AGP Executive Report

EU Wildfire Response: The European Commission is mobilising a record wildfire force—777 firefighters from 14 countries plus 22 aircraft and five helicopters—pre-positioned across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal as longer, harsher fire seasons loom. Tourism Management in Croatia: Dubrovnik is stepping up on-the-spot fines in its UNESCO-protected Old Town ahead of peak season, targeting excessive noise, public drinking and disruptive behaviour, while Split is pushing tighter nightlife rules that could restrict late-night alcohol sales in central areas. Croatia’s Rail Upgrade: Croatia’s biggest rail project gets a major boost: HŽ Infrastruktura’s €677m contract for the Dugo Selo–Novska line will add a second track, modernise signalling and power systems, and raise speeds up to 160 km/h, with EU co-financing. Heat and Sports: Scientists warn the 2026 World Cup could be noticeably slower due to extreme heat, with most matches at risk of performance-impacting temperatures—raising concerns for games including England vs Croatia. Local Culture & Environment: A new study on the Močići Mithraeum suggests Mithraic worship in Croatia was shaped by local karst landscapes, a cave and a spring, not one standard temple model. Zagreb Summer Culture: Zagreb Classic returns from 19 June to 3 July with free open-air concerts across symphonic, opera, jazz and tango.

Wildfire Readiness: The EU Commission is ramping up wildfire response with a record pre-positioning of 777 firefighters and a ready EU air fleet (22 planes, 5 helicopters) across high-risk Mediterranean countries, supported by 24/7 coordination and Copernicus mapping. Overtourism & Public Order: Dubrovnik is increasing on-the-spot fines ahead of peak season, targeting excessive noise, public drinking and disruptive behavior in protected heritage areas, while Split is pushing tighter nightlife rules by restricting late-night alcohol sales in central zones. Island Development: Croatia says it has invested €4.6 billion in its inhabited islands over the past decade, with a new €25 million package to keep improving transport, utilities, healthcare and education—plus better water and energy connections. Coastal Pressure at Home: A new report highlights how many Croatian families struggle to afford holidays on their own coast as accommodation and everyday prices keep rising. Adriatic Nature Action: A “Life at Sea” regatta in the Croatian Adriatic ended with an eco-action cleanup in Telašćica Nature Park, pairing slower travel with direct environmental work. Roman Heritage & Landscape: A study on the Močići mithraeum suggests Mithraic worship there was shaped by local karst geology, a spring and a natural cave—showing how nature influenced ancient rituals.

Island Development: Croatia has invested €4.6 billion in its inhabited islands over the past decade, and a new €25 million package of 104 contracts is set to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education and overall quality of life, including better ferry links and stronger water and energy services. Tourism Affordability: A growing number of Croatian families say they can barely afford to visit their own coast as accommodation, food and everyday costs rise faster than incomes, with some destinations increasingly geared toward wealthier foreign visitors. Heat & Climate Risk: Croatia’s meteorological service is forecasting another warmer-than-average summer, with all three months likely above the 1991–2020 average and a high chance of heatwaves, even if short cooler spells can still happen. Energy Transition Reality Check: Germany’s renewables push is strong, but households still pay among the highest electricity prices in the EU, highlighting the gap between clean power growth and consumer costs. Off-Season Travel Shift: Cruise lines are increasingly testing winter Mediterranean itineraries as hotter summers and changing travel habits drive demand away from peak season.

Wildfire Prevention: Croatia has introduced a ban on lighting fires in open spaces from 1 June, covering burning dry grass, weeds, plant waste and rubbish, plus campfires and improvised barbecues; exceptions require prior approval from the fire brigade, and Istria has a no-permits rule for outdoor burning until 31 October. Heat and Storm Watch: Croatia’s seasonal outlook from DHMZ points to a warmer-than-average summer with a high chance of heatwaves, while Serbia and the wider region face unstable weather with heavy downpours, thunderstorms and hail risk, including orange warnings that may move toward Croatia. EU Greenwashing Crackdown: The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against 20 EU member states, including Croatia, for not fully transposing rules on green claims and sustainability labels, with penalties possible if responses aren’t submitted. Coastal Tourism Spotlight: Cavtat and Konavle in southern Croatia received the Golden Apple Award for preserving cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.

Wildfire Prevention: Croatia-wide ban on lighting fires in open spaces starts 1 June, covering dry grass, weeds, plant waste, rubbish and campfires/barbecues, with only limited exceptions via fire brigade approval—after recent outdoor fire cases in Istria and high-risk conditions flagged around Zagreb. Heat & Weather Watch: DHMZ forecasts another warmer-than-average summer in 2026, with July the biggest signal for above-average temperatures and a high chance of heatwaves (while rainfall timing stays uncertain); meanwhile Serbia and the region face unstable weather with thunderstorms and hail, with orange alerts expected to spread toward Croatia. Water Security in the Neretva Delta: Work begins in Opuzen on phase two of a €85.5m freshwater system to stop seawater intrusion and salinisation, adding a pumping station, storage and 119+ km of pipelines to protect irrigation for about 2,000 hectares. EU Greenwashing Crackdown: The European Commission launches infringement steps against 20 Member States, including Croatia, for not fully transposing EU rules on green claims and sustainability labels ahead of rules applying from 27 September 2026. Seasonal Tourism Signal: Cavtat and Konavle receive the Golden Apple Award for preserving cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.

Severe Weather Alerts: Serbia’s hydrometeorological institute warned of highly unstable conditions from Monday, with frequent showers and thunderstorms and an orange warning for heavy downpours and storms; Croatia’s Zagreb region also faces an orange alert as the same cold front moves toward Serbia. Water Security for the Neretva Delta: Work has started in Opuzen on the second phase of an €85.5m freshwater project to stop seawater intrusion and salinisation in the Lower Neretva Valley, adding a pumping station, distribution pipelines and storage to protect about 2,000 hectares of farmland over the next four years. Oil Pipeline EIA in Serbia: Serbia’s environmental ministry set the scope for a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for a new main oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad, with public review and approvals required before construction can begin. Local Alcohol Rules in Croatia: Croatia’s parliament adopted amendments letting municipalities set alcohol shop sales hours and tightening checks for minors, including online sales via e-Građani identity verification. Sustainable Tourism Recognition: Cavtat and Konavle received the Golden Apple Award for preserving cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.

Pipeline Planning: Serbia’s Hungary–Novi Sad oil pipeline has moved into the formal Environmental Impact Assessment phase, with Transnafta ordered to define the study scope and content—while Hungary says it won’t join the procedure, arguing no cross-border pollution risk. Water Security for the Neretva: In Opuzen, work has started on the second phase of an €85.5m freshwater project to stop seawater intrusion and soil salinisation in the Lower Neretva Valley, adding a pumping station, freshwater distribution pipelines (119+ km), and a planned four-year timeline. Local Health & Tourism Rules: Croatia’s Parliament adopted amendments allowing municipalities to set alcohol sales hours and tightening checks for minors, including online sales via e-Građani. Tourism Pressure on Homes: Apartment owners are pushing back against new short-term rental rules and taxes, warning of added administrative and financial burdens that could reshape the market. Climate Resilience Watch: Stockholm topped a COOLCITY Index ranking of Europe’s most climate-resilient capitals, credited to green infrastructure and better land permeability.

Public Health & Tourism Regulation: Croatia’s Parliament has unanimously adopted Trade Act amendments letting municipalities restrict shop alcohol sales hours to curb drunk-tourist disorder, with tighter checks for minors (including online sales via e-Građani) and a focus on protecting public health, order, cultural heritage and the environment. Climate Resilience Watch: A new COOLCITY Index study names Stockholm Europe’s most climate-resilient capital, crediting green infrastructure, flood resistance, heat management and land permeability—while several southern capitals miss the top 10. Coastal & Nature Spotlight: A Europe-wide roundup highlights standout beaches across the continent, underscoring how coastal tourism and conservation-friendly planning shape visitor experiences. EV Charging Push: The EBRD approved a €35m loan to GreenWay to expand fast and ultra-fast EV charging—2,700 points across Poland, Slovakia and Croatia by 2028—using renewable electricity and supported by an EU InvestEU guarantee.

Croatia’s Alcohol Rules for Tourists: Croatia’s parliament approved amendments letting local governments restrict late-night shop alcohol sales to curb drunk-tourist disorder, with Split set to ban sales from 9pm to 6am; the measure targets public health, order, cultural heritage and the environment (bars/restaurants are excluded). Coastal Water Stress: Coastal water shortage warnings are returning ahead of summer as heat and tourism push demand in places like Split and Dubrovnik, with utilities urging earlier conservation to avoid supply strain. EU Consumer Green Transition: The European Commission opened infringement steps against 20 EU states, including Croatia, for not fully transposing rules that tighten green claims and sustainability labels to fight greenwashing. EV Charging Boost: The EBRD approved a €35m loan to GreenWay for 2,700 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers across Poland, Slovakia and Croatia, aiming for completion by 2028 and renewable-powered charging. Media Ownership Shift in the Balkans: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network outlets (including N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas), raising press-freedom concerns about independence.

Coastal Water Stress: Coastal water shortage warnings are returning across Croatia as summer demand ramps up, with utilities and local governments urging earlier conservation ahead of peak July-August tourism. Tourism & Public Health Rules: Croatia’s parliament approved a law letting municipalities restrict late-night shop alcohol sales to curb drunk-tourist disorder in historic centres, while bars and restaurants remain unaffected. EU Green Claims Enforcement: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against 20 EU states, including Croatia, for failing to fully transpose the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition, targeting greenwashing and unreliable sustainability labels. Food Security & Imports: Croatia’s agriculture stays strong in cereals and oilseeds, but experts warn fruit and vegetable self-sufficiency gaps leave the country exposed to wider EU market shocks, pushing calls for more processing and storage. Heat & Resilience: A record May heatwave and ongoing extreme heat pressures are highlighted by sports coverage, underscoring how hotter conditions strain people and systems during peak season. Business Policy: Croatia unveiled an “excess profit” tax for large and medium companies, aiming to cool inflation by taxing profit margins above a set threshold.

Water Security: Coastal water shortage warnings are back in Croatia as drought risk, heat and the summer tourism rush strain local supply systems, with authorities urging earlier conservation ahead of peak July-August demand. EU Enforcement: The European Commission has opened infringement procedures against 20 EU states, including Croatia, over delayed transposition of the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, targeting green-claims reliability and sustainability labels. Heat & Health: Croatia’s climate concerns echo across Europe as a Paris heatwave disrupts major sport—Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both pushed by extreme conditions at the French Open, with Sinner’s illness ending his run. Nature & Biodiversity: A spotlight on Štirovača, a hidden Velebit forest valley once with national park status, highlights its cool microclimate, beech-spruce stands and unusual conservation history. River Restoration Trend: A wider European push to remove aging dams and reconnect rivers is accelerating, with record barrier removals reported for 2025. Tourism Pressure: Croatia’s “hidden beaches” are going viral again on TikTok, while camper van tourism keeps booming—both trends can boost demand fast, but also raise new pressure on coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

Heat and health: Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open after dizziness and cramps as Paris baked in extreme heat, while Novak Djokovic urged organisers to reschedule matches later to avoid the hottest hours. River restoration: Europe is tearing down dams and weirs at record pace, with 603 barriers removed across 21 countries in 2025—reconnecting thousands of kilometres of rivers and helping salmon return. EV charging push: GreenWay secured a EUR 35m EBRD loan to expand fast and ultra-fast public EV charging points in Poland, Slovakia and Croatia—2,700 sites by 2028. Tourism pressures: Croatia’s hidden beaches are going viral again on TikTok, and camper van tourism is booming—good for mobility, but it also raises new strain on campsites and coastal areas. Protected nature spotlight: Štirovača, a high-altitude forest valley in Velebit, is highlighted as a little-known natural area with a rare conservation story. Local culture: Dubrovnik marks Statehood Day with a free open-air klapa concert in the Old City. Air quality activism: Greenpeace Bulgaria staged a “TOXIC” protest at the Bobov Dol coal plant, demanding tighter limits and a shift toward renewables.

Heatwave & Climate Impacts: Croatia is in an unusually long May heatwave, with multiple record highs reported across the country, including Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Omišalj and Rab, while forecasters warn of storms, heavy downpours, strong winds and hail in some areas. Protected Nature & Water: Štirovača, a high-altitude forest valley in Velebit, is highlighted as a little-known natural area with rare beech and spruce stands and a conservation story that once included national park status. Tourism Pressure & Change: Hidden beaches are going viral again on TikTok, while camper van tourism keeps booming—both trends that can quickly reshape local ecosystems and crowd levels. Sustainable Mobility Investment: GreenWay secured EBRD financing to expand fast EV charging across Poland, Slovakia and Croatia, aiming for 2,700 new public chargers by 2028. Freshwater Restoration in Europe: A wider European dam-removal push is reconnecting rivers and helping fish return, with salmon reaching former blocked stretches in Finland. Waste Crime Crackdown: Eurojust and partners report action against an illegal waste trading network across Europe, allegedly turning toxic ash into “eco-friendly” products.

Dam Removal Across Europe: CNN reports Europe removed a record 603 dams and barriers in 2025, reopening rivers and helping fish return, with salmon seen after barriers came down in Finland. Heatwave Watch in Croatia: Croatia’s meteorological service says May heat records keep falling, with Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Omišalj and Rab all logging new highs; severe weather warnings also point to storms, hail and strong winds later. Food Security & Imports: Croatian experts warn the country doesn’t fully produce enough for its needs, despite strong self-sufficiency in cereals and eggs, while meat and dairy rely more on imports and face pressure from EU market oversupply. Tourism With a Sustainability Angle: A new €4m Zlatni Lug Hotel opened in Požega, backed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aiming to support active and year-round tourism. Illegal Waste Trading Crackdown: Eurojust and partners report action against an international toxic waste scheme allegedly disguised as “eco-friendly” charcoal and other products, with Croatia among the countries involved.

Illegal Waste Crackdown: Eurojust coordinated cross-border action against three Italian firms accused of turning toxic ash into “eco-friendly” charcoal and other products, with 12 suspects detained and a plant seized across Italy, Austria, Croatia, Germany and beyond. Croatia’s Labour Shift: Croatia’s workforce is changing faster than expected as tourism, hospitality, construction and logistics struggle with shortages and increasingly rely on foreign seasonal workers, including growing Filipino communities. Luxury Tourism, Quiet Edition: As mass crowds bite, more high-end travellers are seeking smaller, calmer islands and private coves—redefining exclusivity as isolation and privacy. Dubrovnik Summer Pressure: Dubrovnik is bracing for another overcrowding season, with cruise arrivals again at the centre of crowd-control and quality-of-life concerns. Adriatic Travel Costs & Flow: Rising summer parking prices and a boom in boat rentals show how visitors are adapting to congestion—often by paying more or going around the shore.

Government Formation in Latvia: PM candidate Andris Kulbergs has named the incoming cabinet, with the Saeima set to vote on approval Thursday—an early reminder that energy, transport and climate portfolios are being reshuffled across the region. EU Budget Bargaining: Romania and 15 member states, including Croatia and Bulgaria, have launched a joint declaration pushing for stronger cohesion and CAP funding in the 2028–2034 EU budget. Nuclear vs. Data Centers: Ten EU countries, including Croatia, are urging the Commission to label nuclear as clean for data-center rules, escalating the fight over how AI’s electricity demand should be powered. Croatia Summer Pressure Points: Croatia’s coast keeps getting busier—outdoor cinema is back, tourists are exploring by boat more than ever, but parking prices are rising fast and early. Adriatic Tech & Tourism: Pony.ai says it has launched commercial robotaxi service in Croatia, while Zagreb prepares for City Day with free tours and events. AI Ethics Watch: Pope Leo XIV is set to release a major AI manifesto, warning about ethical risks and the environmental cost of rare-earth demand.