AGP Executive Report

Jobs: Croatia has opened 785 hospitality vacancies to Filipino workers, with nine hotel employers interviewing applicants under a government-to-government agreement that includes legal and security protections. Diplomacy: During Croatia’s first official foreign-minister visit to Cambodia, the countries signed agreements on diplomatic visa exemptions and foreign-service training, and pledged closer cooperation on trade, tourism and demining. Press freedom: Police have identified 23 people suspected of inciting hatred over pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants at a Hajduk Split gathering. The Croatian Journalists’ Association and media watchdogs are demanding action after journalists were threatened and targeted online. Sport: Croatia has bid to host UEFA Futsal Euro 2030, proposing Zagreb and Split as venues. EU enlargement: Montenegro has passed two laws addressing Croatian objections tied to its EU membership bid, though other disputes remain unresolved. Infrastructure and innovation: Rail operator HŽ plans €7.4 million in upgrades to train-maintenance workshops in five cities, while Croatia has fallen six places to 46th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index.

Football Hate Crime: Croatian police have charged 23 people over pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants before Hajduk Split’s match against Ajax. Six are in custody; those convicted could face up to five years in prison. Jobs: Croatia has opened 785 hotel-sector positions to Filipino workers through a government recruitment drive, with nine Croatian employers interviewing candidates. EU Enlargement: Montenegro has passed measures addressing some of Croatia’s concerns over its EU bid, including protections for a memorial to Croatian victims of the Morinj detention camp. Zagreb has set out eight issues it wants resolved before accession. Renewable Energy: Acciona Energía has brought two Croatian wind farms, Opor and Boraja II, into operation, adding 72 megawatts of capacity and lifting its total in the country to 102 megawatts.

Diplomacy: Croatia’s foreign minister visited Cambodia on Monday, agreeing to deepen ties and cooperation on trade, tourism and mine action. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also met China’s foreign minister in Zagreb, with both sides signalling interest in stronger economic ties. EU Enlargement: Montenegro has passed laws addressing Croatian concerns over a memorial to Morinj camp victims and a pool named after a former camp guard, as Zagreb presses for disputes to be resolved before EU accession. Public Safety: A new earthquake hazard map identifies the Dubrovnik region and parts of the Adriatic coast as especially exposed, while Sveti Ilija Tunnel is closed for repairs until December 21. Energy: Acciona has started operating two Croatian wind farms with combined capacity of 72MW, expected to supply about 203GWh of electricity a year. Living Standards: Nearly 40% of Croatian retirees are in poverty, with more people turning to soup kitchens. Food Security: Officials and experts in Dubrovnik are calling for stronger domestic farming and shorter supply chains to reduce reliance on imported food. Extremism: Split’s former mayor says antisemitic and Nazi chants by Hajduk fans have damaged the city’s reputation; police have made arrests.

Croatia–China Ties: President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Zagreb, discussing closer trade and economic cooperation. Clean Energy: Croatia’s largest solar plant, a 99-megawatt project near Benkovac built with Chinese partners, is expected to generate enough power for about 50,000 households. Public Health: Croatia is considering incentives to attract doctors to islands and rural areas, alongside virtual clinics and stronger emergency services. Tourism: Just €48 of every €100 tourists spend stays in Croatia’s domestic economy, prompting calls for stronger links between tourism businesses and local suppliers. Safety and Environment: Zagreb has commissioned groundwater monitoring near the Savica site, where around 33,000 tonnes of hazardous industrial waste lie close to a drinking-water supply area. Football: Croatian leaders condemned pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants before a Hajduk Split match against Ajax; police arrested several people. EU Enlargement: Croatia has set conditions for Montenegro’s EU accession, drawing warnings from Germany and EU officials against delaying the process.

Croatia-China Ties: President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Zagreb, pledging closer cooperation. Plenković highlighted infrastructure, energy and a new Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb air link as opportunities to deepen trade. Environment: Zagreb has commissioned groundwater monitoring near Savica’s 33,000 tonnes of hazardous industrial waste, close to the Petruševec water-supply area. Tourism: Industry leaders warn that just €48 of every €100 tourists spend remains in Croatia, renewing calls for stronger links with local suppliers. Healthcare: The government is considering incentives to attract doctors to islands and rural areas, alongside virtual clinics and stronger emergency services. Public Safety: Police arrested Hajduk Split supporters over pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants before the Ajax match, drawing condemnation from Croatia’s leaders. EU Enlargement: Zagreb is pressing Montenegro to resolve bilateral disputes before accession talks advance, amid warnings from EU partners not to delay the process.

Digital Rules: Wolt now requires Croatian customers ordering alcohol or energy drinks to verify they are adults through the state’s mGrađani system. Heritage: Varaždinske Toplice, where Romans used thermal springs nearly 2,000 years ago, has received temporary cultural-asset protection. China Ties: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Zagreb, discussing trade, infrastructure, energy and tourism as both sides seek closer cooperation. Football Fallout: Police arrested Hajduk Split supporters after Nazi and antisemitic chants before the Ajax match; Croatia’s leaders condemned the incident, and the club apologised. Farm Protest: Residents and campaigners in northern Croatia protested a planned poultry operation near protected areas, which could raise 1.8 million chickens a year. EU Enlargement: Croatia is pressing for eight conditions to be met before it backs Montenegro’s EU accession, drawing warnings from Brussels against delaying the process.

China Ties: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Zagreb on Saturday, calling for deeper trade and investment links. Talks covered infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism, with the Pelješac Bridge cited as a successful joint project. Hate-Chant Arrests: Police have arrested at least 12 Hajduk Split supporters after antisemitic and pro-Nazi chants before the Ajax match. Flares later halted play for 12 minutes; Croatia’s leaders condemned the incident. Montenegro’s EU Bid: Croatia won changes to EU summit conclusions, removing proposed deadlines for closing Montenegro’s negotiating chapters, and set out eight bilateral issues it wants resolved before accession talks conclude. AI Investment: Croatia has announced a €932 million plan to develop artificial intelligence by 2032, including funding for research, skills and wider use of the technology. Island Transport: A daily catamaran linking Pučišća, Postira, Omiš and Split is due to begin on November 1, cutting the journey from Pučišća to Split to about 70 minutes.

Hajduk Investigation: Police in Split have arrested suspects over antisemitic and pro-Nazi chants by Hajduk fans before Thursday’s Ajax match, and are seeking others. Croatia’s president and government condemned the chants; flares also briefly stopped the game. China Ties: President Zoran Milanović and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman met visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Zagreb, pledging closer cooperation. It was the first visit to Croatia by a Chinese foreign minister in 33 years. Support for Bosnia: Croatia’s draft aid program through 2030 names Bosnia and Herzegovina a priority partner, with plans for multi-year projects in areas including healthcare, education and democratic institutions. Coastal Roads: Construction has begun on a €151 million, 5.2-kilometre stretch of the A7 motorway between Križišće and Jadranovo, due to take three years. EU Enlargement: Croatia helped remove a year-end deadline for closing Montenegro’s EU negotiation chapters, pressing Podgorica to address outstanding bilateral disputes. Tourism: Foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reaching €4.59 billion.

Football and Hate Crime: Police in Split arrested at least 12 Hajduk fans after antisemitic and pro-Nazi chants before Thursday’s match against Ajax. President Zoran Milanović called for legal action, saying condemnation alone was no longer enough. Hajduk won 2-1, but flares and objects thrown onto the pitch briefly halted play. EU Enlargement: Croatia intervened to remove a year-end deadline for closing Montenegro’s negotiating chapters, saying unresolved disputes must be addressed first. The move helped stall EU leaders’ discussion of enlargement, while Germany urged Zagreb not to block Montenegro’s bid. Archaeology: Researchers have uncovered a six-metre section of an ancient ship’s keel, pottery and coins off Vis, offering new clues to trade in the eastern Adriatic more than 2,000 years ago. Local News: Bjelovar’s new geothermal Wellovar complex opened to strong demand, with 10 pools and capacity for up to 1,500 visitors. Banski chestnut honey and Čepin cabbage also gained EU protected status, bringing Croatia’s total to 54 protected food products.

Shipbuilding: Turkey’s Kuzey Star is set to acquire 97.13% of Pula’s Uljanik shipyard for €12.05 million, with a condition that shipbuilding continue. Public Integrity: Former Croatian Roads chief Josip Škorić was convicted of taking bribes; his 11-month sentence was converted to community service, alongside a €15,000 fine and repayment of €6,000. Tourism: Industry leaders warn rising costs, shrinking margins and labour shortages are putting pressure on the sector, while experts argue Croatia should avoid competing as a cheap destination. Heroism: Milan Balić received a bravery award for helping rescue around 60 people by boat from a coastal fire near Omiš. EU Relations: Zagreb has outlined eight conditions for Montenegro’s EU accession, including resolving disputes over missing people, prisoners and property; Brussels warns bilateral rows should not stall enlargement. Business and Technology: Osijek-based drone maker Orqa won a $38 million US military contract. Croatia’s inflation also reached a four-month high. Football: Dinamo Zagreb beat Anderlecht 1-0, while Hajduk Split stunned Ajax 2-1 in European competition.

EU Enlargement: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that disputes between neighbours should not stall membership talks, as Croatia set eight conditions for backing Montenegro’s accession, including action on wartime claims, missing people and disputed property. Croatia–Serbia Tensions: Belgrade accused Zagreb of interfering in Serbia’s election campaign and protested Croatian media coverage; Prime Minister Andrej Plenković dismissed the allegations as “complete nonsense.” Defence Industry: Osijek-based drone maker Orqa has won a $38 million US military contract through its American subsidiary, a major breakthrough for the eight-year-old company. Underwater Heritage: Archaeologists exploring a shipwreck near Vis have found rare Greek pottery, coins and parts of the vessel, provisionally dated to the fourth or third century BC. Tourism and Safety: Dubrovnik is building a 572-space Park & Ride facility with electric bus links to ease traffic near the Old Town. In Poreč, a pool-chemical reaction prompted a hotel evacuation; 21 people sought medical help.

EU Enlargement: Croatia has set eight conditions for Montenegro’s EU accession, tying progress to unresolved wartime, property and border disputes. Zagreb says resolving them is key to winning domestic support for Montenegro’s membership. Economy: Moody’s affirmed Croatia’s A3 rating, its highest ever, with a stable outlook, citing lower public debt, growth and reforms. Transport: Zagreb’s robotaxi service is drawing international attention as Uber’s partners begin mapping Manchester streets ahead of possible trials there. Cost of Living: Rent in Croatia has risen 40% in a year, while supermarket chain Studenac plans to close 104 stores in a restructuring.

EU Enlargement: Croatia has outlined eight conditions Montenegro must meet before joining the EU, including resolving wartime disputes, property claims and border issues. Zagreb says progress is needed to secure Croatian support for accession. Public Finances: Moody’s affirmed Croatia’s A3 credit rating, its highest ever, citing falling public debt, economic growth and reforms, while warning that deficit control remains important. Defence: President Zoran Milanović approved Croatia’s continued participation in NATO, EU and UN missions in 2027 and 2028. Environment: Croatia’s toxic-waste scandal continues to widen, with investigators probing alleged illegal dumping in Gospić and other sites; a planned megafarm for 1.8 million chickens has also prompted environmental protests. Cost of Living: Croatian rents rose 40% in a year, among the steepest increases in the EU. Tourism: Rijeka’s 112-year-old Hotel Jadran has reopened after renovation as Croatia’s first Tribute Portfolio hotel. Technology: Zagreb’s driverless taxi service, launched with Uber and partners, is attracting international attention as the companies begin testing in Manchester.

Autonomous Mobility: Zagreb-based Verne has started testing robotaxis without a safety operator onboard, with public service targeted for next year. Tourism Pressure: Plans for about 5,000 new beds south of Dubrovnik are raising concerns over summer traffic, water supplies, staffing and environmental strain along the already crowded Adriatic Highway. Brač Recovery: A natural disaster has been declared in Milna and Nerežišća after a fire damaged homes and businesses; claims must be filed by October 20. Transport: Zagreb’s main railway station is set for a full structural and architectural renovation, with design work due by the end of 2027. Separately, a Croatian Rafale intercepted a passenger plane after it mistakenly transmitted a hijacking code; the aircraft was escorted safely out of Croatian airspace. Bosnia Politics: Coalition talks began before election counting was complete, with Bosnian Croat leader Dragan Čović and barred former Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik emerging as influential players. Household Costs: Croatian rents have surged 40% in a year, among the steepest increases in the EU.

Air Safety: A Croatian Rafale intercepted a passenger jet over central Croatia after a radio fault sent a hijack code from the cockpit. The plane landed safely in Germany, where Nuremberg Airport briefly halted operations. Government and Economy: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told Parliament Croatia’s economy is expected to top €100 billion this year, with 2.2% growth forecast. Pensioners will receive a higher annual supplement in December. Food Safety: Authorities say 150 kilograms of salmonella-linked cherry tomatoes from Italy reached five restaurants in Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar. The businesses are closed for the season, and no related illness reports have been received. Housing: Croatian rents rose 40% in a year, the second-steepest increase in the EU, according to reports. Travel Links: Hong Kong Airlines has approval to serve Zagreb, but has not announced a launch date or begun selling tickets.

Housing: Croatian rents jumped 40.1% year on year in the second quarter, the EU’s second-steepest rise after Romania, far outpacing inflation. Church Accountability: Police have opened an investigation after a minor’s 2021 abuse complaint against a priest was reportedly referred to them only on October 9, following a media inquiry. The Zagreb Archdiocese has declined to answer further questions. Waste Crime: USKOK has widened its probe into alleged hazardous-waste dumping, now targeting 14 people and four companies. Investigators say a network dumped at least 35,000 tonnes of waste and made about €4 million. Transport: A freight train derailment near Rijeka sent 11 cars into a ravine, causing heavy damage and disrupting rail access to the port. Economy: The government has proposed abolishing tax on pensions. Technology: Rimac Technology and ECOBLOX plan to demonstrate modular data-centre technology near Zagreb in November, combining Rimac battery systems with infrastructure designed for high-density computing.