AGP Executive Report

Air Safety: A Corendon flight from Corfu sent a false hijacking alert while over Croatia after a radio malfunction. A Croatian Rafale intercepted the plane; it landed safely in Germany, where Nuremberg airport briefly closed. Waste Scandal: Investigators say at least 35,000 tonnes of hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia and Germany were dumped at sites including Gospić. Tests found PFAS in groundwater at twice the legal limit, and about 20 people have been arrested. Science: Researchers excavating a 130-million-year-old underwater fossil site near Bale, Istria, say the dinosaur may be a new species. Environment: Activists are demanding a halt to trial operations at a Međimurje poultry farm planned to produce 1.8 million chickens a year, citing odours and pollution risks near protected wetlands. EU Enlargement: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reaffirmed Croatia’s support for expanding the EU, while insisting candidate countries meet membership criteria. Screen Tourism: Croatia will host the first international adaptation of BBC drama Death in Paradise, with filming planned on Brač in spring 2027.

Air Security: A Croatian Rafale intercepted a Malta-registered passenger plane over central Croatia after it transmitted a hijack code; the aircraft was escorted out of Croatian airspace and later landed safely in Germany. Croatian Coach: Borussia Dortmund extended Niko Kovač’s contract through June 2029 after he led the club from 11th place to consecutive top-four finishes. Diplomacy: China’s foreign minister Wang Yi is due to visit Croatia from October 14 to 20 as part of a regional tour that also includes Azerbaijan, Montenegro and Bulgaria. Cost of Living: Rents in Croatia rose 40% in a year, one of the sharpest increases in the EU, while supermarket chain Studenac plans to close 104 stores as part of a restructuring. Tourism and Travel: Croatia will get its first international “Death in Paradise” adaptation, set on Brač, and Hong Kong Airlines has received approval to launch Zagreb flights.

Food Safety: Croatian authorities say 150 kilograms of cherry tomatoes linked to a salmonella outbreak in Italy reached five restaurants in Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar. The seasonal businesses are now closed, and no related illness reports have been received. Business & Payments: BC Partners is weighing a sale of Telemach Croatia, reportedly valued at about €700 million. Mastercard will also bring offline card payments to Croatia from 2027, allowing PIN-approved purchases of up to €200 during network outages. Housing: Croatian rents rose 40% in a year, the EU’s second-steepest increase after Romania. Infrastructure: A freight train carrying what was reported as Ukrainian grain derailed near Rijeka; no injuries were reported, but the crash caused heavy damage and disrupted rail access to the port. Football: Hajduk Split, top of Croatia’s league, hosts Ajax in the Conference League on Thursday; local observers warn the Dutch side to expect a formidable home team.

Waste Crime Probe: Croatia’s anti-corruption office has widened its investigation into an alleged hazardous-waste dumping network, questioning five new suspects and three companies. The probe now covers 14 people and four firms; investigators say at least 35,000 tonnes of waste may have been dumped. China Visit: Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to visit Croatia from October 14 to 20 as part of a regional tour, after attending a summit in Azerbaijan. Household Costs: Croatia plans to abolish pension tax, while rents have recorded the EU’s second-highest rise. Transport: A freight-train derailment near Rijeka has disrupted rail access to the port, with the blockage expected to last a week. Retail: Studenac plans to close 104 supermarkets across Croatia.

Rijeka Freight Disruption: A grain train derailment near Meja sent 11 wagons into a ravine and shut the Zagreb–Rijeka line, cutting access to the Port of Rijeka for up to a week. No injuries were reported. Pensions: The government has proposed scrapping income tax on pensions from 2027, a change expected to affect about 541,000 people and reduce local revenues by roughly €180 million. Military Service: Young Croatian men are facing court cases and fines for missing medical examinations linked to military service; some have been acquitted over improperly delivered summonses. Travel Links: Ryanair plans four weekly Dubrovnik–Warsaw Modlin flights from March 2027, adding nearly 42,000 seats over the summer season. Energy and Waste: Croatia plans four waste-to-energy plants to handle residual rubbish as waste levels rise and landfill use is targeted for reduction. Diplomacy: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to visit Croatia from October 14 to 20, alongside trips to Azerbaijan, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

Rail Disruption: Eleven wagons of a grain train derailed near Rijeka’s Meja station, causing major damage but no injuries. Rail traffic between Plase and Meja is suspended as investigators examine reports of brake failure. Tourism: Croatia has passed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2026. August brought 4.8 million visitors, with Germany the largest foreign market and Rovinj the most popular destination among foreign tourists. Health: Croatia ranks among world leaders in organ donation and transplantation; liver transplant patients at Zagreb’s University Hospital Centre have a one-year survival rate above 95%. Economy: Croatia’s economy is projected to exceed €100 billion for the first time. Heritage: Descendants of the Mrgudić family gathered in Mokalo, Pelješac, to mark 400 years of family history, with relatives arriving from Croatia, the United States and Chile.

Rail Accident: Eleven grain wagons derailed near Rijeka on Saturday, causing major damage and closing the Plase–Meja line. No one was hurt; the driver reportedly warned of brake failure, which investigators are examining. Healthcare: Croatia ranks among the world leaders in organ donation and transplants, with Zagreb liver patients’ one-year survival rate above 95%, a senior surgeon said. Tourism: Germany led foreign visitor markets in August, accounting for 25.8% of foreign overnight stays. Rovinj topped destinations, followed by Medulin. Energy: Croatia is exploring geothermal wells near Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci and Zaprešić, aiming to heat homes and public buildings by 2030. Society: New figures put homelessness at about 2,000 people, with another 15,000 in insecure or inadequate housing; shelters have just 450 places nationwide. Heritage: Descendants from Croatia, the United States and Chile reunited in Mokalo to celebrate 400 years of the Mrgudić family’s history.

Rail Accident: A grain freight train derailed near Rijeka after the driver reported brake failure, sending 11 wagons into a ravine. No one was injured, but the station was damaged and the line closed as investigators examine the cause. Housing Crisis: Around 2,000 people in Croatia are homeless and another 15,000 live in insecure or inadequate housing, conference figures show. Shelters have just 450 places nationwide, with experts calling for better coordination of support. Football Sanctions: UEFA fined Croatia’s football federation €20,000 over discriminatory conduct by fans at the Spain match and issued a conditional ban on away tickets, enforceable if rules are breached within two years. Tourism and Economy: Croatia has welcomed more than 20 million visitors so far this year, with September arrivals also rising. The economy is projected to pass €100 billion for the first time. Tourism Spotlight: Šibenik made Lonely Planet’s list of top destinations to visit in 2027.

Tourism: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% respectively year on year. Foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half. Split Investment: The government approved €54.5 million toward modernising three sports venues, part of a €72.7 million programme ahead of the 2028 European Universities Games. Football Discipline: UEFA fined Croatia’s football federation €20,000 over discriminatory conduct by supporters at the Spain match and imposed a conditional ban on away tickets for the next UEFA competition match. Household Costs: Heating bills are set to rise this winter: firewood is about 10% more expensive than last year, electricity 15% and heating oil roughly 92%. Defence Ties: South Korea’s parliamentary speaker met Croatia’s president, prime minister and parliament speaker in Zagreb, backing wider industrial and technology cooperation after a €477 million deal for 18 Chunmoo rocket systems. Economy and Prisons: Croatia’s economy is forecast to surpass €100 billion for the first time, while a human-rights group warns prisons are overcrowded; the system was operating at 126% capacity at the end of 2025.

Culture: Croatian rock icon Goran Bare, frontman of Majke, has died aged 61 after more than four decades shaping the country’s music scene. Economy: Croatia’s economy is forecast to top €100 billion for the first time, while September visitor numbers pushed the 2026 tourist season past 20 million arrivals. Infrastructure: Croatia signed a €677 million deal to double-track a key freight corridor, as plans for a new motorway toll system hit another hurdle. Diplomacy: European leaders gathered in Split for the MED9 summit, with French President Emmanuel Macron exploring the city’s historic centre. Football: Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 at Poljud in the Nations League, ending Croatia’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Tourism: Croatia welcomed 2.6 million visitors in September, up 3% year on year, and passed 20 million arrivals in the first nine months of 2026. Economy: The country ranked third in the EU for the share of businesses under foreign control. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said GDP is expected to exceed €100 billion for the first time. US ties: Zagreb and Washington are working to secure US Senate approval of a double-taxation treaty, potentially by year-end. Infrastructure: Croatia signed a €677 million contract to double-track a key freight corridor, while its new motorway toll system faces another delay. Football: Croatia’s Nations League week included a historic 7-0 defeat to England and a 2-1 loss to Spain. Regional diplomacy: Split hosted the Med9 summit, where southern European leaders discussed energy, security, migration and environmental challenges.

Economy: Croatia’s GDP is expected to top €100 billion for the first time in 2026, with growth forecast at 2.3–2.4%. But producer-price inflation climbed to 8.6% in September, driven in part by higher energy costs. Transport: The government signed a €677 million deal to double-track a key freight corridor, while the new motorway toll system has hit another hurdle. Croatia Airlines will also launch a Zagreb–Madrid winter route for the first time. Industry and Defence: Hyundai Heavy Industries has teamed up with Šibenik’s Iskra Shipyard to pursue Croatia’s multirole corvette programme. Public Health: The Health Ministry says two reports flagged Croatian BCG vaccine doses at ten times the prescribed amount; checks are under way. Politics: Croatian MEP Jerković stepped down from her national party after reports that friends and family attended a Parliament event, while denying wrongdoing. Environment: Researchers report Adriatic sardine stocks are shrinking as Croatia considers a drastic response. Sport: Croatia lost 2–1 to Spain in Split, following its record 7–0 defeat by England.

Nations League: Croatia fell 2-1 to Spain after Ivan Perišić’s opener, leaving the team to regroup after its record 7-0 defeat to England. MED9 Summit: European leaders met in Split to discuss energy security amid disruption to shipping routes, while French President Emmanuel Macron toured Diocletian’s Palace. Rail Investment: Croatia signed a €677 million contract to double-track 83 kilometres of the Dugo Selo–Novska line, a major freight corridor; construction is due to start in 2027. Adriatic Fisheries: Sardine stocks have fallen so sharply that Croatia cut fishing days off Istria from 20 to five, with a temporary ban among options if stocks do not recover. Air Links: Croatia Airlines will fly Zagreb–Madrid through parts of the winter schedule for the first time, with three weekly flights.

MED9 Summit: Leaders meeting in Split called for a united EU response to sudden pressure on external borders, citing the migrant arrivals in Ceuta. Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein represented King Abdullah, while Jordan and Croatia also discussed closer ties. Nations League: Croatia fell 2-1 to Spain in Split after Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute. The Vatreni have dropped to 14th in FIFA’s rankings following a bruising international break. Vaccine Safety: Croatia suspended distribution and use of a Bulgarian-made BCG vaccine while investigating four reports of bone inflammation. Bulgaria says two reports involved doses ten times the prescribed amount; a link was ruled out in another case. Shipbuilding: South Korea’s HD Hyundai signed a strategic agreement with Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard to cooperate on multirole corvettes and broader maritime projects. Istrian Olive Oil: Drought is pushing up prices as the new harvest begins.

UEFA Nations League: Spain stayed perfect in Group A3, coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split as Mikel Merino scored twice after Ivan Perišić’s opener and Croatia’s Ivan Perišić was sent off late. England Spotlight: England also won 3-0 over the Czech Republic, with Harry Kane netting twice in his record-tying 125th cap, while Jude Bellingham hailed him as England’s greatest. Diplomacy in Split: MED9 leaders gathered in Croatia’s Split for talks on southern EU cooperation, with Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein meeting PM Andrej Plenković on the sidelines. Local Life & Health: Zagreb residents reported a strong, unpleasant smell alongside elevated PM2.5/PM10 readings, while a West Nile virus outbreak is being flagged across 16 European countries. Industry & Defence: HD Hyundai signed a strategic teaming deal with Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard for Multirole Corvette work and wider maritime cooperation. Rural Demographics: Croatia launched a €1m scheme to help young families buy, build or renovate homes in rural areas.

UEFA Nations League: Harry Kane stole the spotlight at Wembley, equalling Peter Shilton’s record with his 125th England cap as the Three Lions beat Czechia 3-0; Kane scored twice (91st and 90th goals for England) after Vladimir Coufal’s own goal opened the scoring, putting England on the brink of the quarter-finals. Croatia–Spain: In Split, Croatia responded after their 7-0 loss to England but still fell 2-1 to Spain as Mikel Merino came off the bench to score both goals, keeping La Roja perfect and booking their place in the last eight. Bosnia & Herzegovina politics: Filipovic said renewed communication between the BiH Presidency and Croatian leadership is a “bridge” toward Europe, while election projections point to SDA leading in the House with SNSD close behind. Diplomacy: Moldova’s parliament endorsed four new ambassador appointments to Greece, Lithuania, Belgium and Qatar, signaling a push for more active, results-focused foreign policy.