EU) citizenship. Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: ARTE TV showcased Dubrovnik as a model for sustainable tourism.

Croatia’s Investment Push: The Ministry of Finance unveiled plans for a Croatian Investment Account, a tax-friendly way for citizens to invest without paying tax on gains, with public consultation now open and a possible start from Jan 1, 2027. Dubrovnik Social Care Upgrade: The city is moving to buy a historic villa in Gruž to turn it into a residential facility for people with autism and other disabilities, expanding local support services. Zadar Airport Growth: Zadar Airport opened a new passenger terminal, doubling capacity toward up to 3 million passengers a year, backed by a roughly €35 million investment cycle. Passport Power & Diaspora Interest: Croatia’s passport climbed to 8th on the Henley Passport Index, boosting visa-free access to 183 destinations and sparking more diaspora interest in citizenship. Wildfire Solidarity Across Europe: France requested EU civil protection help as wildfires forced mass evacuations near Bordeaux and Spain’s Madrid region faced emergency alerts, with reinforcements including Croatian Canadair aircraft. Travel Culture Angle: Dubrovnik is being highlighted by ARTE TV as a model for sustainable tourism, while Croatia’s Camino-style walking route coverage is drawing new attention to pilgrimage travel.

Croatian Finance & Savings: Croatia’s Ministry of Finance is drafting a new Croatian Investment Account (HRI) that would let adults invest in shares and other instruments without paying tax on investment gains, with public consultation now open and a possible start from Jan 1, 2027. Social Care in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik plans to buy a historic villa in Gruž to turn it into a residential care facility for people with autism and other disabilities, expanding day and half-day support as part of broader services. Culture & Reading: The EU’s OMC expert group highlights Croatia’s library policy, praising initiatives like the Month of the Croatian Book, the Dalmatina Library, and campaigns supporting readers with dyslexia. Heritage Underwater Archaeology: Results from the “Tatinica – Byzantine Shipwreck” project were presented on Mljet, with researchers reporting a rare haul of gold objects and dating the wreck to the late 7th/early 8th century. Libraries & Access: Croatia is noted for increasing the number of libraries since 2012, even as thousands have closed elsewhere in Europe. Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Zadar Airport opened a new passenger terminal, doubling capacity toward up to 3 million passengers a year and boosting year-round connectivity. EU Emergency Solidarity (Regional Impact): France requested EU civil protection help as wildfires intensify, including reinforcements that reportedly include Croatian Canadair aircraft.

Wildfires & EU solidarity: France ordered a total evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula as a “monster” wildfire raged near Bordeaux, with boats and the peninsula’s only road used to move tens of thousands of tourists and residents; EU response: President Macron activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and requested reinforcements including two Croatian Canadair firefighting aircraft, plus aircraft from Portugal and helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia; Croatia culture & access: A new EU report highlights Croatia’s library policy as a best-practice model, pointing to the “Month of the Croatian Book” and campaigns like “I Want to Read, Too!” while noting Croatia is among the few countries that increased its number of libraries; Tourism sustainability: Dubrovnik was showcased by ARTE TV as a European example of tackling overtourism, with the mayor citing visitor-management measures and the “Respect the City” initiative; Heritage underwater: Croatia presented results from the “Tatinica – Byzantine Shipwreck” project on Mljet, including dozens of gold objects and dating clues from imperial coins; Local commemoration: Knin will host the central Victory Day programme for Operation Storm’s 31st anniversary, starting with a dawn march and ceremonies at key sites.

Aviation & Tourism: Zadar Airport has opened a new passenger terminal, doubling capacity and bringing the airport to about 3 million passengers a year, with a €35 million investment backed by Croatia’s recovery funds and airport financing. Culture Policy: An EU report highlights Croatia’s library and reading-literacy push, praising initiatives like the Month of the Croatian Book and “I Want to Read, Too!”, and noting Croatia is among the few countries that increased its number of libraries since 2012. Heritage & Archaeology: Underwater work on Mljet’s “Tatinica – Byzantine Shipwreck” has revealed a rare late-7th/early-8th-century vessel with more than 40 gold objects, including emperor-themed pieces. Dubrovnik & Sustainable Tourism: ARTE TV spotlights Dubrovnik as a model for managing overtourism, focusing on the city’s “Respect the City” approach and visitor-flow rules. Croatian Music: A free open-air concert in Osojnik near Dubrovnik brings together Klapa Šufit and Najbolji hrvatski tamburaši for a night of Dalmatian tradition. Croatia Abroad: The Croatian government approved millions for 229 projects supporting Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spanning education, culture, health and agriculture. Travel & Lifestyle: Croatia Airlines is rolling out onboard “Dalmatian flavours” from August 1, partnering with local producers to serve curated snack packages. Sports Culture: FIFA released a list of top World Cup goalscorers by nation, noting 81 countries have scored at least once, while China PR, Indonesia and Trinidad and Tobago still haven’t.

Croatia-China Connectivity: Air China is launching the first regular Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from September 4, with three weekly flights and tickets already on sale—an easy new bridge for tourism and business. Dalmatian Culture on Board: From August 1, Croatia Airlines will serve “authentic Dalmatian flavours” via curated snack packages spotlighting Split-Dalmatia producers. Ancient Heritage Spotlight: A Danube-side site near Vukovar, Vučedol, is being highlighted as the birthplace of a 5,000-year-old “revolution,” famed for early metallurgy and advanced ceramics. Music & Community Events: Dubrovnik’s Osojnik hosts a free open-air night pairing klapa Šufit with tamburica legends Najbolji hrvatski tamburaši. Local Tourism Experiences: Cavtat-Konavle Tourist Board offers free English guided walking tours every Friday through Oct 30, starting at the Franciscan Monastery. Work-Life Reality Check: Croatia still lags the EU on working from home, with remote work remaining far less common than in northern Europe. Croatian Diaspora in Sport: The first World Diaspora Friendship Games in Split and Milna brought Croats from 35+ countries together, with inclusion for athletes with disabilities. Regional Travel Buzz: Korčula reports a strong pre-season and only a small “July dip,” with arrivals steady but stays slightly shorter. Culture & Ideas: A new book interview profile spotlights feminist thinker Rada Iveković and her transnational work. EU Media Deal Watch: The European Commission’s conditional approval of Paramount’s Warner Bros. Discovery takeover draws pushback from cinema exhibitors over how far the conditions go.

World Cup & Culture Economy: Visa says FIFA World Cup 2026 created “pop-up economies,” with cross-border Visa transactions in host cities up nearly 20% year-over-year during the tournament, driven by travel and spending in dining, transport, retail, lodging and entertainment. Croatia Tourism Pulse: Korčula is “defying the July dip” thanks to a strong pre-season, with arrivals up about 3% and overnight stays nearly 4% in the April–early July period, while mid-July shows slightly shorter trips. Film & Museums: A look at the future of museums argues that smaller, networked collaborations (like L’Internationale) can be more adventurous than big, safe blockbuster partnerships. Media Deal Watch: The European Commission conditionally clears Paramount/WBD, while cinema exhibitors’ group UNIC says the competition conditions “should have gone further.” Croatian Festival Spotlight: Rolling Stone UK recommends Varaždin’s Špancirfest as a must-visit cultural summer festival. Sports (Hajduk): Hajduk previews the Europa League qualifier vs Pafos, stressing competitiveness and the importance of supporters at home. Church & Leadership: A Vatican dicastery update highlights what qualities are sought when selecting new bishops, with emphasis on prayer, collaboration and care for the marginalized.

Croatian Tourism & Culture: Rolling Stone UK spotlights Varaždin’s Špancirfest as a must-visit “ultimate Croatian summer” street festival, praising its walkable historic-centre atmosphere and noting the 28th edition runs 21–30 August with 600+ events. Local Travel Debate: A new wave of visitor complaints is reigniting the question of whether Croatia’s tipping culture is changing, with card terminals making tipping prompts more visible during the peak season. Sport & Lifestyle (Croatia): Hajduk previews its Europa League qualifying tie against Pafos, with coach Gonzalo Garcia stressing the need for their best team effort and the importance of home support at Poljud. Culture & Film (Region): The Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori unveils 25 world premieres focused on displaced stories and new forms of belonging, running 2–12 September. Church & Society (Zagreb): A Vatican dicastery official discusses what qualities are sought in selecting new bishops, including prayer, openness, collaboration and care for the marginalized, in remarks tied to a Zagreb visit. Arts & Memory: An exhibition in Sarajevo revisits children’s letters from the Siege era, turning personal wartime voices into a public culture of remembrance.

Croatia Travel & Money: Visitors keep debating whether Croatia’s tipping culture is shifting, with more card terminals showing tip prompts and some tourists feeling subtly pressured to add to already pricey holidays. Croatian Culture & Film: Emily Watson will preside over the Sarajevo Film Festival competition jury, joined by European Film Academy chief Matthijs Wouter Knol and Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari, spotlighting regional cinema connections. Croatian Heritage & Science: The Đula–Medvedica cave system—Croatia’s largest cave complex—was discovered by chance during railway construction near Ogulin, revealing Ice Age traces and a ~20,000-year-old prehistoric hunter’s bone. Croatian Tech & Lifestyle: Rimac and CircuitMess teamed up on a 1:18 Nevera build kit that teaches real engineering principles through a programmable model. Local Infrastructure: Mali Lošinj opened its renovated Vela Riva waterfront and is continuing major road works on the DC100 route, with new roundabout, cycle lane, and lighting. Regional Arts: Venice’s Giornate degli Autori unveiled its 23rd edition lineup, built around displaced stories and identity, with 25 world premieres. EU Sports Governance: UEFA fined CSKA Sofia €50,000 and banned ticket sales after Nazi salutes and crowd disorder at a Europa League match.

Croatian Heritage & Discovery: The Đula–Medvedica cave system—Croatia’s largest cave complex—was uncovered by chance during railway construction near Ogulin, revealing Ice Age traces and even a ~20,000-year-old prehistoric hunter’s bone. STEM & Design: Rimac and CircuitMess teamed up on a 1:18 “Nevera” build kit that teaches real automotive engineering principles through programmable assembly. Local Culture & Tourism: Mali Lošinj officially opened the renovated Vela Riva waterfront (€2.91m) and is also upgrading the DC100 road (€7.26m), blending better access with improved public spaces. Community Activism: Croatia’s local communities celebrated after MHP withdrew from a northeast chicken megaproject, cancelling 12 of 24 sub-projects and avoiding stricter environmental impact rules. Demography Policy: Croatia is preparing a demographic measure offering families with four+ children up to €15,000 toward a seven-seater vehicle, with details expected after the government session. Sports & Society (Croatia-linked): UEFA fined CSKA Sofia €50,000 and banned away ticket sales after Nazi salutes and crowd violence in the Europa League qualifier involving Derry City. Small Wonders: Ludbreg’s “Europe’s smallest Bible” is drawing visitors with its palm-sized Old and New Testament, tied to the town’s pilgrimage culture.