AGP Executive Report

UEFA Nations League Focus: Croatia host England in Rijeka on Saturday as both sides look to bounce back after defeats to Spain, with Luka Modrić expected to be recalled and Harry Kane leading England’s attack. England Camp Watch: Ahead of kick-off, coach Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City players are worried about the club’s Premier League guilty verdict, but he won’t rule them out even if City were relegated. Croatia Spotlight: Brighton defender Luka Vušković backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or after Spain’s run of form. EU Politics: Seventeen EU countries, including Croatia, push back against cuts to farm and cohesion funding in the next 2028–2034 budget talks. Croatia in the Region: President Zoran Milanović urges Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina to vote in upcoming elections to elect “true representatives.” Business/Ports: Rijeka’s Adriatic Gate Container Terminal hits 4 million TEUs since joining ICTSI in 2011, strengthening its role as an Adriatic gateway.

Croatia Economy: Croatia’s annual inflation climbed to 4.7% in September, with energy prices jumping 20.5% year-on-year and services rising 7.6%, while food was broadly stable. EU Watch: The European Commission issued Croatia two reasoned opinions over renewable energy and consumer credit rules, giving the country two months to respond or face a court referral. Health & Environment: A new European study found PFAS “forever chemicals” in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with six above an EFSA reference level, including higher readings in Gospić. Infrastructure & Industry: Rimac Group appointed Matthias Wich as its new CFO as major projects continue, while Iskra Shipyard and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a teaming agreement for defense and civilian shipbuilding cooperation. Sports: Slaven Bilić is back as Croatia manager ahead of the Nations League clash with England, and the Croatia–England match is set to be “behind closed doors” for adults, with schoolchildren allowed in free. Business & Daily Life: Taco Bell opened its first Croatia restaurant today in Zagreb’s Arena Centar.

Croatia Football & Nations League: Lamine Yamal stole the show as Spain thrashed Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League, scoring twice and setting up another in a match that also featured Dion Beljo’s early reply for Croatia. Local Environment: Major works are underway at Vransko Lake to curb seawater intrusion and protect biodiversity, after rising salinity linked to droughts contributed to a major fish die-off in 2012. Tourism & Economy: Croatia’s tourism keeps climbing—foreign visitors generated €4.59bn in the first half of 2026, with record domestic arrivals and overnight stays. EU Trade Rules: New EU “melt and pour” steel import rules took effect in Croatia, requiring importers to declare where steel was originally melted and cast. Business & Investment: Beam Europe secured about $4m in smart-city infrastructure orders across the region, including Croatia. Sports Elsewhere (Croat links): Kei Nishikori retired after losing in Tokyo; and in football, Livaković’s agent outlined Barcelona plans and a failed Dinamo Zagreb loan.

Croatia Tourism Boost: Croatia’s foreign-tourist revenue climbed nearly 5% to €4.59bn in 2026 H1, with Q2 alone reaching €3.64bn, while domestic stays hit new highs (1.5m arrivals, 4.2m overnight stays). Zagreb Public Transport Strike Ends: Zagreb’s mayor says services should resume after a court ruled ZET and Zagreb Holding strikes illegal, with waste collection ending and trucks returning to the streets. UEFA Nations League—England vs Czechia: England started their campaign with a 2-0 win in Prague as Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored after a red card, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to help set up the opener. UEFA Nations League—Spain vs Croatia: Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in Seville, powered by Lamine Yamal’s brace and a standout night that included shirt swaps with Ivan Perišić and Luka Modrić. England’s Next Steps: Thomas Tuchel said Harry Kane is closing in on 100 goals and warned it could take up to 10 years to replace him, while also pointing to Jude Bellingham as a possible No 9 option. Croatian Football Abroad: Zlatko Dalić, coaching UAE, praised his squad after a 1-1 Gulf Cup draw with Qatar and warned of a tough Oman semi-final trap.

Croatia-Spotlight Football: World champions Spain kept their Nations League momentum with a 4-1 home win over Croatia in Seville, powered by Lamine Yamal’s two goals; Croatia equalised through Dion Beljo but couldn’t hold off Spain’s quick response and late strikes. England Update: In Prague, England beat 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane on target, bouncing back after the Spain loss. Matchday in Croatia: Croatia vs England on Oct. 3 will be behind closed doors in Rijeka, with UEFA sanctions limiting attendance. EU Single Market: Politico reports the EU is considering “gradual integration” for candidate countries, including earlier access to the single market and research programmes while applications are assessed. Zagreb Disruption: A strike at ZET and Zagreb Holding entered its third day, with limited tram and bus services running and waste collection heavily reduced. Croatia in Retail: rhode skincare expands across Europe via Sephora, now available in Croatia among 19 new markets.

Nations League Spotlight: Spain crushed Croatia 4-1 in Seville as Lamine Yamal scored twice and set up another, extending La Roja’s record unbeaten run to 40 matches. Croatia in Focus: Croatia’s Luka Modrić drew a late standing ovation, but the visitors couldn’t hold off Spain’s pace in the homecoming game. England Results: England bounced back with a 2-0 win over 10-man Czech Republic in Prague, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scoring after Pavel Sulc’s red card. Football Talk: Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the England XI and immediately delivered the assist for Gordon, while Anthony Gordon praised him—then quickly backtracked on a comment about how much he “should’ve played.” Society & Housing: New Eurostat analysis links when young Europeans leave home to jobs, housing costs and family traditions, with Croatia cited as among the latest movers. Nord Stream Case: A Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream sabotage is seeking political asylum in Croatia as extradition proceedings continue. Military Cooperation: NATO’s SHARP LYNX 2026 command exercise began in Georgia with Croatia among participating countries.

Croatia–EU Tech & Mobility: Tesla says its supervised Full Self-Driving system has been approved in Croatia, with a country rollout expected soon—though regulators and a safety group warn it may exceed speed limits. Sports (Croatia on the pitch): Spain hosts Croatia in a Nations League clash, with Luka Modrić leading the visitors at 41 and teenage Lamine Yamal starring for La Roja. Croatia Infrastructure: Croatia plans about €6 billion in railway investment by 2035 to cut speed restrictions and delays, targeting faster passenger service and more double-track sections. Croatia Sports Honor: Freediving champion Vitomir Maričić becomes the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, recognized for both achievements and marine conservation work. Regional/Europe Watch: EU prosecutors report raids across 19 countries over a suspected €300m phone fraud scheme selling used devices as new. Business/Automation: HCLSoftware plans to acquire Zagreb-based Robotiq.ai to expand enterprise agentic automation and RPA execution.

Croatia–EU Energy & Transport: Croatia has postponed new price rules ahead of an Oct. 1 deadline, while also raising the Eurosuper price cap and lowering diesel prices—moves aimed at easing pump pressure as Europe faces a diesel shock that’s pushing up freight costs and squeezing farmers and businesses. Croatia in Business & Tech: HCLSoftware plans to buy Croatia-based Robotiq.ai for €9 million, expanding enterprise automation and AI-driven workflow execution. Sports—Nations League Spotlight: Luka Modrić, now Croatia’s oldest-ever scorer, is set to face Spain in Seville as Davor Šuker backs him toward Euro 2028; Spain’s Luis de la Fuente also publicly urged Ballon d’Or recognition for Spaniards. Local Sports & Culture: Split hosted the CROYA Yacht Charter Show, drawing about 250 international brokers and 36 luxury vessels. Civic Life: Zagreb braces for public transport disruption as ZET and holding workers plan a strike. International Watch: Lithuania introduced national sanctions against Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman after EU changes.

Pension Pressure on Foreign Workers: Croatia’s pension system is taking in over €250m a year from third-country workers, but many may never qualify for a Croatian pension, with the HZMO warning the figures are based on travel-document country of issue. Zagreb Disruption: A strike hit ZET and Čistoća from early Monday, with most tram and bus lines suspended, limited services running, and waste collection disrupted. Energy Volatility: Southeast Europe saw wind and solar drop faster than demand, leaving Croatia and neighbors relying more on hydro, flexible generation and imports. EU Defence Push: EU ministers formally backed the first five joint defence projects, including drones, maritime/seabed defence, space-linked air and missile defence, and eastern-flank surveillance. Croatia in Nations League: Croatia beat Czechia 2-1 in Prague with Modrić and Pašalić, setting up another big test as Spain hosts and Croatia prepares for the next round. Diesel Relief: Diesel prices in Croatia could fall by about eight cents a litre from Tuesday, while petrol is set to rise slightly. People-Smuggling Crackdown: More than 46 Dutch nationals have been arrested in Croatia this year for suspected people smuggling, with smugglers recruiting via Telegram/Snapchat. Sports Milestone: Freediver Vitomir Maričić became the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Tourism/Entertainment: Rod Stewart confirmed a final 2027 tour stop in Croatia (Pula Arena on 22 June).

Croatia–EU Sports Diplomacy: Olympic Council of Asia chief Sheikh Joaan signed an MoU with the Croatian Olympic Committee to boost sports cooperation, training programs, and support for a Croatian high-performance training centre. Zagreb Commuter Alert: Zagreb braces for major public transport disruption Monday as ZET and Zagreb Holding workers strike, with tram services hit hardest and peak traffic jams expected 7–9am and 3–5pm. Croatia in UEFA Nations League: Luka Modrić scored again as Croatia beat Czechia 2-1 in Prague; Marco Pašalić sealed it after Adam Karabec equalised, giving Croatia early group momentum. Dinamo Stadium Debate: Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban responded to Bad Blue Boys criticism over the selected new Maksimir stadium design, defending the competition winner while acknowledging supporters’ views. Sports Science Watch: A new study warns that computer-based test scores reflect not just knowledge, but also how questions appear on screen, timing, and even facial reactions. Regional Politics: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić resigned to pursue prime minister in a snap election after months of student-led protests.

UEFA Nations League Spotlight: Spain kicked off its campaign with a dramatic 3-2 Wembley comeback over England, extending an unbeaten run to 39 matches after Lamine Yamal’s early strike was answered by Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane—before Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed it, with Kane missing a penalty. Croatia’s Winning Start: In Prague, Luka Modrić (41) scored to make history as Croatia beat Czechia 2-1 in Slaven Bilić’s first match back, with Adam Karabec equalising and Marco Pašalić scoring the winner. Croatia-England Next Steps: England’s Thomas Tuchel said Lewis Hall missed the Spain game due to an injury scare, while England now turn to matches against Czechia and Croatia. Nord Stream Case: A Croatian court ruled a Ukrainian suspect in the 2022 Nord Stream blasts can be extradited to Germany. Politics in the Region: HDZ BiH leader Dragan Čović urged Croats in Bosnia to vote in 2026, warning of institutional blockage and the need to preserve unity.

UEFA Nations League (Croatia): Luka Modrić, even at 41, starred as Croatia beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Prague, with Modrić scoring and Ivan Perišić setting up Marco Pašalić for the winner. UEFA Nations League (England/Spain): At Wembley, Spain kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 comeback win over England, punishing defensive errors after Lamine Yamal scored early; England replied through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, but Kane missed a penalty and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed it. Croatia in the spotlight (sport culture): Croatia’s water polo team leaned into a moustache “lucky charm” tradition ahead of the Olympics, after growing facial hair for good luck during training. Croatia travel & lifestyle: A food-focused guide to Split highlights courtyard dining, local flavours, and gelato—built around the idea of Croatian “gozba” feasts and shared meals. Regional mobility (EU): Two hurdles still block Cyprus full Schengen access—an unresolved Cyprus issue and British Bases border checks—while the wider EU integration story continues to ripple across the region.

Croatia–EU Energy Rules: The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against 18 EU states, including Croatia, over incomplete electricity market reforms, and separately launched action against 26 states for not fully transposing the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Directive. Zagreb Public Transport Strike: Zagreb Electric Tram (ZET) and Zagreb Holding unions confirmed a strike for Monday, 28 September, starting at 3:30am, with tram disruptions and possible knock-on effects for school transport. Nord Stream Court Move: A Croatian court approved extradition in the Nord Stream bombing case, allowing a suspect linked to the sabotage to be sent to Germany. Migration Tragedy on the Border: Five migrants drowned in the Kupa River while trying to cross from Croatia into Slovenia; police rescued five others and are investigating how the crossing happened. Croatia in International Football: Croatia plays Czechia in UEFA Nations League action on Saturday, as the competition’s 2026-27 group stage gets underway. Tourism Tech Win: Dubrovnik’s “Dubrovnik Pass” won first prize in the Digitalisation in Smart Tourism category at the 2026 ECTN Awards for its digital visitor-management approach.

War Crimes & Politics: Journalist Mirjana Rakić slammed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for calling Croatians “Nazis” while justifying convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, warning the rhetoric is aimed at Serbia’s domestic audience ahead of elections. Migration Safety: Tragedy on the Croatia–Slovenia border: five migrants drowned while trying to cross the Kupa/Kolpa River; five others were rescued and 14 reached Slovenia, with an investigation underway. Consumer Protection: Croatian inspectors found widespread price-control problems: almost 500 products in stores were flagged as too expensive, with thousands of checks since Feb 2025 and irregularities in about a quarter of inspections. Local Heritage & Nature: Majkovi’s ponds near Dubrovnik are highlighted as Croatia’s only herpetological reserve, protecting amphibians and reptiles in a rare habitat. Business & Trade: Croatia and the US pushed stronger economic ties in New York, with the long-awaited Croatia–US double taxation deal again raised as key for investment. EU Policy: The European Commission opened infringement steps over industrial emissions and other rule gaps, including action involving Croatia.

Nord Stream Case: A Croatian court approved the extradition of a Ukrainian scuba diver wanted by Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions; the suspect was arrested in Pula in August, and his lawyer says an appeal will follow, so the handover isn’t final. Croatian Business: Retail chain Studenac has filed for pre-bankruptcy proceedings as debt pressure mounts and its bank account was blocked, while stores keep operating and the company seeks a restructuring deal with banks and suppliers. Croatia in the World: Croatia Airlines marked 30 years of Zagreb–Sarajevo flights, reporting more than 1.34 million passengers since 1996. International Spotlight: Bangladesh’s foreign minister Shama Obaed Islam told a UN event that new legal and institutional steps target violence against women and girls, including faster trials, legal aid, shelters and a women-only “Pink Bus” service. Regional Tech & Space: Starlink is moving toward operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Kyrgyzstan prepares its first homegrown agricultural satellite launch. Culture & Life: Croatia’s September Harvest Moon peaks Saturday evening, with full phase around 18:49 in Zagreb.

Nord Stream Case: A Croatian court in Pula approved the extradition of a Ukrainian suspect wanted by Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, but the decision is under appeal and transfer timing is unclear. EU Digital Rights: Croatia is weighing mGrađani for age verification as the EU KIDS Act moves forward, aiming to strengthen child safety online with privacy-preserving checks. Sports—UEFA Nations League: The 2026/27 Nations League kicks off with Croatia in Group A3 alongside Spain, England and Czechia, while Portugal start their title defence with a 1-0 win over Wales and Germany draw 1-1 with the Netherlands. Croatian Football Star: Harry Kane says he’s close to equalling England’s caps record and is targeting Nations League matches to reach the milestone. Croatia-UAE/Gulf Cup: Zlatko Dalić, now coaching the UAE, begins Gulf Cup 27 with a 4-0 win over Yemen and sets a step-by-step goal for the tournament. Tourism & Heritage: Work has started on a panoramic lift to Sokol Grad in Konavle to boost access ahead of the next tourist season.