AGP Executive Report

Wildfires in Croatia: A major blaze on the island of Brač has forced evacuations as flames pushed toward Milna, with authorities warning residents and tourists overnight; reports say about 230 people were evacuated, around 3,500 hectares burned, and firefighting teams used Canadair aircraft plus hundreds of responders to improve the situation by Sunday morning. Island resilience investment: Mljet National Park is set for a €1.6 million green push, including dune and habitat protection, removal of invasive plants, better firebreaks and access, plus upgrades for visitor transport and cleaner energy like solar and electric options. Adriatic heritage and sustainability: The Ston Salt Festival’s tenth edition wrapped up with an international symposium focused on protecting Adriatic saltworks as cultural landscapes—balancing conservation, valorisation and sustainable development. Waste and pollution pressure: Croatia is again in the spotlight after reporting that it remains the only EU country without a waste incinerator, raising fresh questions about where thermal treatment of waste should happen after the Lika waste scandal. Agriculture under stress: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin growers are preparing for harvest in the next two to three weeks, but face smaller early fruit and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure after a hot, dry season and concerns about pest-control measures.

Wildfire Crisis on Brač: About 500 people were evacuated as a wildfire tore through roughly 3,500 hectares of pine forest and scrubland on the Croatian island of Brač, threatening homes near Milna; strong winds kept the situation dangerous overnight, but authorities say conditions improved by Sunday morning, with four Canadair planes and 220+ firefighters working with dozens of vehicles and boats. Green Investment for Mljet: Mljet National Park has secured over €1.6 million for projects aimed at restoring dunes and habitats, removing invasive plants, improving firebreaks and access roads, and upgrading visitor transport with electric and solar solutions. Waste Management Pressure in Croatia: Croatia is again in the spotlight over waste handling, with reports that it is the only EU country without a waste incinerator, while the government moves to address the Lika hazardous-waste scandal by sending about 650 tonnes for recovery at cement plants within 45 days. Adriatic Salt Heritage: The Ston Salt Festival’s 10th anniversary wrapped up with an international symposium on how to conserve and valorise Adriatic saltworks as both cultural landscapes and sustainable natural sites. Neretva Mandarin Outlook: Growers in the Neretva Valley are preparing for harvest in 2–3 weeks, expecting an average crop but warning that hot, dry weather and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure could reduce fruit size and quality.

Wildfire Response: A major wildfire on Croatia’s island of Brač forced the evacuation of about 230 people overnight near Milna, as flames spread over roughly 3,500 hectares of pine forest and scrubland; strong winds pushed the fire toward homes and tourist areas, while Canadair aircraft and large firefighting teams worked through the night. Waste & Accountability: Croatia’s government is moving to tackle the Lika hazardous waste scandal by arranging the removal and recovery of around 650 tonnes from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić, with Holcim Croatia and Nexe tasked to transport and treat the material within 45 days. Waste Incineration Debate: A new report highlights that Croatia is the only EU country without a waste incinerator, renewing pressure to find thermal treatment capacity after the Gospić case. Agriculture & Pests: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin harvest is set to start in 2–3 weeks, but growers warn of smaller early fruit and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure after a hot, dry season. Energy & Industry: Croatia’s geothermal push gets a boost as a GreetGEO study tour highlighted ongoing projects in Bjelovar and Križevci, including a planned thermal spa complex. Coastal Safety & Climate: EU climate data points to record heat and drought impacts across Western Europe, with depleted rivers and rising pressure for adaptation.

Waste & Pollution in Croatia: Croatia is again in the spotlight over hazardous waste and disposal capacity, with the government proposing to handle about 650 tonnes from the Lika (Gospić) scandal by sending it to Holcim Hrvatska and Nexe for energy recovery in cement plants within 45 days. Circular Economy & Cleanup: The same waste crisis theme continues as Holcim and Nexe are tasked with removing and recovering non-hazardous waste stored at the former PPK Velebit site, after earlier tender issues. Local Agriculture Under Stress: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin growers are preparing for harvest in 2–3 weeks, but face smaller early fruit and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure after a hot, dry spring and summer. Climate & Wildfire Risk in the Region: Serbia’s wildfire crisis is highlighted as a wider Western Balkans warning sign, with heat and drought driving more frequent, damaging fires. Energy & Water Security (Broader Balkans): A new analysis frames Balkan water as a geopolitical issue, pushing for shared data and regional cooperation to avoid unilateral river changes. Geothermal Development in Croatia: A GreetGEO study tour spotlights ongoing geothermal projects in Bjelovar and Križevci, including a thermal spa complex expected to open later this year.

Waste Crisis in Lika: Croatia’s government says it will urgently handle about 650 tonnes of waste from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić by sending it to Holcim Croatia and Nexe for energetic recovery on a tight 45-day timeline, after earlier tender delays and public anger over disposal plans. Incineration Debate: The same coverage reignites the bigger question of thermal treatment: Croatia is described as the only EU country without a waste incinerator, raising pressure to decide where waste will be treated as landfill capacity runs out. Mandarin Harvest Watch: In the Neretva Valley, growers expect an average mandarin crop but warn of smaller early fruit and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure after a dry, very hot season. Geothermal Progress: A GreetGEO study tour highlighted ongoing geothermal work in Bjelovar (Wellovar thermal spa construction) and Krizevci, showing how EU-funded projects are moving from drilling to new thermal facilities. Energy Security in the Region: Reporting on EU oil-stock rules points to ongoing uncertainty for Slovakia and Hungary over whether the Adria pipeline can continuously cover refinery needs after emergency stock use. Climate & Wildfire Risk: Serbia’s wildfire crisis is framed as a wider Western Balkans warning, with heat and drought linked to climate change and escalating ecological damage.

Toxic Waste Crisis in Lika: Croatia’s government is moving to tackle the Lika hazardous waste scandal after weeks of public anger and mass protests in Zagreb, with a plan to remove and recover about 650 tonnes of waste from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić by sending it to Holcim Hrvatska and Nexe for energy recovery on an urgent timeline of up to 45 days. Waste Management Accountability: The move follows failed tender steps and pressure from residents, as independent analyses have been cited to classify the stored material as non-hazardous, while critics continue to demand full clarity on contamination risks. Geothermal Push in Croatia: A GreetGEO study tour highlighted ongoing geothermal projects in Bjelovar and Križevci, including the Wellovar thermal spa development and the Korenovo GT-1 well supplying thermal waters. Agriculture & Climate Stress: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin growers are preparing for harvest in 2–3 weeks, but face smaller early fruit and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure after a dry, hot summer. Energy Security Debate: Separately, Europe’s oil supply stress-test debate is resurfacing around pipeline capacity questions for Slovakia and Hungary, after emergency stocks were used.

Lika Waste Scandal: Croatia’s government says it will urgently deal with about 650 tonnes of hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić by sending it to cement plants (Holcim Hrvatska and Nexe) for energy recovery, with the work to be completed within 45 days—an attempt to respond to public anger over delays. Public Pressure: The same crisis has sparked tens of thousands of protesters in Zagreb demanding faster cleanup and accountability, as new expert findings raise fears about long-term pollution impacts. Microplastics & Waste Sites: Separate reporting points to concerns from Uskok findings about microplastic pollution linked to waste sites in Croatia, adding to the scrutiny of how contaminated areas are managed. Climate Heat in Europe: New EU climate data says Western Europe just saw its hottest summer on record, with drought and low river flows increasing pressure for adaptation. Adriatic Fisheries: In Split, the GFCM and FAO inaugurated a new technical unit to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries cooperation across Adriatic countries. Neretva Mandarins: In Croatia’s Neretva Valley, growers face heat stress and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure ahead of the mandarin harvest. Water Security in the Balkans: A new analysis frames water as a growing geopolitical issue, highlighting risks from transboundary river plans and the need for shared governance.

Climate & Water Stress: New EU climate data points to Western Europe’s hottest summer and record-warm seas, with drought and depleted rivers raising pressure for fair adaptation. Hazardous Waste Fallout: Croatia’s toxic-waste crisis keeps escalating: new expert findings report microplastics around a Benkovac-area waste site, while mass protests in Zagreb and Lika/Gospić demand urgent cleanup and accountability. Water Infrastructure Push: Croatia says it has invested €5.2bn in water management since 2016, aiming to cut flood risk and protect supplies during droughts, with major EU-backed projects and retention capacity. Adriatic Fisheries Cooperation: A new GFCM technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across Adriatic countries. Tourism & Environment Watch: Dubrovnik’s sea-safety checks show 122 of 127 beaches rated “excellent,” with only brief temporary pollution flagged in Orebić. Local Transport Electrification: Zagreb’s ZET is adding 62 electric buses to accelerate fleet electrification.

Hazardous Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands of Croatians rallied in Zagreb and across the country demanding urgent cleanup of illegal toxic waste linked to the Lika/Gospić scandal, with protesters also calling for a halt to waste imports and accountability for long delays. New Expert Findings: USKOK released further assessments on two waste-linked locations, including microplastics detected around a former quarry near Benkovac and concerns tied to stored waste in Gospić, keeping pressure on authorities and raising fears about long-term impacts. Water Security Push: Croatia said it has invested €5.2bn in water management since 2016 to better handle more frequent droughts and floods, citing expanded access to water and drainage, flood protection works, and major EU-backed projects. Adriatic Fisheries Science: A new GFCM technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based cooperation and sustainable fisheries management across Adriatic countries. Coastal Swim Check: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reported that 122 of 127 tested beaches were rated “excellent,” with only two “satisfactory” sites still meeting bathing standards. Green Tech & Transport: Rijeka Gateway highlighted strong container volumes and environmental management certification, while Zagreb’s ZET added 62 electric buses to accelerate fleet electrification.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Lika: Tens of thousands rallied in Zagreb demanding the immediate cleanup of illegally dumped toxic waste in the Gospić area, with protesters also calling for a temporary halt to waste imports that they say helped feed the problem. USKOK Waste Impact Findings: New expert reports tied to the Gospić and Benkovac waste cases found microplastics around a former quarry waste site near Benkovac, adding fresh detail to an ongoing investigation. Water Management Investment: Croatia has put €5.2bn into water management since 2016, aiming to better handle droughts and floods as climate risks grow, including major EU-backed projects and expanded access to water and drainage. Adriatic Fisheries Cooperation: The GFCM set up a new technical unit hosted in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across Adriatic countries. Sea Quality Update: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reported excellent bathing-water results at 122 of 127 tested beaches, with only two sites rated “satisfactory” but still meeting standards. Severe Weather Alert: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast to hit parts of the Adriatic and Slovenia, with risks including heavy storms and hail.

Adriatic Fisheries Cooperation: FAO and the GFCM set up a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fishing coordination among Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Water Security Investment: Croatia says it has put €5.2bn into water management since 2016, aiming to cut flood damage while protecting supplies during droughts, with major EU-backed projects and retention capacity now in place. Toxic Waste Fallout in Lika: Tens of thousands protested in Zagreb demanding urgent cleanup of illegally dumped hazardous waste in the Gospić area and accountability, after earlier police action over toxic material imports left key suspects at large. New Expert Findings: USKOK-linked expert reports describe microplastics around the Benkovac waste site and assess waste stored near Gospić, adding detail to the ongoing investigation. Bathing Water Update: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent bathing-water results at 122 of 127 tested beaches, with only two sites rated “satisfactory” still meeting required standards. Severe Weather Alert: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast to hit parts of the Adriatic and Slovenia, with risks including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Croatia: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb on Sept 5 demanding urgent cleanup of illegal toxic waste in the Lika region, with protesters calling for accountability and a temporary halt to waste imports after claims that some of the material originated from Slovenia, Italy and Germany. Local Pollution Risks: USKOK reported expert findings tied to suspected waste crimes, including microplastics in groundwater near Gospić and contamination concerns at a Varaždin waste site. Agriculture & Circularity: Croatian scientists are testing whether discarded sheep wool (about 900 tonnes a year) can be turned into pellets for organic fertiliser, aiming to cut synthetic inputs and improve soil moisture. Climate Pressure on Food: Heat and drought are already reshaping European harvests, with Champagne grape output expected to be halved and wider crop losses reported across the region. Tourism Seasonality: Croatia remains the EU’s most seasonal destination, with 54.5% of annual tourist nights concentrated in July and August, underscoring the challenge of extending the season. Sustainable Repair Push: The EU “Right to Repair” push targets cheaper spare parts and fewer barriers to fixing appliances, aiming to reduce waste from broken devices.

Toxic Waste Protests: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb over illegal hazardous waste stored in Croatia’s Lika region near Gospić, with organisers demanding a real cleanup plan and faster action after years of delays; authorities and prosecutors say the waste includes medical and electronic material and that contamination risks have spread beyond the dumping area. Microplastics at Waste Sites: USKOK reports expert findings tied to suspected environmental crimes, including microplastic particles detected in groundwater samples from the Gospić area and contamination concerns at a Varaždin site. Agricultural Waste to Fertiliser: Scientists in Poreč are testing whether Croatia’s roughly 900 tonnes of sheep wool per year can be turned into pellets for organic fertiliser, tackling a disposal problem while helping farmers cut synthetic inputs. Repair Instead of Replace: The EU’s “Right to Repair” push aims to make spare parts and repairs affordable, targeting the waste created when broken appliances are simply replaced. Severe Weather Warning: A major weather shift is expected to bring thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain and a sharp temperature drop across parts of Croatia and the Balkans. Coast Access Dispute: An electrified fence on the maritime public domain on the island of Vis was removed after authorities found it blocked beach access, reigniting debate over private property vs public coastline rights.

Hazardous Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched in central Zagreb on Sept 5 demanding urgent action over illegally stored toxic waste in Lika near Gospić, where authorities say 34,000–37,000 tonnes were found at an industrial site and investigators suspect illegal waste-management and imports from Italy (plus Slovenia and Germany). Protesters accuse the government of repeated promises without cleanup on the ground, and are calling for a nationwide waste-management plan within 20 days, a temporary ban on waste imports, and clear responsibility for damage. USKOK Microplastics Update: USKOK’s latest findings add to the alarm: microplastic particles were detected in groundwater linked to waste sites in Varaždin and Gospić, alongside other contamination signals. Coast Access Dispute: On Vis, an electrified fence on maritime public domain was found blocking beach access; authorities ordered removal and filed a misdemeanour report, reigniting debate over where private property ends and public coastal land begins. Climate-Linked Weather Shift: Croatia is set for a major change after a hot, stable spell, with forecasts pointing to a pressure drop and more unsettled conditions next week.

Hazardous Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb for “Walk for Lika,” demanding urgent cleanup of an illegal toxic waste dump near Gospić in central Croatia. Authorities say about 35,000 tonnes (including electronic and medical waste) were buried after imports from Italy, with links also to Slovenia and Germany; investigators cite soil contamination and PFAS “forever chemicals” in groundwater, while protesters accuse the government of slow action and want a nationwide waste plan within 20 days plus a temporary halt on new waste imports. Coast Access Clash: On the island of Vis, an electrified fence was found blocking access to the maritime public domain in Vela Čavojnica Bay; authorities ordered removal and filed a misdemeanour report, reigniting debate over where private property ends and public coastal land begins. Weather Watch: Croatia is set for a major shift from hot, dry conditions as a Genoa cyclone and cold front approach next week, bringing a pressure drop, showers and thunderstorms. Public Health Note: Eurostat data puts Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with experts pointing to diet and activity changes.

Hazardous Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia” protest, demanding urgent cleanup of an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika. Authorities and Europol say about 35,000 tonnes were imported from Italy, with links also to Slovenia and Germany, including medical and electronic waste; prosecutors report soil contamination and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in groundwater, while protesters warn the risk is spreading and call for a nationwide waste plan, a temporary import ban, and clear deadlines. Coast Access Clash: On the island of Vis, an electrified fence was installed on maritime public domain near Vela Čavojnica Bay, blocking beach access; authorities ordered removal and filed a misdemeanour report, reigniting debate over where private property ends and public coastal land begins. Weather Watch: Croatia is set for a noticeable shift from hot, dry conditions as a new cyclone system approaches, bringing showers and thunderstorms and a significant temperature drop. Health & Lifestyle: Eurostat data shows Croatia’s adult obesity rate reached 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with experts pointing to diet and lower physical activity.