AGP Executive Report

Hazardous Waste Scandal: Croatia’s President Zoran Milanović has demanded an emergency parliamentary session over an illegal toxic dump near Gospić, citing contamination of groundwater and PFAS findings, and pressing for urgent remediation plus public updates. Regional Politics: Bosnia’s Croat leader Dragan Čović says criticism of Croatia’s foreign minister Gordan Grlić Radman won’t weaken Zagreb’s support for Croats in BiH, amid election-period tensions. EU Digital Justice: The EU’s e-Evidence rules are now fully in force, letting investigators across member states request digital data directly from tech firms with fast deadlines. Tourism Watch: Istria is seeing a sharp shift toward last-minute bookings, with about 80% of remaining capacity sold late, pushing private accommodation providers to offer more flexibility. Tech & Mobility: Pony.ai says its overseas robotaxi pipeline has surpassed 4,000 vehicles, building on its Uber partnership that includes Zagreb, Croatia. Sports & Culture: Dubrovnik opened its first dedicated pickleball centre, while Croatia’s Luka Modrić reiterated his Milan plans ahead of the new season.

Wildfire Solidarity: Dubrovnik is donating €150,000 to fire-ravaged Omiš, citing a 35-year debt of friendship after Omiš troops helped defend Dubrovnik in 1991. Heat Records: Croatia’s DHMZ says new heat-wave duration records were set this year at three weather stations, with Rijeka seeing 20 consecutive health-impact days and Split 19, amid drought and a harsh wildfire season. Firefighting Support: Croatia approved sending two Canadair CL-415 aircraft and crews to Bosnia and Herzegovina to help tackle wildfires near landmine-suspected areas. Aviation & Tourism: Split Airport highlighted its “Best of Croatia” duty-free range after a terminal expansion, while a German visitor urged Croatia’s tourism to avoid turning local food into “luxury” just because of high prices. Economy & Wealth: UBS reports Croatia ranks third globally for wealth growth, with average net wealth per adult up 29% from 2020 to 2025. Tech & Business: BrainChip and Croatian deep-tech firm Neuromorphyx announced an AKD1500-based developer board for neuromorphic AI. Sports: UEFA Champions League play-off first legs kick off with Dinamo Zagreb hosting Viking.

Wildfire Response: Belgium’s biggest-ever wildfire in the High Fens saw a partial slowdown as rain and cooler, more humid weather helped firefighters limit spread toward the German border, while the EU sent planes and ground teams to support both Belgium and Spain. Croatia Fire Investigation: Croatian police arrested four suspects in Zadar County over alleged pre-planned arson at 10 locations, seizing a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition. Transport Disruption: Jadrolinija cancelled peak-season Croatia–Italy ferry trips after its largest ship, Dalmacija, suffered a serious engine failure, affecting Dubrovnik–Bari and other routes. Archaeology: A 1,500-year-old sealed 5-ton sarcophagus was unearthed in Cavtat, offering a rare look at Late Antiquity burial practices. Tourism & Culture: Dubrovnik’s City Walls topped 500,000 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, while a new exhibition, “Conversations with the Sea,” opens in Dubrovnik. Local Life: The Croatian Army helped rescue a stranded Roman ship replica on the Drava near Osijek after extremely low water levels.

Wildfires Across Europe: Belgium’s record wildfire in the High Fens near Malmedy has more than doubled in a day, with hundreds evacuated as the blaze races toward the German border. Greek Fire Crisis: On Salamina near Athens, two people died and hundreds were evacuated after twin fires broke out almost simultaneously, driven by strong winds. Croatia Fire Update: A separate blaze on the Croatia–Serbia border near Ilok was quickly brought under control, with firefighters staying overnight to prevent flare-ups. Croatia in the Spotlight: A Byzantine shipwreck off Mljet has yielded an extraordinary haul of gold and jewels, including an emperor-style ring, pointing to a high-ranking passenger. Local Economy: Dubrovnik-Neretva County’s unemployment has fallen to a historic low of 4.9%, with tourism still pulling most of the weight. Wealth Trend: UBS reports Croatians’ real personal wealth rose 29% from 2020–2025, among the fastest in the world. Sports & Culture: Croatia’s U20 water polo team won a European title, while Zagreb hosted the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships where Russia topped the medal table.

Wildfires in Croatia and across Europe: Croatia’s Adriatic coast is still under pressure from fast-moving blazes, with firefighters working to stop new flare-ups after earlier damage near Omiš and on the Pelješac peninsula; meanwhile, Europe’s heat-driven wildfire crisis also hit Greece, where two people died and hundreds were evacuated after twin fires broke out on Salamina near Athens. Arrests over suspected fire-starting: Croatian police arrested four people suspected of starting some of the recent coastal wildfires. Croatia weather watch: DHMZ warns that a new, more unstable week is coming, with showers and thunderstorms possible—strong gusts and flash flooding risk in parts of the north Adriatic and Gorski Kotar. Local life and economy: Croatia ranked third globally for personal wealth growth (UBS), with adults’ financial assets and property rising sharply from 2020 to 2025. Sport—Croatia in the spotlight: Sara Kolak won women’s javelin at the European Championships in Zagreb, adding a major title for Croatia.

Wildfire Crisis in Croatia: A fast-moving blaze near Omiš has been described by residents as “like being in hell,” with flames reaching villages in about 45 minutes, homes and countryside destroyed, and at least one death reported alongside dozens injured and around 1,200 people evacuated. Tourism & Travel Impact: Croatia’s airports saw stronger passenger numbers in the first half of 2026 (about 5.5 million, up ~3%), with Zagreb and Dubrovnik benefiting from expanded international connections and longer flying seasons. Housing Support in Dubrovnik: The City of Dubrovnik boosted its 30x45 housing grants to €45,000 for eligible young families, aiming to ease pressure on the property ladder. Croatian Economy Exports: Mate Rimac says top Croatian export products include luxury cars and battery/propulsion systems, highlighting Rimac-linked firms among the biggest exporters. Croatia Abroad Education: The University of Chile launched an international course on the Croatian language and culture, with over 50 students attending the first edition. Foreign Policy Tensions: Croatia’s foreign minister pushed back on Bosnia and Herzegovina politicians over the proposed Croatian electoral unit, asking “Why the hysteria?”

Wildfires in Croatia and across Europe: A major blaze in the Omiš area has killed at least one person and injured dozens, with around 1,200 residents and tourists evacuated; by Saturday morning the situation was calmer, but firefighters and Red Cross teams are still supporting people affected by trauma and damage. Local Safety & Response: In Pelješac, 250 firefighters and 73 vehicles are battling the fire near Kuna Pelješka, with flames pushed away from buildings and crews working to extinguish remaining hotspots; a historic church was destroyed and firefighters defended a nearby monastery. Housing Support in Dubrovnik: The City of Dubrovnik is boosting grants for young families and young residents by 50% to €45,000 under a new 30 x 45 scheme, aimed at easing the city’s tight housing market. Travel & Daily Life: Croatia marks Velika Gospa (Assumption Day) today, a national public holiday with Masses and pilgrimages; meanwhile, Dubrovnik’s forecast hints at only light rain after days of heat. Transport Costs: Croatian drivers face a fuel-price jump next week, with diesel expected to rise more than petrol. Tech/Transport Trend: Uber and Pony.ai plan to expand robotaxi service in Europe, building on the commercial launch in Zagreb. Politics: Croatia’s foreign minister pushes back on BiH reactions over the proposed Croatian electoral unit, asking “why the hysteria?”

Wildfires Emergency: A major wildfire near Lokva Rogoznica and Omis has killed at least one person and left dozens injured, with around 1,200 residents and tourists evacuated as flames spread fast toward Split; Firefighting Response: Croatia’s Defence Ministry released dramatic footage of Air Force Canadairs and Air Tractors making low-level water drops, while crews defended homes on Dugi Otok overnight and requested Canadairs as the blaze split into two fronts; Public Safety Updates: Foreign ministries urged citizens to monitor road and movement restrictions, with traffic disruptions reported on the Adriatic coastal route toward Makarska; Local Aid: Sinj’s mayor Miro Bulj pledged €20,000 to support Omiš after the disaster; Tourism Pressure: Croatian hotel operators say rising costs are squeezing profits even as prices hold up, highlighting how quickly the summer economy can be hit by extreme weather.

Wildfire Crisis in Dalmatia: A major blaze near Lokva Rogoznica raced toward Omiš, killing at least one person, injuring around 40 (with several in life-threatening condition), and forcing about 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate overnight; flames damaged homes, cars and boats, disrupted power and led to road closures along the coast as firefighters and aircraft battled strong winds and dry conditions. Emergency Response: Croatian maritime rescue teams pulled 194 people from the sea and fire-affected coastline, with shelters set up between Omiš and Split while authorities continue assessments and investigations. Travel Advisory: Croatia’s MFA warned travelers about the wildfire impact on the Split-Dalmatia coast near Omiš, advising people to avoid affected areas and use 112 for emergencies. Tourism & Safety Crackdown: In Split, “tourist police” enforcement continues against street drinking and public disorder, including fines and a temporary alcohol sales ban overnight. Tech & Mobility: Uber and Pony.ai plan to expand robotaxi deployments across Europe, building on their commercial service in Zagreb. Sports Transfer Buzz: Dinamo Zagreb winger Gabriel Vidović is reportedly set for a move back to Germany, with SC Paderborn in talks.

Wildfire Crisis on the Adriatic: A strong-wind wildfire swept into Omiš overnight, forcing about 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate and injuring dozens. Injuries and damage: At least 36 people were treated in Split, with 14 hospitalised and seven in life-threatening condition; local reports also describe homes, cars and boats destroyed. Emergency response: Around 157 firefighters and 44 vehicles fought the blaze from Lokva Rogoznica toward the Borak area near the town centre; the main coastal road was closed and a sports hall was used as a shelter. More fires across Europe: The same heatwave is driving evacuations in Germany and France, while Greece also faced major blazes. Tourism boost despite pressure: Croatia’s cruise traffic stayed strong, with foreign ship calls up nearly 12% in the first half of 2026 and Dubrovnik leading the ports. Mobility tech: Uber and Pony.ai plan to expand robotaxi deployments to more than 2,000 vehicles across Europe, building on the Zagreb service.

UAE Football: Zlatko Dalić was officially unveiled in Dubai as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates, after leaving Croatia following their World Cup run, with the 59-year-old vowing “organisation, discipline and collective effort” as he targets the Gulf Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Croatia in Europe’s Football: Rijeka knocked out Finland’s Ilves in the Conference League third qualifying round, setting up a playoff against Midtjylland, while Midtjylland booked their next step with a 3-2 win over Bohemians on aggregate. European Swimming: At the European Championships in Paris, Italian teen Sara Curtis smashed the women’s 50m backstroke world record again, and Hungary’s Kristof Milak set a European record in the men’s 100 fly; Croatia also picked up medals in the session, including a men’s 4x100 free relay final featuring Croatia. Public Health: Lika-Senj County water is safe for consumption, with HZJZ testing finding no detectable PFAS in the latest samples. Tourism & Safety: Search operations off Croatia’s coast for missing Portuguese tourists continued after a body was recovered near Krk, following earlier rescues from a storm. Road Safety: Dubrovnik police used a drone patrol to catch 65 traffic offences in one operation, with seat-belt violations the most common. Culture: Dubrovnik announced a José Carreras concert at the Cathedral on 27 August, with tickets due to go on sale next week.

UAE Football: Zlatko Dalić has officially been appointed head coach of the UAE national team, after leaving Croatia following their World Cup run, with the UAEFA welcoming the Croatian on social media and setting expectations for the 2030 World Cup push. Croatian Local Life: Velika Gorica has completed a new 900-metre pedestrian and cycle path to Lake Čiče, adding lighting, benches and bins to make the popular Čič Beach safer and easier to reach. Tourism & Economy: Croatia’s tourism minister says last-minute bookings are propping up August, while new survey data shows many Croatians are taking fewer days off this summer. Sports & Culture: Adidas is strengthening its presence in Croatian sport with a partnership with Zagreb’s Cibona, which will wear adidas kits from the 2026/27 season. Weather & Safety: A red heat warning remains along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, with Dubrovnik and Split hitting record-breaking temperatures. Travel Alerts: EU ETIAS has been delayed indefinitely, and travellers are warned not to pay scammers claiming to sell ETIAS access.

Football: Zlatko Dalić is officially named head coach of the UAE national team, returning to the Gulf after leaving Croatia this summer; he’ll lead the side through the 2030 cycle and face South Korea, Vietnam and Yemen in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Weather & Safety: Croatia is in the grip of a severe heatwave and drought, with Split hitting a new record 39.7°C and Dubrovnik also breaking its mark at 39.1°C; officials warn conditions are fueling more wildfires. Tourism: Dubrovnik keeps edging up—over 2.55 million overnight stays since January (about +1% year-on-year), while Konavle reported a 3.8% rise in July nights. Local Life: Dubrovnik’s Gorica blaze is blamed on fireworks, and a €1.27m drainage project on Iva Vojnovića Street has reached its first milestone to reduce flood-prone downpours. Rescue: Two Portuguese tourists were found alive in the Velebit Channel after a storm search; two others remain missing as the operation continues. Sport Tech: Croatia’s Jadranka Strukic is among instructors running an ISSF Electronic Scoring Target course in New Delhi.

International Youth Day: New EU data show 24.2% of people aged 15–29 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, with housing costs a key barrier to young adults moving out, finding work in expensive cities, and building independent lives. Champions League Playoffs: Bodo/Glimt edged through after a late winner in the third qualifying round, while the full playoff pairings were set, including Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking and other matchups with first legs on Aug 18 and returns on Aug 25. Adriatic Under Pressure: Croatian scientists are joining the MIRAMAR project to study how climate change, pollution, waste, noise and other pressures combine to affect Adriatic marine life, including monitoring around Istria. Dubrovnik Culture Plans: Dubrovnik is pushing ahead with a joint City–University of Zagreb project at Preparandija for a new concert and congress hall, plus a large underground parking garage. Travel & Routes: Air China announced a Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from Sept 4, and TUI is promoting a one-hotel trip that lets visitors combine Croatia with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tourism & Travel Tech: Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport is rolling out a €4.2m solar project, adding panels over car parks to create shaded “power stations” and boosting renewable output with battery storage. Skywatching: Croatia gets a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, with the best views in western areas (Pula highest coverage), starting around 7:25–7:30pm before sunset—eye protection urged. Croatia in the World: Air China launches a new Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from Sept. 4, with flights three times weekly. Local Culture: Drniš Pršut Festival returns Aug. 28–29 at the sports hall, spotlighting protected Drniš pršut and regional food with music and competitions. Sports (Croatian link): Brighton confirm Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic’s move and early impressions after his record signing. Health (Croatia in EU stats): Eurostat data puts Croatia among the highest in daily tobacco use (23.6%). International Politics: A new EU migration dispute over “Dublin cases” is back on the agenda after developments involving Italy, Germany and asylum seekers.

Gospić Cleanup Moves Forward: Croatia’s government is now running new procurement steps to remove illegally dumped waste at a contaminated site in Gospić after an earlier tender drew no bids; the Ministry says state financing is kicking in because the polluter couldn’t cover costs, with access delayed by USKOK investigations. Tourism Update: Croatia logged its strongest July in two years, with 4.7m arrivals and 29.6m overnight stays, while eVisitor data also show 12.4m arrivals and 59.1m overnight stays for Jan–July. Public Finance Watch: Croatian public debt rose by €4.6bn in a year to about €55bn by end-April, driven mainly by central government long-term borrowing. Heatwave Pressure on Croatia and Europe: Another major heatwave is hitting Europe; MeteoAlarm says scorching conditions are already affecting Italy and coastal Croatia, with drought and record-low rivers worsening. Dubrovnik in the Spotlight: A UK outlet highlights Dubrovnik’s tourism management as a model for handling mass tourism without overwhelming residents.