AGP Executive Report

Dubrovnik Summer Festival: The 77th edition wrapped after 47 intense days, with 73 performances across the city and around 30,000 visitors, plus record souvenir sales (+110%) and nearly two million unique social media users. Travel & Lifestyle: easyJet holidays is rolling out package trips to two Croatian coastal destinations—Opatija (with Hilton’s Keight Hotel Opatija) and Zadar (including an adults-only Falkensteiner option). Regional Politics & EU: Montenegro’s PM Milojko Spajić warns of a regional hybrid campaign aimed at destabilising the country ahead of EU membership talks. Aviation & Mobility: United Airlines announced its biggest international expansion yet for 2027, adding 10 new international cities, including Ljubljana and several Mediterranean routes. Culture & Memory: Ratko Mladić, convicted for genocide tied to Srebrenica, has died in The Hague while serving a life sentence—closing a major legal chapter, but leaving the region’s memory and accountability debates very much alive. Luxury Travel: Billionaires reportedly gathered aboard a €200m superyacht near Mljet, with WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum hosting Jeff Bezos and Barry Diller.

Remembering Srebrenica: Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian Serb general convicted for the 1995 Srebrenica genocide and the siege of Sarajevo, has died at 84 in a UN prison hospital in The Hague, closing a life sentence that followed a landmark 2017 conviction. Justice & memory: Courts found he helped drive “ethnic cleansing,” including the killing of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys after Srebrenica fell, and a terror campaign against civilians in Sarajevo. Regional media spotlight: Reports also note how different outlets frame his legacy—some focusing on crimes and victims, others portraying him as a “hero,” keeping the debate over responsibility and remembrance alive. Croatia lifestyle angle: Separate coverage notes a €200 million superyacht visit near Mljet by WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, with Jeff Bezos and Barry Diller reportedly aboard.

Croatian Heritage & Culture: St. Jerome is celebrated on Sept. 30, with the Church marking the scholar-priest’s Latin Bible legacy and his Croatian roots. Local Festivals: Vinkovci’s 61st Vinkovačke Jeseni runs Sept. 11–20, spotlighting Slavonian folklore with a theme about “The Train of the Slavonian Plain” and stories of arrivals and new beginnings. Film & LGBTQ+ Culture: Priosma Queer Film Festival returns to Cork (Sept. 10–13) with an expanded programme of LGBTQ+ cinema, talks and community events. Science & Innovation in Croatia: Istria is investing over €10m in a new high-tech research centre in Pula (METRIS), turning a hospital building into labs, prototyping and advanced equipment access for local companies. Transport & City Life: Dubrovnik unveils 12 new fully electric buses (with more planned), pushing greener public transport across city routes. Environment & Safety: Croatian fires are often linked to overgrown private land, while Europe faces record-scale burn areas amid extreme heat. Video Games & Media Literacy: Video Games Europe and EGDF publish updated “All About Video Games” key facts, expanding market coverage and introducing new PEGI rules for online interaction risks. Ancient History: A Roman shipwreck off Croatia (Ilovik–Paržine 1) reveals how ancient sailors waterproofed wooden hulls with pitch and beeswax.

Dubrovnik’s Electric Upgrade: Dubrovnik unveiled 12 new fully electric buses for Libertas, part of a €10.49m electrification push funded largely by EU sources, with the fleet set to grow to 14 and cover all city routes. Istria’s Research Leap: Istria is investing over €10m in a new high-tech METRIS research centre in Pula, turning a hospital “old surgery” building into labs, prototyping and tech-transfer spaces for local businesses. Festival Calendar (Culture): Vinkovci kicks off the 61st Vinkovačke Jeseni from 11–20 September, themed “The Train of the Slavonian Plain,” spotlighting folklore, migration stories and children’s folklore events. Queer Cinema: Priosma Queer Film Festival returns to Cork (Sept 10–13) with a bigger four-day programme of LGBTQ+ films, talks and community events. Heritage & Learning: Glagolitic research is being tied to media literacy education through new cross-cultural, performative initiatives. Travel & Lifestyle: A new report puts Dubrovnik at the top for screen-free summer travel, while luxury travel trends point to “storytelling” and insider access over checklist tourism. Climate Watch: Another heat dome is forecast across southern Europe, with Croatia among areas facing 40°C+ and dangerous “tropical nights.”

Arthouse & Heritage: CICAE’s 23rd Arthouse Cinema Training opened in Berlin with a record 58 participants from 25 countries, including Croatia, running until Aug 30 with workshops on arthouse exhibition and intercultural exchange. Croatian Culture Spotlight: Istria is being showcased to millions of German viewers via the “Wunderschön” TV programme, highlighting local stories, food, wine and cultural sites from Pula to Rovinj. Local History & Community: Osijek-Baranja County launched a housing programme for young families—long-term rentals (10+ years) with a path to buy after a decade—aiming to tackle demographic decline. Cinema & Education: Glagolitic research is being used for media literacy and cross-cultural education, with a Sept 9 exhibition tied to Bulgarian National Radio. Sports in Heritage: BRAVE CF 108 brings modern MMA to Pula Arena on Sept 5, turning the Roman amphitheatre into a new kind of cultural stage. Climate Watch: The EU’s JRC warns heat and drought are hitting summer crops and fodder supply, with impacts including Croatia.

Bosnia Election Watch: Bosnia heads to an October 4 vote with the state still stuck in political deadlock, as the OSCE/ODIHR opens an election observation mission amid rising challenges to the constitutional order. Zagreb Heritage: Croatia’s earthquake-damaged cultural heritage restoration is entering its final phase, with over €1.7 billion spent across 500+ projects and major works like Zagreb Cathedral still among the most complex. Zagreb Food & Culture: Fiesta Latina opened in Zagreb’s Strossmayer Square, bringing Latin American street food, cocktails, music and dancing from Mexico, Peru and Cuba. Pula Arena in the Spotlight: BRAVE CF 108 is set to bring modern MMA to Pula Arena on September 5, turning the Roman amphitheatre into a new kind of spectacle. Rijeka Health Tech: KBC Rijeka carried out its first robot-assisted gynaecological surgeries, marking a new step for minimally invasive care. Osijek Living History: A Roman ship replica was stranded on a sandbank in the Drava River near Osijek as drought hits Europe’s inland waterways, with the Croatian Army deployed to recover it. Climate & Crops: The EU’s JRC warns heat and drought are stressing summer crops and fodder supply across western and central Europe, including Croatia. Local Housing for Families: Osijek-Baranja County launched a long-term rental-to-own programme for young families, aiming to build 52 housing units and tackle demographic decline. Film & Co-productions: Wajda School’s “New Talents” showcase heads to Berlin on September 11, pitching young fiction and documentary projects for international co-production.

New Housing for Young Families: Osijek-Baranja County launched “Our Slavonia and Baranja – Our Home,” offering long-term rentals for young families with a path to buy after 10 years (rent paid deducted), aiming to tackle demographic decline and worker shortages. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: KBC Rijeka carried out its first robot-assisted gynaecological surgeries, using a €5.11m state-funded system designed for smaller incisions and faster recovery. Heritage Restoration: Croatia’s earthquake-damaged cultural heritage restoration is entering its final phase, with over €1.7bn spent across 500+ projects; Zagreb Cathedral and other major sites remain among the most complex works. Dubrovnik Infrastructure: Dubac Cemetery is nearing completion of its second phase, with first new graves expected in early 2027 and plans already in motion to expand capacity toward 3,500. Culture & Sport in Pula: BRAVE CF 108 returns “gladiators” to Pula Arena on Sept 5, bringing modern MMA into a Roman amphitheatre setting. Local Life & Travel: A Croatian road dubbed “Istrian Route 66” (D66) and the Baćina Lakes’ year-round freshwater swimming are spotlighted as fresh lifestyle travel picks. Community & Identity: Ukrainians in Pula mark 35 years of independence with a 35-meter flag in the old town square, keeping cultural ties visible abroad.

Cultural Heritage: Zagreb Cathedral’s earthquake-damaged restoration is nearing its final phase, with over €1.7 billion spent across 500+ projects and only the most complex works still running—potentially stretching to 2030. Healthcare & Tech: KBC Rijeka carried out Croatia’s first robot-assisted gynaecological operations, using a €5.11 million state-funded system aimed at smaller incisions and faster recovery. Film & Awards: Sarajevo Film Festival’s 32nd edition ended with Sandra Wollner’s Everytime winning the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Narrative Feature and also taking the CICAE Award, while 17 by Kosara Mitić collected multiple prizes. Sports & Pride: Artem Dolgopyat won European men’s gymnastics floor gold in Zagreb, adding another major title to his medal haul. Local Safety: Sisak-Moslavina police warned parents ahead of the school year: children under 14 can’t ride electric scooters independently in traffic. Culture on the Move: A replica Roman ship was stranded in Croatia’s Drava River due to record-low water levels, and the Croatian Army helped recover it.

Dubrovnik Fire Investigation: Croatian police arrested a 38-year-old over illegal fireworks that sparked a wildfire near Gorica sv. Vlaha, destroying about 6,000 sq m of pine forest and low vegetation, with investigators pointing to media footage and seized remnants. Traffic Safety for Families: Sisak-Moslavina County police warned ahead of the school year that children under 14 can’t ride electric scooters independently in traffic, citing 17 scooter-related accidents last year and noting most scooters were bought by parents. Culture & Community: The 4th Mostar Jazz Fest kicks off tonight in front of the Herceg Stjepan Kosača Croatian House, running to Aug 25 with an education program (Mostar Jazz Edu & Science). Opera in Zagreb: Zagreb Opera Festival returns with Verdi’s Aida opening Sept 11, featuring HNK Zagreb Opera leadership and children’s programming alongside major guest companies. Film Spotlight: Sarajevo Film Festival wrapped with Austria’s Everytime winning Best Narrative Feature Film, while Croatia co-produced documentary To Hold a Mountain also took a top honor. Lifestyle & Travel: A new wave of shoulder-season travel is pushing fall bookings up across Europe, with travelers chasing milder weather and better value. Sports & Youth: Split hosts the Plazma Youth Sport Games, billed as Europe’s biggest amateur children’s sports event, mixing competition with lessons on teamwork and phone-free focus.

Film & Festivals: CineFest Miskolc (Sept 4–12) unveils its 22nd edition lineup and a new V4+ competition, with Igor Šeregi’s The Wedding / Svadba opening the festival. Regional Jazz: The 4th Mostar Jazz Fest kicks off tonight in front of the Herceg Stjepan Kosača Croatian House, running to Aug 25 with an education track, Mostar Jazz Edu & Science. Dance Culture: Prague’s Dancing House marks 30 years with free dance classes, workshops and performances (Aug 29–30), including sessions for kids and Latin styles. Croatia in the spotlight: Zagreb hosts European Gymnastics Championships action as Israeli floor champion Artem Dolgopyat wins gold for a third time, while Zagreb Opera Festival returns with 30+ events and the international co-production Aida opening Sept 11. Community & Safety: Croatian police in Sisak-Moslavina warn parents ahead of the school year: children under 14 can’t ride electric scooters independently in traffic. Heritage & Faith: Croatian Catholics mark 120th Gospa Velika in Chicago, keeping the Our Lady of Sinj tradition alive. Arts & Memory: Ukraine sanctions the Russian children’s cartoon Masha and the Bear, citing propaganda concerns. Travel & Lifestyle: A shoulder-season travel trend report points to “Super September” demand, with fall bookings up across Europe.

Traffic Safety & Youth: Croatia’s Sisak-Moslavina police warn parents that children under 14 can’t ride electric scooters independently in traffic, after a local survey found many primary-school owners and last year’s scooter-related accidents. Local Culture & Heritage: Župa dubrovačka, the quieter strip between Dubrovnik and Konavle, is spotlighted for its deep history, village “chapters,” and legendary local lore. Arts & Opera: Zagreb Opera Festival returns with 30+ events from 11–20 September, including Verdi’s Aida and children’s opera programs. Film & Regional Spotlight: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival ends with Austria’s Everytime winning top narrative honors, while Croatia is represented among documentary winners. Travel Lifestyle: Shoulder-season travel is booming for Europeans seeking fewer crowds and better value, with fall bookings up sharply. Dubrovnik Fire Update: Dubrovnik police arrest a 38-year-old over alleged illegal fireworks linked to a wildfire that damaged thousands of square metres of pine forest. Community & Faith: Croatian Catholics mark 120th Velika Gospa with long-running Assumption celebrations tied to Our Lady of Sinj traditions.

Zagreb Opera Festival: The Zagreb Opera Festival returns with 30+ events from 11–20 September, opening with Verdi’s Aida (HNK Zagreb, Teatro Massimo, Csokonai National Theatre) and featuring children’s opera, guest companies, and concerts across three venues. Sarajevo Film Festival: Sandra Wollner’s Everytime won Best Narrative Feature at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, while Ana Urushadze took Best Director and Emir Hadžihafizbegović received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo. Dubrovnik Fire Probe: A 38-year-old man was arrested over an alleged illegal fireworks blaze near Gorica sv. Vlaha that raced toward homes, destroying about 6,000 sq m of pine forest; police say media footage helped identify him. Culture & Youth Sport: Split’s Plazma Youth Sport Games (30th anniversary) is back as Europe’s biggest amateur children’s sports event, mixing competition with high-profile coaching and cultural lessons. Local Heritage Travel: A spotlight on Kaštilac fortress in Kaštel Gomilica—built by 16th-century Split Benedictine nuns—adds another stop for culture-minded visitors exploring central Dalmatia.

Wildfire & Public Safety: Dubrovnik police arrested a 38-year-old man over an alleged illegal fireworks blaze on Gorica sv. Vlaha (Aug 12) that raced toward homes and burned about 6,000 sq m of pine forest. Youth Sport & Community: Split’s Plazma Youth Sport Games (30th anniversary) is drawing nearly half a million kids from the Balkans for finals in 10 sports, mixing competition with teamwork and phone-free lessons. Film & Regional Culture: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival handed out awards, including the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo to Emir Hadžihafizbegović, and closed with a restored screening of “No Man’s Land.” Arts Funding & Development: CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival awarded €131,000 in cash and €60,000 in kind across development and production stages, with projects like “Wolf Days” taking major Eurimages support. Energy Poverty Protection: Croatia’s government proposed Electricity Market Act amendments to ban disconnections for vulnerable, energy-poor households and require clearer warnings and flexible repayment plans. Local Lifestyle & Heritage: Ston Salt Festival returns for its 10th edition (Aug 28–30), celebrating saltworks heritage with food, wine, tours and music—an easy Dubrovnik day trip.

Croatia Energy Policy: The Croatian Government has proposed amendments to the Electricity Market Act to ban electricity disconnections for vulnerable households and those hit by energy poverty, adding warnings about steep consumption increases, flexible bill repayment plans, debt-management advice, and access to support/vouchers—while disconnections remain possible for non-vulnerable customers. Film & Co-Production: CineLink Industry Days wrapped at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, awarding €131,000 in cash prizes and €60,000 in kind across development and drama programmes, including the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award for Serbia/Croatia-linked project “Wolf Days.” Local Culture Events: Ston Salt Festival returns for its 10th edition (Aug 28–30) celebrating saltworks heritage with food, Pelješac wines, and live music, while Slano hosts a folklore festival (Aug 22) with young performers from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Diaspora & Heritage: Croatian-American communities in Biloxi, Mississippi marked 35 years of Croatian independence with ceremonies honoring Croatian-American veterans at the Croatian-American Cultural Center. Tech for Creators: Croatian company Neuromorphyx helped launch BrainBoard1500, an Arduino Nicla-compatible embedded developer board for BrainChip’s AKD1500 neuromorphic accelerator, aimed at education and evaluation.

Split Nightlife Rules: Split has introduced a summer ban on shop sales of alcohol from 9pm to 6am across the whole city area (June 1–Sept 15), aiming to curb noise, disorder and litter. Croatian Housing & EU Law: A landlords’ association (SMOi) has filed an objection with the European Commission over the draft Hospitality Activity Act, challenging rules on decade-by-decade accommodation re-categorisation, “host” status, and a two-thirds co-owner plus neighbour-consent requirement that could shut down rentals. Culture & Film Industry: CineLink Industry Days (Sarajevo) handed out €131,000 in cash and €60,000 in kinds across co-production and work-in-progress prizes, with regional projects including Croatia. Wine & Lifestyle: Croatian wines earned major praise in Wine Enthusiast’s Buying Guide, with Plavac Mali (Terra Madre Winery) topping at 97 points; a virtual Croatian Wine Masterclass Series is set for this fall. Sport in Zagreb: BBC presenter Matt Baker is fronting BBC coverage of the European Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb, with day-three apparatus finals on Aug 21. Travel & Connections: Air China launches a new Beijing–Zagreb route via Bucharest from Sept 4, promising a new regular air bridge for trade and tourism.

Split Nightlife Rules: Split has introduced a summer ban on shop alcohol sales from 9pm to 6am (June 1–Sept 15) to curb noise, disorder and litter. Omiš Wildfire Aid: Croatia’s government approved an initial €20m emergency package for Omiš after last week’s blaze, with tax relief and support for residents, businesses, jobs and cultural heritage. Docu Press Corner: At DokuFest’s Festival Square, filmmakers including Alen Drljević (animation + documentary on Srebrenica survivor “Fahrudin”) and Branko Schmidt (guerrilla-style short “Bro Ram”) shared personal stories between reality and memory. Croatian Wine Recognition: Wine Enthusiast’s Buying Guide highlights 14 Croatian labels over 90 points, including Plavac Mali at 97. Beijing–Zagreb Air Link: Air China launches a Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route from Sept 4, three times weekly, aiming to boost tourism and business ties. Dubrovnik Pickleball Boom: Pickleball Club 002 opens on Babin Kuk with six courts and free try-outs until Aug 22. Print Swap Exhibition: “The 2026 Print Swap Exhibition” brings Little Death’s mail art community into a physical show in Maine, with a new publication released at the Sept 4 opening. Culture & Heritage in Sport: BRAVE CF 108 lands at Pula Arena on Sept 5, bringing modern MMA into the Roman amphitheater.