AGP Executive Report

European Football Focus: Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch says the Conference League tie with HNK Rijeka is “very much alive” and urges belief at the Brandywell after the 1-0 first-leg deficit, stressing confidence and timing as the key to turning the game around. Croatian Citizenship Rules: Croatia has published seven official pathways for foreigners to apply for citizenship, covering residence, birth, marriage, emigration, “interest of the Republic,” affiliation with the Croatian nation, and reacquisition—plus a separate route for minors. Adriatic Water Quality: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent sea conditions again, with 121 of 127 monitored beaches rated “excellent,” and only Ston Beach flagged for short-term pollution before follow-up testing. Wildfire Solidarity (EU): The European Commission is sending 105 Polish firefighters to Castilla-La Mancha and extending EU support to Spain and France as blazes continue across the region. Heatwave Alert: Croatia’s meteorological service warns of extreme heat through early August, with temperatures often 35–40°C and red warnings expanding across multiple regions. Danube Low Water: Authorities report record-low Danube levels affecting navigation, fuel imports, fishing and tourism, after a Viking cruise ship grounding linked to low water and night conditions.

Wildfire Emergency in Europe: France and Spain are still battling record-breaking wildfires as a new heatwave looms, with over 300,000 people evacuated this season and Bordeaux under mounting pressure. EU Trade Action: The European Union has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties of 60% to 67.6% on polyamide yarn imports from China, with Croatia among the affected producers. Croatian Tourism Crackdown: Croatia’s State Inspectorate is stepping up checks on illegal holiday rentals on Booking.com and Airbnb, seizing about €343,000 in suspected earnings and issuing fines over €81,000. Airbnb vs Booking for Hosts: Airbnb is changing its commission model from Oct 13, ending the separate guest service fee and raising the cost for Croatian hosts, who say it erases Airbnb’s main advantage. Croatian Football Abroad: Josko Gvardiol has signed a new five-year deal with Manchester City through 2031. Sustainable Local Project: Croatia opened its first biological swimming pool in Čazma, using natural filtration instead of chlorine. Culture & Film: Fužine’s Cinehill Film Festival crowned “Flies” (Mexico), while Split’s mockumentary “From Nothing to Nowhere” is set to premiere Aug 7.

Croatia-EU Watch: Croatia has blocked Montenegro’s EU membership talks over six unresolved demands, including war crimes and property claims by Croatian citizens, putting the 2028 target at risk. Adriatic Life & Services: A new Dubrovnik Pharmacy branch opened in Čilipi to improve healthcare access for Konavle residents, with longer opening hours and plans to add staff. Culture in Konavle: Marko Škugor will play a free open-air concert in Cavtat this Sunday as part of the summer programme. Local Military Training: 115 members of the Croatian Armed Forces finished an eight-week specialist training course at Gašinci, covering roles from mechanised warfare to drones. Sports (Croatian spotlight): Josko Gvardiol signed a new five-year deal with Manchester City running to 2031, while City also confirmed Rodri is out after back surgery. Wildfire Context for the Region: Europe is struggling to contain major wildfires as a new heatwave approaches, with France and Spain reporting mass evacuations.

Wildfire Response: Croatia says its firefighting system is fully operational even as it sends a Canadair to help France battle the Bordeaux blaze, with Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković stressing that aircraft and ground units remain on standby under the EU civil protection mechanism. Emergency Services: HGSS Orebić airlifted a seriously ill foreign hiker from Sv. Ilija above Orebić to Dubrovnik General Hospital, urging people to avoid the hottest hiking hours and carry enough water. Infrastructure Watch: The Pelješac Bridge will get repairs after cracks were found in the protective surface layer on six pylons; officials insist the bridge is safe, with work planned after the tourist season under the builder’s warranty. Local Development: Split is starting construction of the Stupe wastewater treatment plant, a major €99m project aimed at upgrading sewage treatment for the Split–Solin area. Transport & Tourism: Zadar Airport opened a new €17m terminal, doubling capacity toward 3 million passengers a year and boosting year-round connectivity. Dubrovnik Incidents: Police report a rough-sea rescue below the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik Hotel after three people were trapped, and a small magnitude 3.1 earthquake was felt in the Dubrovnik region.

Infrastructure & Tourism: Zadar Airport officially opened its new €17m departing terminal, doubling capacity and lifting annual handling to 3 million passengers, with plans for a €95m runway extension, a direct rail link, more parking, a new air traffic control centre and maintenance hangars. Road Safety & Repairs: Croatia’s Pelješac Bridge will be repaired after cracks appeared in the protective coating on six pylons; Hrvatske ceste says the structure is safe, with work starting after the tourist season and expected to last about eight months under the bridge’s warranty. Environment & Public Debate: Zagreb has started installing semi-underground waste bins in Ban Jelačić Square, a move praised by supporters for modernising waste collection but criticised by heritage experts over whether approvals were properly secured for the protected historic core. Economy & Pensions: Croatia’s mandatory pension funds hit a record €28.7bn in assets at end-June, with membership rising to 2.41m and June contributions totalling €171.5m. Sports (Croatia link): Reports say Manchester City have agreed to extend Josko Gvardiol’s contract until 2031. Culture & History: Underwater archaeologists studying a Byzantine-era shipwreck near Mljet say the gold haul could point to a high-ranking passenger, including coins and a signet ring. Energy Community: Croatia’s first energy community has begun sharing solar power.

NBA Return for a Croatian Star: Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing the 31-year-old back to the league after four seasons with Real Madrid. Tourism Rules in Croatia: A Makarska resort has become the first Croatian town to ban overnight alcohol sales in shops to curb rowdy tourist drinking and late-night public nuisance. Weather Watch: Croatia is bracing for another heatwave, with temperatures possibly hitting 40°C in inland areas and a yellow warning already issued. Coastline Disruption: Stari Grad on Hvar has flooded again from repeated meteotsunamis—its third time in just 10 days—prompting fresh cleanup and concern for waterfront businesses. Travel and Safety Debate: Split-Dalmatia’s emergency service reported dozens of alcohol-intoxication calls in June, reigniting the question of whether Croatia should charge tourists for emergency help after excessive drinking. Sports Spotlight: Dinamo Zagreb host Thun aiming to keep their unbeaten run going in the Champions League qualifiers.

NBA & Croatia in the spotlight: Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA after signing a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning to the league for the first time since 2019-20 after six seasons in Europe, including Real Madrid. Wildfires & European solidarity: Croatian Air Force firefighting crews have been deployed to France under a RescEU mission, flying dozens of sorties and dropping hundreds of tonnes of water as major blazes force mass evacuations across France and Spain. Local culture in Croatia: Korčula is set to celebrate St. Todor (July 29) with religious services and the famous Moreška sword dance. Tourism win for southern Croatia: Cavtat and the Konavle region have been named Europe’s Most Elegant Coastal Destination for 2026, beating rivals like Italy’s Portofino and France’s Riviera spots. Finance update for Croatians: Croatia’s Ministry of Finance is proposing a new tax-friendly Croatian Investment Account, potentially available from Jan 1, 2027, to help citizens invest without paying tax on gains.

Wildfires Crisis in Europe: France and Spain are battling fast-moving wildfires that have forced more than 250,000 people to evacuate, with Spain declaring a national wildfire emergency for the first time and France deploying an A400M military cargo plane to drop flame retardants while Tour de France security is redirected to help firefighting. Macron’s Solidarity Pledge: President Emmanuel Macron says France will rebuild and thanked European partners—including Croatia—for emergency support, framing the response as “a united people, standing shoulder to shoulder.” Heatwave Pressure Across the Continent: A new round of extreme heat is tightening its grip on Europe, worsening wildfire risk and pushing major rivers to historic lows. Croatian Tourism Watch: Croatia’s marina operator ACI reports strong first-half results ahead of the peak season, while a review analysis of 1.6 million tourist comments ranks Croatia among the top Mediterranean destinations, with visitors praising coastlines and cleanliness. Croatia Finance Update: The government is moving toward a new tax-free Croatian Investment Account, potentially available from January 1, 2027. Sports & Culture: A Croatian Olympic Committee official quits after an arrest tied to a ski federation corruption case; archaeologists also report major Byzantine gold finds from a shipwreck off Mljet.

Croatia in EU firefighting solidarity: France’s wildfires near Bordeaux and Spain’s blazes around Madrid have driven evacuations of about 270,000 people, with authorities warning conditions can worsen as winds shift. France has deployed an A400M aircraft to drop flame retardants and has shortened the Tour de France finale to free security staff for the response. EU support includes Croatia: President Macron says France is receiving help from Croatia and other countries via the EU civil protection mechanism, with aircraft and helicopters already en route. Croatian finance update: Croatia’s Ministry of Finance unveiled plans for a new Croatian Investment Account, a tax-friendly way for adults to invest without paying tax on gains, potentially available from Jan 1, 2027. Tourism snapshot: A review analysis of 1.6 million ratings puts Croatia top among major Mediterranean destinations for overall satisfaction, with strengths in location, staff and cleanliness.

Wildfires Crisis in Europe: Massive forest fires in southwestern France and central Spain have forced evacuations of more than 220,000 people, with Spain declaring a national emergency for the first time and France mobilizing the military; in France’s Gironde and Landes regions, around 141,000 have fled, while near Madrid about 60,000 were told to leave or stay indoors as blazes merged and firefighters said the Madrid-area fire is “beyond” their capacity. Croatia in Focus—Disaster Response: Croatia is among the EU partners sending firefighting aircraft to help France, as Macron activates the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and warns the situation remains extremely tense. Croatian National Commemoration: Knin is set for the Oluja (Operation Storm) anniversary programme, starting with the dawn “budnica” march, ceremonies at Knin Fortress, remembrance events, and an evening concert. Tourism & Daily Life: Robots are being introduced in Croatian hotels and restaurants to ease labor shortages by taking on repetitive, physically demanding tasks. Travel Power: Croatia’s passport ranks among the world’s strongest, with visa-free access to 183 destinations. Sports—Croatian Talent Abroad: Derrick Luckassen has joined Red Star Belgrade on a three-year deal after his World Cup run with Ghana.

Wildfires Crisis in Europe: Spain and France are battling fast-moving wildfires that have triggered mass evacuations, including the Cap Ferret peninsula in France where people fled by boat; Spain has declared its first national wildfire emergency near Madrid as heatwave conditions worsen, and both countries are asking the EU for help. Croatia’s Firefighting Support: France says it will receive aerial help including two Canadair aircraft from Croatia, as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism response. Croatian Archaeology: Byzantine gold treasures from a 7th-century shipwreck near Mljet are shedding new light on who was aboard, with researchers pointing to wealthy passengers and major gold finds. Luka Modrić at AC Milan: Croatia’s captain has signed a contract extension to stay at AC Milan for another season, turning 41 this year. Croatia Infrastructure & Energy: Croatia’s grid operator cleared a key milestone for the Pantheon Atlas AI data centre project, and the company is pushing ahead with grid connection plans. Zadar Airport Upgrade: Zadar Airport opened a new terminal boosting capacity to up to 3 million passengers annually.

Football & Croatia in Europe: Luka Modrić has signed a contract extension with AC Milan, keeping the Croatian midfielder at the club until June 30, 2027, after returning from his fifth World Cup and adding 37 appearances and two goals last season. Energy & Investment: HOPS has cleared the technical blueprint for Pantheon AI’s 1-gigawatt data-centre campus in Topusko, moving the €500m+ project into the final power-supply stage, with construction due to start in early 2027. Business Watch: Podravka reported steady first-half 2026 results, with normalised net profit of €41.1m, as growth in pharmaceuticals helped offset pressure on food and agriculture. Travel & Lifestyle: Croatia Airlines will serve “authentic Dalmatian flavours” from August 1, while Air China plans a new Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from September 4 (three weekly flights). Culture & Community: Dubrovnik’s participatory budgeting has finished renovating the Šipanska Luka fish market, upgrading stalls, paving and accessibility. Sports Beyond Football: Sarajevo Film Festival unveiled its 32nd competition lineup, with 21 films premiering across four competitive sections.

Sports & Croatia in the spotlight: Luka Modrić has officially extended his AC Milan deal for one more season, keeping the Croatian captain at San Siro until June 2027 after his fifth World Cup run ended in the round of 32. Tourism & everyday travel: Croatia Airlines will offer passengers on selected flights between 1 August and 30 November complimentary Dalmatian delicacy packs under the “Dalmatian Marenda” project, featuring local prosciutto, olive spreads, olive oil and more. Archaeology & heritage: A Byzantine shipwreck off Mljet has yielded an extraordinary haul of gold, with archaeologists saying the cargo suggests a high-ranking passenger and dating to the 7th or 8th century. Health cooperation: Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed an agreement to strengthen cross-border emergency medicine cooperation, aiming for faster care for life-threatening patients. Regional context: Serbia is facing major disruption risks on the Danube due to exceptionally low water levels, affecting navigation and fuel imports.

EU Finances: Eurostat data shows Croatia’s public debt at 58.4% of GDP in Q1 2026—below the eurozone and EU averages—while the budget deficit has slipped above the EU’s 3% limit for a second straight quarter (Tourism Watch: Croatia’s tourism season is broadly tracking last year’s strong pace, but officials say price debates and climate-driven disruption fears are growing, with Booking.com warning extreme weather and travel friction could reshape summer holidays). On the Ground in Croatia: A beach near Medulin in Istria was closed for four days after a sewage pipe burst, then reopened once water samples showed no further contamination. Travel Perk: Croatia Airlines will start serving a “Dalmatian Marenda” onboard from 1 August, featuring local foods like prosciutto, olive spread, olive oil and rosemary crackers. Sports (Croatia-linked): Hajduk previews its Europa League qualifier against Pafos, with coach Gonzalo Garcia stressing the need to play as a team and aiming to use home support at Poljud.

Croatia’s Health & Safety: A popular beach near Medulin in Istria was shut for four days after workers damaged a sewage pipe, but it has reopened after water samples showed no further contamination; the mayor filed a criminal complaint. Animal Health: Croatia confirmed two new African swine fever outbreaks on pig farms, bringing the year’s total to 101 farm outbreaks and 187 cases in wild boars, with authorities stepping up wild boar culling. Archaeology: Croatia’s Mljet has yielded major underwater finds: 20 shipwrecks from the 2nd century BC to the 16th century, including a rare Byzantine wreck with luxury gold belt sets and emperor coins. Diaspora Policy: Prime Minister Plenković launched a Council of Young Croats Outside Croatia, aiming to bring younger people back and boost ties, with diaspora support rising from €16m (2016) to €200m today. Energy & Economy: INA started a €65m North Adriatic drilling campaign; the first well found gas and is moving toward an extended test. Sports & Culture: Croatia’s World Cup squad member Ivor Pandur says Rangers’ Ibrox pull convinced him, while Herzegovina’s protected uštipak tradition is celebrated at the first HERC Ustipak Fest with 16 teams.

Wildfires & Drought Across Europe: Firefighters in Spain and France battled extreme wildfires amid a severe heatwave; in France, a blaze near Ponteves killed two firefighters, while in Spain’s Guadalajara province evacuations topped 1,200 as temperatures pushed past 40°C. Water Restrictions in the UK: England faces outdoor water-use limits, with Thames Water banning hoses and sprinklers due to low rainfall. Croatia in the Spotlight (Football): Dinamo Zagreb’s Champions League qualifying run continues, with Scott McKenna delivering a strong defensive display in a 1-1 draw at Thun after a World Cup setback. Croatia in the Spotlight (Travel): Croatia ranks 8th on the Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 182 destinations. Local Wins: Croatia’s retailers are pushing back against a night-time alcohol sales ban, and domestic flights have resumed to Osijek, reconnecting eastern Croatia with the coast. World Cup Afterglow: Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina set new U.S. viewing records, while debate over VAR and refereeing controversies continues.