AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth: Croatia’s new school year begins with Minister Radovan Fuchs urging pupils to be “curious, brave and persistent,” while noting that over 4,000 first-graders have had enrolment postponed. Public Health & Lifestyle: Eurostat data puts Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, with experts pointing to diet shifts and lower activity levels. Environment & Activism: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb demanding urgent cleanup of illegally stored toxic waste in Lika near Gospić, calling for a waste-import moratorium and a national plan within 20 days. Local Culture & Food: Štrudlafest in Jaškovo near Ozalj spotlights traditional strudel-making, awarding the “Golden Grandma” title and adding craft workshops and a Tesla-themed corner. Film & Awards: Croatia selected Hana Jušić’s historical drama “God Will Not Help / Bog neće pomoći” as its Oscar entry, while Varna’s World Festival of Animated Film crowned “Gently.” Sports & Community: Police in Zagreb cracked down on e-scooters, seizing 15 and issuing 114 offences, mostly for missing helmets.

Environmental Protest: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb demanding faster cleanup of illegally stored toxic waste in Lika near Gospić, where authorities say 34,000–37,000 tons (and activists claim more) are threatening soil and water; protesters want a national waste plan within 20 days and a temporary ban on waste imports. Public Health & Lifestyle: Croatia’s adult obesity rate hit 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with men more affected than women—another reminder that diet and activity trends are shifting. Education: Croatia’s new school year starts Sept. 7 as pupils return to classrooms; the education minister flagged that over 4,000 first-graders had enrollment postponed, urging parents to rely on professionals. City Life & Safety: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered electric scooters after a crackdown found helmet violations and vehicles exceeding legal limits. Film & Culture: Croatia selected Hana Jušić’s historical drama “God Will Not Help” as its Oscar candidate; in animation, Varna’s World Festival of Animated Film crowned “Gentle” with the Grand Prix. Tourism Mood: Early September still feels like summer in Dubrovnik—warm sea, fewer crowds—though smoke from cross-border wildfires has also been reported. Arts Spotlight: Štrudlafest in Jaškovo near Ozalj opened with new workshops and the “Golden Grandma” award for Ana Vujaklija.

Back to School: Croatian pupils return to classrooms tomorrow as Education Minister Radovan Fuchs notes that over 4,000 first-graders had enrolment postponed, urging parents to rely on professionals rather than personal judgement. Protest & Environment: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika” rally, demanding a fast cleanup of illegally stored hazardous waste near Gospić, with protesters calling for a moratorium on imports and a national waste plan within 20 days. Culture & Food: Štrudlafest kicked off in Jaškovo near Ozalj, spotlighting the “Golden Grandma” award for strudel tradition and adding new workshops and a Tesla-themed corner. Arts & Heritage: The Epidaurus Cavtat Festival marks its 20th anniversary with a programme bringing international artists back to southern Croatia, dedicated this year to the artistic director’s mother. Transport & Daily Life: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered electric scooters during a crackdown, citing safety and legal limits. International Links: International Zagreb Airport welcomed the first direct China–Croatia flight, launching an Air China route via Bucharest. Sports: Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic scored for Brighton against Leeds, with coach Fabian Hurzeler praising his quick adaptation to the Premier League. Regional Memory: Ratko Mladić’s return to Serbia sparked condemnation across the Balkans, with EU officials warning against glorification.

Hazardous Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika” protest, demanding urgent cleanup of illegally stored toxic waste near Gospić in Croatia’s Lika region. Authorities say 34,000–37,000 tons were found, including medical and industrial waste allegedly imported from Italy, with protesters warning of risks to air, soil and drinking water and calling for a temporary ban on waste imports and a national waste plan within 20 days. Public Safety & Mobility: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered e-scooters after a two-day crackdown, issuing dozens of offences tied to helmet use and improper riding, as authorities tighten rules on devices exceeding legal speed/power limits. Culture & Community: Štrudlafest kicked off in Jaškovo near Ozalj, spotlighting traditional strudel-making and crafts, plus a “Tesla Corner” linking science and heritage. Heritage in Action: International volunteers returned to Croatia’s UNESCO Stari Grad Plain on Hvar for the World Heritage Volunteers workshop, helping preserve the ancient Greek agricultural landscape. Arts Spotlight: The Epidaurus Cavtat Festival marks its 20th anniversary with a programme of music, art and flamenco, dedicated to the artistic director’s mother. Travel Links: Air China launched a new year-round Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route (three times weekly), aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange.

Education & AI: A new critical review argues generative AI is reshaping education by changing how students are “recognized” and judged, potentially widening participation or deepening exclusion depending on how it’s used. Youth & Inequality: Eurostat data shows Greece lags the EU on tertiary attainment for 25–34-year-olds, while women and city residents hold degrees at much higher rates—Croatia sits near the Balkan average. Heritage in Croatia: A long-forgotten sundial on Pag’s Cape Škamica has been reconstructed, while Đurđevac’s lowland fortress is undergoing restoration with new cultural content planned. UNESCO & Community: Young volunteers from around the world are back on Hvar’s Stari Grad Plain to help preserve the UNESCO landscape through hands-on work. Travel & Culture Links: Air China launched a year-round Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route, aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange. Arts in Croatia: Korčula hosts a free Marko Polo Gala Concert with Croatian classical stars, mixing opera and popular composers. Balkan Context: Coverage around Srebrenica and the death/return of Ratko Mladić keeps tensions and debates about reconciliation in focus.

UNESCO & Community Work: Young volunteers from around the world are back on Croatia’s Hvar to help preserve the UNESCO Stari Grad Plain, joining the sixth annual World Heritage Volunteers workshop focused on protecting its ancient Greek agricultural landscape. Aviation & Tourism: International Zagreb Airport welcomed Air China’s first direct Beijing–Zagreb service (via Bucharest), running three times a week year-round—an opening expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange. Culture & Music in Croatia: Korčula hosts a free Marko Polo Gala Concert on Sunday, mixing Croatian classical stars with a cross-genre programme from Puccini and Verdi to Gershwin and Offenbach. Film & Awards: Croatia has selected Hana Jušić’s “God Will Not Help” as its submission for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category. Regional Politics & Memory: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s remains were received with public glorification, underscoring how war-crimes memory keeps shaping Balkan culture and public life. Arts & Identity: The Gypsy Lore Society and Romani Studies conference in Zagreb highlighted Romani customary law as cultural heritage, with research supported by the Roma association “KALI SARA.”

Croatian Film & Oscars: Croatia has picked Hana Jušić’s historical drama God Will Not Help as its submission for the 99th Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category, after its Locarno premiere and multiple festival wins. Zagreb Back to School: Zagreb’s ZET public transport moves to its autumn timetable from Monday, 7 September, with tram line changes and extra attention requested in school zones. Local Arts in Korčula: Korčula hosts the free Marko Polo Gala Concert on Sunday, 6 September, with soprano Lidija Horvat-Dunjko and mezzo-soprano Martina Gojčeta Silić performing a mix of Puccini, Verdi, Bernstein and Croatian composers. Film Development (Croatia in the mix): Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska is developing Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity), a feminist drama co-produced with partners including Croatia’s Terminal 3. Culture & Heritage: An international UNESCO-backed forum on maritime heritage and fishing traditions opens in Burgas, with regional experts including Croatia discussing how to protect and present living seafaring culture. Children’s Books: Templar Books acquired two more titles in Harriet Howe and Katie Cottle’s Little Wolf series—Little Wolf’s Big Huff (Sept 2026) and Little Wolf’s First Day (Aug 2027)—with rights already sold including to Croatia. Regional News (Balkans): Ratko Mladić’s body is being brought to Serbia for a large funeral, keeping regional tensions and debates over war-crimes memory in the spotlight.

Croatian Film & Oscars: Croatia has selected Hana Jušić’s God Will Not Help as its Best International Feature Film submission for the 99th Academy Awards, a Locarno 2025 standout about a shepherd community thrown into turmoil by a mysterious “foreign wife.” Classical Music in Dalmatia: Korčula hosts the free Marko Polo Gala Concert on Sept 6 at Hotel Marko Polo, with soprano Lidija Horvat-Dunjko and mezzo-soprano Martina Gojčeta Silić plus a program spanning Puccini, Verdi, Gershwin and Croatian composers. Zagreb Back to School: From Sept 7, ZET moves to its autumn timetable, bringing back tram lines 9/17 and night tram 32, while ending temporary bus line 602. Intangible Heritage: The Kaljski dialect of Kali (Ugljan) is now a protected cultural asset, with local schools and the Kalipedia online dictionary helping keep it alive. Maritime Culture: UNESCO-backed forum in Burgas focuses on safeguarding intangible maritime heritage and fishing traditions, linking research to tourism and city policy. Travel & Access: Air Canada expands Summer 2027 routes, including new year-round service to Dubrovnik from Montréal. Sports & Culture: The Venice Film Festival opens Sept 2–12, with Lithuanian VR film Eyes of Shame (co-produced with Croatia) competing in Venice Immersive. Regional Reckoning: Ratko Mladić’s body is set to arrive in Serbia Sept 3 for a major funeral, reigniting Balkan tensions and EU concerns.

Croatian Culture & Heritage: The Kaljski dialect from Kali (Ugljan) has been officially declared a protected cultural asset, with the Ministry of Culture and Media adding it to Croatia’s Register of Cultural Assets. Adriatic Travel & Lifestyle: Jadrolinija is extending the high-speed Zadar–Ancona line until Sept. 6, adding extra sailings and promotional fares. Local Festivals & Food: Orebić launches “Kapetanske storije – Captains’ Stories,” a new Sept. 5 food-and-wine event rooted in the town’s maritime past. Heat & Daily Life: A powerful early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with 40°C+ highs targeting the Mediterranean and the Balkans, including Croatia. Arts & Film (International): Colombian filmmakers Bibiana Rojas Gómez and Juan David Cárdenas premiere “The End of Times” at Venice Critics’ Week, blending family archives, fiction, animation and AI. Sport & Community: Croatia’s agricultural support for Croats in Serbia moves forward with €2 million in contracts for 257 holdings. History & Memory: Ratko Mladić’s death renews debate over Europe’s unfinished reckoning with the Srebrenica genocide.

Cavtat Luxury, Rewritten: Hotel Vallum in Cavtat is carving out a new kind of luxury—privacy, contemporary design and discreet, highly personalised service—while pushing culture and gastronomy to keep the destination buzzing beyond summer. Dubrovnik’s Sustainable Visitor Tech: The Dubrovnik Pass has reached the final of the European Cultural Tourism Network Awards 2026, spotlighting smart, sustainable management that links heritage, public transport and visitor flow. Green Ring Grows: Dubrovnik is planting 57 new trees along Uz Posat outside the old city walls, starting with 11 date palms, to restore the historic palm-lined gateway and boost resilience. Pelješac Care Gets Funding: A Pelješac Rehabilitation and Hippotherapy Centre has secured co-financing, bringing specialised support for children with developmental difficulties and people with disabilities. Orebić’s New September Festival: Orebić launches “Kapetanske storije – Captains’ Stories” on Sept 5, blending sea-captain traditions with local wines, food and live music. Zagreb Free Walks: Zagreb Tourist Board’s September programme offers 31 free themed walking tours, including Upper Town stories and a tribute to writer August Šenoa. Visa Rules Update: Thailand will replace its 60-day visa exemption with 30-day and 15-day limits from Sept 15, with Croatia included in the 30-day category. IVF Cost Pressure: High fertility treatment costs are pushing more Americans abroad for IVF, as coverage remains limited at home. Belarus Pressure: Tsikhanouskaya urged EU diplomats to keep pressure on Lukashenka, warning repression and political prisoners remain. Srebrenica Remembrance: Coverage continues around Ratko Mladić’s death and the ongoing political fallout over how the Balkans reckon with war crimes.

Pelješac & Community Care: The Pelješac Rehabilitation and Hippotherapy Centre has secured co-financing, a major step toward specialized support for children with developmental difficulties and people with disabilities. Dubrovnik Sustainable Tourism: The Dubrovnik Pass is in the final of the European Cultural Tourism Network Awards 2026, while the city also keeps greening the gateway to the Old Town with the “Green Ring” project—57 new trees planted along Uz Posat. Dubrovnik Culture on Stage: Stradun Classic continues with an “Across the Pond” programme featuring American composers, from Barber and Gershwin to Copland. Zagreb for Free: Zagreb Tourist Board brings back 31 free themed walking tours in September, including Upper Town stories and a Šenoa-focused route. Orebić Food & Wine: Orebić launches its first “Captains’ Stories” festival on Sept 5, pairing sea-captain traditions with local wines, dishes, and live music. Natural Heritage: Croatia’s Tree of the Year 2026 voting opens, with two finalists from Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Demography Watch: Croatia recorded 924 more births in the first seven months of 2026 than last year, with July hitting a six-year high. Remembering Srebrenica: Coverage continues around Ratko Mladić’s death and the ongoing reckoning with Srebrenica.

Dubrovnik Tourism & Heritage: The Dubrovnik Pass has reached the final of the European Cultural Tourism Network Awards 2026, with a public-choice vote now open—recognition tied to smart, sustainable visitor management and transport links. Dubrovnik Green Makeover: Work is underway on the “Tree Avenue – Green Ring Around the City,” with 57 new trees planted along Uz Posat near the Old City walls, including palms and other species, while preserving existing vegetation. Pelješac Care Upgrade: A new Rehabilitation and Hippotherapy Centre on Pelješac has secured co-financing, aiming to expand specialised support for children with developmental difficulties and people with disabilities. Zagreb Free Culture Walks: Zagreb Tourist Board launches 31 free themed walking tours in September, from Upper Town stories to Mažuranić family history and a Šenoa-focused route, plus child-friendly options. Local Traditions in Slano: “Slano is Sweet” returns Sept 5–6, spotlighting krokanat—an old wedding-and-celebration dessert tradition with a live “best krokanat” contest. Croatia Demographics: Croatia recorded 924 more births in the first seven months of 2026 than the same period last year, with July surpassing 3,000 live births for the first time in six years. Croatian Sports Infrastructure: The €35m HNS national team camp in Velika Gorica is progressing, with new pitches and facilities planned for athletes and staff.

Croatian Culture & Lifestyle: Štrudlafest in Jaškovo: Croatia’s strudel-focused festival returns on Sept 5–6 with craft workshops, live music, and new competitions for the best sweet and savoury strudels (including a beer-based twist). Dubrovnik Region Food Traditions: Slano is Sweet: the “krokanat” dessert takes centre stage at Slano’s gastro weekend (Sept 5–6), celebrating a centuries-old wedding and family-ceremony tradition. Zagreb Food Scene: Dolac Market on a weekday morning: a vivid look at how Zagreb’s market culture feeds the city’s growing fine-dining and cocktail boom. Travel Rules Affecting Croatians: Thailand visa change: visa-free stays drop from 60 to 30 days for travellers from 60 countries (including Croatia), effective Sept 15, 2026, with land-border entries limited to twice yearly. Road Safety & Daily Life: Dubrovnik bottleneck: the DC8 road through Župa dubrovačka is carrying 33,000 vehicles a day—over 150% of capacity—turning tourism traffic into a resident safety issue. Sports & Faith: Hrgović wins IBF title: Filip Hrgović credits his comeback victory to Jesus Christ, adding a distinctly personal faith angle to Croatia’s boxing spotlight.

Croatian Culture & Arts: Croatian music legend Stjepan “Jimmy” Stanić has died at 98, ending a career that spanned jazz, swing, popular songs and a very recognisable Zagreb stage persona. Film & Memory: Lordan Zafranović’s “Golden Cut 42 (Children of Kozara)” will open FEST on 2 October in Belgrade, revisiting the suffering of children in the Jasenovac camp through interwoven victim and perpetrator perspectives. Church Accountability: A timeline of the Father Marko Rupnik case highlights years of alleged abuse and the Church’s push for safeguarding and transparency under Pope Leo XIV. Sports & Faith: Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgović won the IBF title over Moses Itauma, crediting his comeback to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Travel & Lifestyle (Croatia): Jadrolinija extends its new Zadar–Ancona fast ferry service until 6 September after strong demand. Food Festival: Štrudlafest returns to Jaškovo near Ozalj on 5–6 September with strudel competitions, craft workshops and live music. Spotlight on Place: Martelovo jezero in Istria’s Pazin Cave is drawing attention for its strict visitor rules and otherworldly underground setting. Regional Culture Politics: The death of Ratko Mladić has reignited debate across the Balkans, with large public tributes in parts of the region underscoring unresolved tensions over the 1990s wars.

War Crimes & Memory: Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian Serb commander convicted over Srebrenica and other atrocities, has died in UN custody in The Hague at 84, reopening painful questions about justice and how the Balkans remember its past. Croatian Culture in the Spotlight: World-famous tenor José Carreras performed in front of Dubrovnik Cathedral with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, underlining the city’s push to keep culture at the heart of its identity. Heritage & Travel in Istria: Martelovo jezero (Martel’s Lake) is spotlighted as a rare, strictly regulated lake hidden deep inside Pazin Cave—another reason to look beyond the coast. Local Life & Weather: Dubrovnik braces for more scorching days as an orange heat warning stays in force, with DHMZ urging extra care for vulnerable groups. Sports & Public Interest: In London, Filip Hrgović beat Moses Itauma to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title, while Itauma later issued a statement after his stoppage loss. Public Order & Identity: A Serbian influencer was detained in Split over Chetnik tattoos and faces deportation and a five-year entry ban. Sustainability: Croatian diver Kristijan Curavić plans a Guinness-style underwater plastic-removal mission at Krapanj, aiming for measurable plastic-free tourism zones.

Montenegro Film Festival: The Golden Mimosa competition wrapped with a strong regional lineup, including a closing screening of To Hold a Mountain / Planina (Serbia–Montenegro–Slovenia–Croatia), plus a major industry segment, Montenegro Film Rendezvous, with workshops such as Female Filmmakers supported by the French Embassy and Francophonie partners. Dubrovnik Culture & Heritage: José Carreras brought world-class opera to Dubrovnik Cathedral with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, while the Stradun Classic Festival opened with “Bella Italia,” featuring Croatian and international musicians. Dubrovnik Sports Event: Water polo goes “4×4” in the UNESCO-listed Old Harbour with the inaugural World Aquatics 4×4 Water Polo World Championship running Aug 31–Sep 6. Dubrovnik Weather: A DHMZ orange heat warning keeps the Dubrovnik region scorching into Monday, with highs above 32°C and warm nights—heat risk advice for vulnerable groups. Environment in Croatia: Krapanj diver Kristijan Curavić is taking his plastic-free beach mission underwater with a Guinness-style seabed extraction challenge. Regional Memory & Accountability: Ratko Mladić’s death in The Hague is again sparking debate across the Balkans over how war criminals are remembered and whether reconciliation can move forward.