AGP Executive Report

Football and Hate Crime: Police in Split arrested at least 12 Hajduk fans after antisemitic and pro-Nazi chants before the club’s match against Ajax. Croatia’s president and government condemned the abuse, and further arrests may follow. China Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Croatian leaders in Zagreb on Friday. Both sides said they want to deepen cooperation, ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. Aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Croatia’s draft international aid program through 2030 names Bosnia and Herzegovina as a priority partner, focusing on education, healthcare, economic development and democratic institutions. Coastal Infrastructure: Work has begun on a 5.2-kilometre section of the A7 motorway between Križišće and Jadranovo. The €151 million project is expected to take three years. EU Enlargement: Croatia is pressing Montenegro to resolve long-standing disputes before advancing its EU bid, stalling hopes for progress at this week’s summit.

Hate-Chant Arrests: Police in Split have arrested at least a dozen Hajduk fans after antisemitic and pro-Nazi chants before the club’s match against Ajax. Croatia’s president and prime minister condemned the incident, and police say more arrests may follow. Montenegro’s EU Bid: Croatia helped remove a proposed year-end deadline for closing Montenegro’s accession chapters from EU conclusions, insisting unresolved disputes with Zagreb must be addressed. The move stalled hopes of a breakthrough on enlargement. Protected Croatian Foods: Banski chestnut honey and Čepin cabbage have gained EU protected status, bringing Croatia’s total to 54 registered food and agricultural products. Diaspora Links: Croatia is allocating €1.2 million to 66 projects designed to strengthen connections between the diaspora and the country.

Shipbuilding: Turkey’s Kuzey Star is set to take over 97.13% of Pula’s Uljanik shipyard for €12.05 million. The deal requires shipbuilding and ship repair to continue. Bravery Award: Milan Balić, who used two boats to help save around 60 people from a fire near Omiš in August, has received Croatia’s Grand Security Award. Tourism: Hospitality operators warn that rising energy, supply and labour costs are squeezing margins, as experts argue Croatia should compete on quality rather than cheap prices. EU Enlargement: Croatia has set eight conditions for supporting Montenegro’s bid to join the EU, sharpening a debate over how old disputes shape enlargement. Football: Hajduk Split opened its Conference League campaign with a 2-1 win over Ajax, then apologised after fireworks from supporters halted play. Dinamo Zagreb also began with a victory, beating Anderlecht 1-0. Technology: Croatian mobility company Verne is expanding its robotaxi partnership with Pony.ai and Uber, which is testing vehicles in Manchester; Zagreb is the partnership’s first commercial reference point.

EU Enlargement: Croatia has set eight conditions for Montenegro’s accession, including answers on missing people and compensation for former prisoners. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that disputes between neighbours should not hold up enlargement. Belgrade Dispute: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković dismissed Serbia’s protest note accusing Croatia of election interference as “complete nonsense,” saying Croatian media are free to report as they wish. Economy: Croatia’s annual inflation reached 4.7% in September, its highest rate in four months. Osijek-based drone maker Orqa, meanwhile, won a $38 million US military contract. Zagreb: Restoration work at the cathedral has uncovered four more fragments of a Renaissance tombstone, offering new clues to its history. Families: The government plans to raise its newborn payment to €803 from 2027.

EU Enlargement: Croatia has set eight conditions Montenegro must meet before joining the EU, tying several to unresolved disputes from the 1990s war, including compensation for former detainees and the fate of missing people. Regional Tensions: Serbia has protested what it calls Croatian interference in its election process and biased media coverage, adding to a diplomatic dispute between the neighbours. Economy: Moody’s affirmed Croatia’s A3 credit rating, its highest ever. Household Costs: Croatian rents rose 40% in a year, among the sharpest increases in the EU; retailer Studenac plans to close 104 stores as part of a restructuring. Zagreb: The city’s railway station is set for a major renovation, while Croatia is also trialling a fully driverless robotaxi service.

EU Enlargement: Croatia has set out 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. Economy: Moody’s affirmed Croatia’s A3 credit rating, its highest ever, citing falling public debt, growth and reforms; the agency also flagged the need to keep the budget deficit in check. Security: President Zoran Milanović approved continued Croatian participation in NATO, EU and UN missions in 2027 and 2028, including preparations for a new EU naval operation. Zagreb: Serbia showcased its tourism potential and EXPO 2027 at a business event in the capital, inviting Croatian partners to take part; Croatia has not yet confirmed participation. Technology: Uber’s driverless-car tests in Manchester spotlight the company’s partnership with Verne and Pony, which recently launched Europe’s first autonomous taxi service in Zagreb. Nord Stream Case: A Ukrainian former officer has gone on trial in Germany over the 2022 pipeline blasts. Another suspect, detained in Croatia, is contesting extradition to Germany.

Zagreb Transport: Verne has begun testing fully driverless robotaxis in Zagreb, with the company aiming to launch rides without a safety operator next year. Rail Upgrade: Zagreb’s 1892 Main Railway Station is set for a full structural, energy and architectural renovation; design work and permits are due by the end of 2027. Tourism Pressure: Around 5,000 new beds are planned between Dubrovnik and Konavle, raising concerns about traffic, water supplies, the environment and staffing along an already congested stretch of coast. Air Security: A Croatian Rafale intercepted a passenger jet over Croatia after a hijacking alert triggered NATO warnings; officials later said a radio malfunction caused the alarm. Nord Stream Trial: Germany’s first trial over the 2022 pipeline blasts has opened, while a second Ukrainian suspect detained in Croatia is expected to be extradited to Germany.

Air Security: A Croatian Rafale intercepted and escorted a Maltese passenger plane after it transmitted a hijacking alert over Croatia. Authorities said NATO had flagged it as a possible threat; reports later cited a radio malfunction. Economy: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told parliament Croatia’s economy is expected to exceed €100 billion this year. He also announced a higher December pension supplement. Environment: Greenpeace activists protested a planned poultry megafarm in eastern Croatia, warning of waste risks to a nearby protected wetland. The facility is expected to produce 1.8 million chickens a year. Culture: Croatia will get the first international version of Death in Paradise, set on Brač, with filming planned for spring 2027. Nord Stream Case: A suspect sought by German prosecutors over the pipeline explosions is in custody in Croatia and fighting extradition. Travel: Hong Kong Airlines has permission to serve Zagreb, but has not announced a launch date or confirmed flights.

Housing: Croatian rents jumped 40.1% in the year to the second quarter of 2026, the EU’s second-steepest increase, behind Romania. Church accountability: Zagreb police are investigating a priest accused of abusing a minor in 2021. The archdiocese reportedly reported the allegation only this month, after a media inquiry. Waste probe: Authorities have expanded an investigation into an alleged multi-million-euro toxic waste scheme. Tourism: Minister Tonči Glavina says Croatia is aiming to spread visitors across the year and use carrying-capacity studies to ease pressure on communities during peak season. Rijeka rail: A freight train derailment near Rijeka caused major damage and disrupted rail access to the port.

Waste-Crime Probe: Croatia’s USKOK has widened its investigation into alleged hazardous-waste dumping, adding five suspects and three companies. The case now involves 14 people and four firms, with investigators alleging at least 35,000 tonnes of waste were illegally dumped. Retail Shake-Up: Studenac plans to close 104 stores and cut 185 administrative jobs as it restructures during pre-bankruptcy proceedings. Rimac’s AI Push: Rimac Technology is teaming with ECOBLOX to develop modular power and cooling systems for AI data centres, using Rimac battery technology. China-Croatia Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to visit Croatia from October 14 to 20, alongside trips to three other countries and a summit in Azerbaijan. International Coordination: Croatia joined 28 countries in condemning alleged Iranian state-backed attacks and threats in the West. Rijeka Rail: Freight access to the Port of Rijeka has been blocked for a week, adding pressure to a key logistics gateway.

Military Service: Young Croatian men, including students, are facing court proceedings for missing medical examinations tied to military service. Some have been fined, while others were acquitted because summonses were not properly delivered. Rijeka’s Rail Link: A freight train derailment near Rijeka sent 11 grain wagons off the tracks, closing a railway section; no one was injured. The incident underscores the importance of rail connections as the city expands its role as a regional logistics gateway. Shipbuilding and Defence: Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard has agreed to work with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on commercial and naval vessels, including potential projects for Croatia’s planned frigate programme. Tourism and Health: Croatia has surpassed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2026, while Zagreb University Hospital reports a one-year survival rate above 95% for liver transplant patients.

Rijeka Rail Disruption: Eleven wagons derailed near Meja while carrying grain, causing major damage and closing the railway section. No injuries were reported; investigators are examining a reported brake failure. Tourism: Croatia recorded 4.8 million arrivals and 26.9 million overnight stays in August. Germany was the largest foreign market, and Rovinj the top destination. Healthcare: Zagreb’s KBC hospital reports more than 95% one-year survival for liver transplant patients, with Croatia among the world’s leaders in organ donation and transplantation. Energy: Geothermal wells are being explored near Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci and Zaprešić, with a plan to use the energy to heat homes and public buildings by 2030. Housing: Around 2,000 people in Croatia are homeless and 15,000 more live in insecure or inadequate housing; shelters have space for about 450.

Rail Disruption: Eleven freight-train wagons carrying grain plunged into a ravine near Meja, east of Rijeka, on Saturday. No one was hurt, but the line is closed and badly damaged; the driver had reported brake failure, and the cause is under investigation. Homelessness: Around 2,000 people in Croatia have no roof over their heads, while 15,000 more face inadequate or insecure housing. The country’s shelters have just 450 places, prompting calls for better coordination of support. Football: Croatia’s football federation was fined €20,000 over discriminatory conduct by fans during the Nations League match against Spain. A two-year conditional ban on away tickets was also imposed. Zagreb Mobility: Pony.ai and Verne have begun fully driverless test rides for invited passengers in Zagreb, while rides booked through Uber initially operate with safety drivers. Tourism: Croatia has passed 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026, and Šibenik has been named among Lonely Planet’s top destinations for 2027.

Rail Disruption: A freight train carrying grain derailed near Meja, east of Rijeka, after the driver reported brake failure. Eleven wagons plunged into a ravine; no one was injured, but the station was badly damaged and the line is closed. Homelessness: New figures put the number of people without shelter in Croatia at about 2,000, with 15,000 more in insecure or inadequate housing. Shelters have only 450 places nationwide. Household Costs: Heating is set to cost more this winter: firewood is up about 10%, electricity 15% and heating oil 92% year on year. Tourism: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% respectively from a year earlier. 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: Croatia’s federation was fined €20,000 over supporter behaviour during the Spain match and given a conditional ban on selling away tickets.

Defense and Energy: South Korean Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik met Croatia’s president, prime minister and parliament speaker in Zagreb, urging wider industry and technology ties after a €477 million deal to supply 18 Chunmoo rocket systems. Tourism: Croatia logged 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% year on year; foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half. Prison Conditions: A human rights group says overcrowding is worsening conditions across Croatian prisons. The system was 126% full at the end of 2025, with Osijek prison at 205% capacity. Culture: Goran Bare, the influential frontman of rock band Majke, has died aged 61 after more than four decades in music. Business: An Umag company has launched a digital wine map charting more than 4.3 million vineyards across 90 countries, including over 53,000 in Croatia.

Croatian Music: Rock musician Goran Bare, frontman of the influential band Majke, has died aged 61, Croatian media report. Economy: Croatia’s nominal GDP is forecast to top €100 billion for the first time in 2026, with growth projected at 2.3–2.4%. Eurostat data also puts Croatia third in the EU for the share of businesses under foreign control: 5%. Tourism: Croatia has welcomed more than 20 million visitors so far this year, with September numbers up. US Ties: The US ambassador says Croatia and the United States could resolve their long-standing double-taxation issue by year-end; the treaty still needs US Senate ratification. Infrastructure: Croatia has signed a €677 million contract to double-track a key freight rail corridor. A new air traffic control centre near Zadar Airport is also planned, with construction estimated at €12.34 million before VAT.