AGP Executive Report

Croatia Tourism: Dubrovnik-Neretva County says spending is up despite slightly fewer visitors, with fiscalisation receipts rising about 4.5–8% and total transaction value up 9–10% year-on-year. Transport & Safety: A passenger train and a freight train collided near Skrinjari, about 60 km east of Zagreb, injuring 20 people; the railway line was temporarily closed and an investigation is underway. Energy & Cost of Living: Croatia’s fuel prices may shift from Tuesday: Eurosuper 95 down to €1.60/l, while diesel is expected to rise (Eurodiesel to €1.77/l; blue diesel to €1.25/l), pending any government intervention. Weather & Fire Risk: A lightning strike sparked a wildfire on Malašnica hill above Župa Dubrovačka; firefighters responded and the situation reportedly improved. Local Economy & Farming: Istria launched a pilot to build a local pig supply chain for pršut, aiming to reduce reliance on pigs from other regions. Sports: Croatia’s Vito Sarin hit 10 threes as he powered Croatia to a big win in FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B.

FIFA Power Struggle: Norway has demanded FIFA chief Gianni Infantino resign after his abandoned plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors, while Mexico and Argentina publicly back him and UEFA keeps its threat to boycott FIFA events. Croatian Pensions: Croatia has opened a public consultation on pension-law amendments for Croatian war veterans and security personnel, aiming to remove remaining reductions and adjust calculations toward time spent in Homeland War combat roles, affecting hundreds of thousands. Adriatic Marine Survey: An international aerial survey has started across the Adriatic to count whales, dolphins and sea turtles and track conservation status, with flights already underway from Italy toward Croatia. Environment & Justice: USKOK-linked findings deepen the Gospić illegal waste scandal, confirming PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater downstream from a site holding tens of thousands of tonnes of mixed industrial waste. Tourism Watch: Croatia is seeing a renewed return of Czech visitors, with early eVisitor data showing stronger arrivals and overnight stays and growth also reported for Hungary and Italy. Sports & Visas: Croatia is mentioned in reports that it denied visas to multiple Russian gymnasts ahead of European championships, keeping the broader eligibility dispute alive.

Heat & Water Crisis: Europe’s record heat is driving wildfires, pushing power systems, and drying rivers that are vital for shipping and farming—Croatia is also feeling it as Krško cuts output due to high Sava temperatures. Croatia Energy Security: Croatia says electricity supply is secure even as regional drought forces tougher operating conditions. FIFA Power Struggle: Norway escalated pressure on Gianni Infantino, calling for his resignation after the failed World Cup commercial sell-off; Mexico and Argentina backed him, while UEFA keeps a boycott threat on the table. Croatia-Serbia Cyber Tensions: Croatia remains tight-lipped after arresting a Serbian businessman suspected of hacking multiple Croatian state systems. Local Nationhood & Culture: Glina opened Croatia’s first Croatian Anthem Square, tied to the 1846 creation of the anthem melody and the town’s Operation Storm anniversary. Border & Work Rules: Bosnia and Herzegovina truckers warn Schengen “90 in 180 days” enforcement is already causing turn-backs into Croatia, with August/September expected to worsen. Sports Spotlight: Croatia’s Franko Grgić is listed for the 2026 European Swimming Championships, while boxing news puts Croatian Filip Hrgović in the spotlight ahead of Moses Itauma’s IBF title fight. Earthquake: A 2.6 quake near Cavtat was felt in Dubrovnik and nearby areas, with no reported damage.

Croatian Energy & Industry: JANAF and MOL signed a 2026 crude oil transport deal worth 2.05 million metric tons via Croatia’s Adria pipeline, using a take-or-pay structure. Adriatic Heat & Safety: Croatia’s HGSS rescued another foreign national on Biokovo after dehydration and getting lost in extreme summer conditions, urging visitors to plan trips and carry enough water. Sports (Croatia on the European stage): Rijeka beat Ilves 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round first leg, leaving the Finns needing a turnaround in Tampere. International Watch: Italy issued a nationwide “red” heat alert across all major cities as Europe’s heatwave worsened, while a separate report flagged a suspected attempt to move EU-sanctioned goods toward Russia via Georgia’s Sarpi customs. Culture & Community: Animafest Zagreb announced the end of an era, with artistic director Daniel Suljić stepping down after 16 years.

Croatia–Ukraine Diplomacy: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Ukraine’s ambassadors to Croatia, Albania and Montenegro, ending postings of Vasyl Kyrylych, Volodymyr Shkurov and Oleh Herasymenko. Adriatic Energy Deal: JANAF and Hungary’s MOL signed a take-or-pay agreement for 2.05 million tonnes of crude oil transport through the Adriatic pipeline in 2026, settling an immediate gap after months of tariff and capacity disputes. Dubrovnik Summer Under Pressure: Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport topped 558,528 passengers in July (+3.3% year-on-year), while the sea off Dubrovnik hit about 28°C amid the heatwave. Maritime Safety: A speedboat driver was detained near Šipanska Luka after police found 1.73‰ blood alcohol, with proceedings under Croatia’s Maritime Code. Dark-Sky Tourism: Lastovo Islands Nature Park is running August astronomy events to protect its exceptionally dark skies from light pollution. Sports (Croatian links): PSV confirmed free-agent Serbian winger Filip Kostić, and Luka Modrić urged Rafael Leão to stay at AC Milan. EU Heat & Economy: Europe’s heatwave is disrupting crops and energy, and Bulgaria reported strong retail trade growth in June.

Energy & Water Stress: Croatia’s power and water situation is under pressure as drought and extreme heat hit the Sava, with the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) cutting output to 80% overnight to meet river temperature limits; Croatia’s rivers and pumping systems are also at record lows, raising questions about electricity and supply while officials say household water is not yet threatened. Danube Low-Water Disruptions: The Danube has dropped to near-record levels, forcing shipping slowdowns and stoppages near Vukovar and exposing sandbanks and obstacles that complicate navigation. Operation Storm Anniversary: Croatia marked the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm with national Victory Day commemorations, while Serbia and Croatia traded accusations over how the events and victims are remembered. Local Economy: Dubrovnik-Neretva County employment is rebounding, up nearly 2,700 year-on-year to 36,241 employed by March 2026, as tourism hiring ramps up. NATO Spotlight: Croatian Armed Forces hosted a Victory Day competition in Poland with NATO partners, boosting readiness and interoperability on the alliance’s eastern flank. Heatwave Across Europe: Austria set a new record high at 41.2C as heat and drought drive power curbs and wildfire response across central and southern Europe.

Operation Storm Commemoration: Croatia marked the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm in Knin with a central ceremony attended by President Zoran Milanović and PM Andrej Plenković, including a flag-raising at Knin Fortress, military and police displays, and flyovers—while officials stressed remembrance and renewed focus on security. Dubrovnik Tribute: In a separate patriotic gesture, HGSS Dubrovnik suspended a giant Croatian flag from St. John Fortress overnight for Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders. Regional Tensions: Serbian and pro-Serb voices in the region again criticized how Storm is commemorated, warning against nationalism and hate-mongering, as Vučić linked the issue to broader peace and stability concerns. Health & Society: Eurostat data shows Croatia among the EU’s higher daily tobacco users (23.6% in 2025), even as overall EU smoking declines. Tourism & Travel: Wildfire smoke reached southern Croatia from a blaze near Trebinje, while Croatia’s heatwave conditions also kept pressure on water and safety planning. Sports & Culture: Croatia’s sports and entertainment scene stayed busy—from Modrić’s club updates to a Croatian influencer wedding in California.

Homeland Commemoration: Croatia marks Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, recalling Operation Storm’s 1995 liberation of Knin and the wider return of occupied territory. Tourism Management: Dubrovnik gets fresh international spotlight from the BBC, highlighting how the city is tackling overtourism by balancing visitor flows, using digital tools, and supporting residents living inside the UNESCO Old City. Heat & Water Crisis: A brutal heatwave and drought are pushing the Danube to record lows, exposing WWII Nazi warships and other relics, while water shortages also threaten power generation and disrupt river cruises. Croatia in Europe’s Football: Dinamo Zagreb routs Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in UEFA Champions League qualifying, while qualifiers’ first-leg results also feature Croatian club success. Sports Spotlight: Aryna Sabalenka starts her Toronto run with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Moyuka Uchijima as Iga Swiatek also advances. Local Football Coaching: Khaldiya in Bahrain appoints Croatian coach Goran Tomić as head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Croatia–Montenegro Border Chaos: After a weekend of waits up to 16 hours at the Karasovići and Vitaljina crossings, Konavle cleanup crews collected 15 cubic metres of rubbish, with firefighters helping clear roadsides left by thousands of stranded motorists. Dubrovnik Culture & Nightlife: Željko Bebek will headline the free Night of Lapad Bay on Aug. 7, while the 4th Dubrovnik Vinyl Fair returns Aug. 8 with thousands of records and all-vinyl DJ sets. Public Safety: Dubrovnik General Hospital says more young people are ending up in surgery after e-scooter crashes, warning that many riders travel at dangerous speeds without helmets. Historic Discovery: A rare Byzantine shipwreck near Mljet has produced gold belt fittings, imperial coins and luxury items, pointing to high-status passengers or valuable cargo. Climate & Water Crisis: Croatia’s Danube and Drava hit historic lows amid heat and drought, raising risks for ecosystems and some local water supplies. Transport & Trade: Slovak Railtrans International and Croatia’s HŽ Cargo launch a joint venture to boost intermodal freight linking Adriatic ports with Central Europe, targeting 500,000 tonnes by 2028.

Croatia in Focus (Business & Society): Croatia’s service sector kept growing, with film, video and TV production (plus sound recording and music publishing) jumping 28.4% year-on-year in May 2026, helping lift overall service turnover 6.2% in the first five months. Croatia & the Economy (Tourism Costs): A viral pizza receipt from Stari Grad on Hvar—reportedly 22 euros for a large pizza—has reignited debate over coastal prices and Croatia’s tourism model. Croatia & Innovation (Transport): Končar’s new-generation trains are pushing domestic innovation in rail, with Croatia already receiving 70 low-floor units and signing for battery-electric trains plus a hybrid charging setup. Croatia & Sports (Football): Mateo Kovačić says he’s staying at Manchester City for 2026/27 after talks with Enzo Maresca, despite earlier transfer links back to Italy. EU Watch (Wildfires): The EU is facing another intense wildfire summer, with the Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU firefighting assets under pressure as fires spread faster than response capacity.

Croatia–Montenegro Border Chaos: Konavle residents and officials are dealing with the fallout from a weekend gridlock, with nearly 40,000 people crossing into Montenegro in 24 hours and cleanup crews collecting over eight cubic metres of rubbish after the queues. Tourism Pulse in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik says the US is now its top international market, with 125,830 American visitors between Jan 1 and July 27, 2026, and the city is pushing for World Travel Awards votes as deadlines near. Food & Health Policy: Croatian health groups propose new rules to curb childhood obesity, including warning labels on food packaging and tighter limits on marketing unhealthy products to children. EU Migration Flashpoint (Ceuta): Spain installed a 500-metre sea barrier after the deadly Ceuta rush that left at least 67 migrants dead, reigniting EU border and Schengen debate. Croatian Football on the European Map: The Champions League qualifying playoff draw sets Dinamo Zagreb’s path against Viking or Kauno Zalgiris, with other Croatian ties also confirmed. Retail Expansion: Action opened its fourth Croatian store near Split, adding 6,000 products across 14 categories.

EU AI Push: The European Commission has launched a tender to build up to seven AI “Gigafactories,” backed by as much as €10bn in EU and national funding, aiming to unlock at least €20bn in private investment and boost Europe’s AI computing capacity. Croatia Airlines Financial Strain: Croatia Airlines posted a record first-half loss of about €50m despite nearly one million passengers, blaming fuel costs, exchange-rate pressure, and fleet transition expenses tied to its A220 renewal. Tourism & Daily Life: Croatia’s PM says border chaos at the Croatia–Montenegro crossing was driven by peak holiday travel plus new EU Entry/Exit System checks, while separate reporting warns that July spending growth can look stronger than it really is once inflation is stripped out. Energy & Weather: Hungary faces power cuts after drought forced its Paks nuclear plant to shut down as Danube levels hit historic lows. Business & Connectivity: Hrvatski Telekom completed its acquisition of regional ISP Pro-Ping, expanding broadband coverage in rural counties. Public Interest: A guide reiterates that Croatia’s sea and shoreline are public maritime domain, so “private beach” signs can’t automatically stop you from swimming.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain has installed a 1,600-foot sea barrier between Ceuta and Morocco after tens of thousands breached the frontier last week, with at least 67 deaths reported in the stampede and drownings. The U.S. also raised its travel advisory for Americans to Ceuta to “reconsider travel.” Croatia Heatwave: Rijeka hit 39.6°C on Saturday—an August record since 1948—and temperatures could push past 40°C in coming days. Wildfires & Smoke: Crews battled a wildfire near Volujac above Trebinje, with smoke drifting into southern Croatia and Bosnia. Border Traffic Chaos: Long queues at the Croatia–Montenegro border left Konavle residents facing up to 10-hour waits and disrupted daily life. Danube Drought Reveals History: Record-low water levels exposed WWII-era Nazi warships and a 1937 cargo wreck near Croatia’s Opatovac. Local Safety Incident: Croatian police arrested a Hungarian man after an unauthorised drone flight disrupted flights at Split Airport. Tourism Update: Croatia’s tourism rebounded in July, with arrivals and overnight stays up about 1% year-on-year. Sport (Croatian spotlight): Josko Gvardiol backed Enzo Maresca as Manchester City’s “perfect” choice after Guardiola’s exit, while Luka Modrić arrived in Australia for AC Milan’s pre-season tour.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain has installed a 500-meter floating barrier on the sea border between Ceuta and Morocco after a mass rush that brought 50,000–60,000 migrants into the enclave and left at least 67 dead, with deaths reported from drowning and a stampede. Spain says most arrivals returned to Morocco within 48 hours and insists it will not allow people who entered irregularly to move onward through the Schengen area. EU Pressure on Migration Policy: The incident has triggered EU-level anger and calls for urgent interior-minister talks, with Croatia among 22 EU countries asking for a coordinated response and stronger external-border protection. Croatia Airlines Update: Croatia Airlines carried a record 981,482 passengers in the first half of 2026, up 15%, even as it posted a net loss of about €49.7m. Local Travel & Culture: A Zagreb shop is drawing attention for specializing in American-style cookies, while near Zadar archaeologists say a 3,500-year-old submerged Bronze Age settlement can be reached by swimming from shore. Sport (Croatian angle): Josko Gvardiol backs new Man City boss Enzo Maresca as the club starts life after Pep Guardiola.

Ceuta Crisis: Spain is installing a 500-metre sea barrier off Ceuta after a rush of 50,000–60,000 migrants earlier this week left at least 67 dead, with Spain blaming smugglers and misinformation and insisting most arrivals soon returned to Morocco. EU Border Politics: 22 EU leaders have demanded urgent interior-minister talks and warned that regularisation can act as a “pull factor,” while Spain rejects calls to suspend it from Schengen. Croatian Border Strain: At the Bajakovo–Batrovci crossing, queues hit up to 7 km and eight hours as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) meets its first peak summer. Work Permits & Security Checks: In Dubrovnik-Neretva, 56,662 residence/work permits were issued since 2021, with 742 refusals; a Korčula case highlights concerns over security screening tied to social media. Tourist Safety: Croatia’s “Safe Tourist Destination” brings 108 foreign police officers this summer to support local forces. Local Life: A tiny 20m² Zagreb shop, Keks Point, is winning fans with freshly baked American cookies. Sport: Mario Hezonja returns to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a one-year deal.

Croatia Infrastructure: Croatia signed a €250m contract for the 12.3-km Jadranovo–Selce section of the A7 motorway, a key Adriatic link between Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Lika-Senj, with work on the first phase expected to start by month-end. Energy & Industry: INA confirmed a major northern Adriatic natural gas discovery after completing the Ana-4 DIR well, with initial tests producing about 160,000 cubic metres per day and plans to connect it to existing infrastructure. Environment & Recycling: Croatia’s bottle deposit return system is set for its biggest expansion since launch: from Jan 1, 2027, the 10-cent deposit will cover multilayer cartons (Tetra Pak) and smaller beverage containers under 200 ml. City Life: Dubrovnik unveiled a €1.14m charging hub for electric buses, with 12 more electric vehicles due by Aug 20 as the fleet modernisation ramps up. Sports (Croatia in focus): At FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 Division B, Croatia’s Zagrebački mališani NITUI were edged 33-32 in a free-throw shootout after a 31-31 tie with Minsk. Animal Welfare: Zagreb Zoo faces calls to end breeding after a lioness died during a breeding introduction, with animal rights group Friends of Animals urging a policy overhaul.