AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Preparedness: Croatia has expanded its AI-powered early fire detection network, adding 25 new locations and boosting coverage from 50 to 75 cameras, with 24/7 monitoring and data sent to county fire centres to speed up response in protected areas. Climate & Agriculture Support: After devastating coastal wildfires, Croatia’s agriculture ministry is preparing a major funding programme for farmers, with grants up to €1 million and potentially covering 100% of eligible restoration costs, including vineyards and olive groves on Pelješac. Tourism Under Heat Pressure: Croatia’s tourist season remains strong, but “coolcations” are rising as travellers seek cooler northern destinations amid hotter summers, pushing the tourism sector to adapt. Tourism Pressure Data: New Eurostat analysis shows some European regions where visitors massively outnumber residents, with Croatia listed among the high-pressure destinations. Coastal Climate Change in Food: Central Croatia’s grape harvest is starting earlier—often in August instead of September—as milder winters and shifting rainfall accelerate ripening. Extreme Weather Context: Across Europe, severe heat and wildfires continue to force evacuations and major firefighting operations, underscoring the growing climate risk.

Wildfire Tech Upgrade in Croatia: Croatia expanded its early forest-fire detection video surveillance system with 50 new cameras across protected areas, national parks and nature parks, using meteorological data and AI to spot smoke and flames day and night and feed county fire centers 24/7. Cross-Border Fire Pressure: A major wildfire burning across the Bosnia and Herzegovina border sent smoke over Konavle, and even crossed into Croatian territory above Duba Konavoska, forcing firefighters to stay on high alert as winds shifted. Support for Fire-Hit Farmers: Croatia’s agriculture ministry is preparing a new funding programme for farmers affected by summer wildfires, with grants expected to open in early September and potentially covering up to 100% of eligible restoration costs, including for Pelješac vineyards and olive groves. Climate-Driven Agriculture Shift: Croatia’s grape harvest is moving earlier into August as milder winters and changing rainfall speed ripening, with growers describing it as a “race against time” and expecting lower yields but good quality. Tourism Pressure Signal: New EU data shows some regions face extreme tourism intensity; Croatia is among the areas with more than 50 tourist overnight stays per resident, highlighting ongoing strain on local infrastructure and services.

Wildfire Response in the Region: Extreme weather is still driving chaos across Europe, with Serbia battling a blaze in the Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve (over 1,600 hectares) and Croatia facing cross-border fire danger near Konavle as flames and smoke push firefighters into high alert. Croatia’s Environmental Law Push: Croatia is preparing major criminal-law changes that would introduce ecocide as a new offence, with the most serious cases potentially carrying life imprisonment, as part of a broader effort to tackle long-running waste problems. Support for Fire-Hit Farmers: After wildfires devastated Pelješac vineyards and olive groves, Croatia’s agriculture ministry is preparing a funding programme that could cover up to 100% of eligible restoration costs, with grants potentially reaching €1 million. Climate-Driven Agriculture Shifts: Croatia’s grape harvest is moving earlier into August as warmer winters and changing rainfall patterns speed ripening, with growers warning it’s becoming a “race against time.” Packaging and Waste Reduction (Croatia-made): Cortec’s EcoShrink and EcoWrap compostable stretch/shrink films are produced in Croatia as replacements for single-use polyethylene, aiming to cut unrecyclable plastic waste while working on existing packaging lines. Biodiversity & Invasives: The Adriatic is seeing action against invasive blue crab, with 160,000 octopuses released to help curb spread. Water Scarcity & Heritage Exposed: Drought is revealing submerged history, including the “Sava’s Titanic” steam tugboat surfacing in Serbia as Europe’s rivers run dangerously low. Aviation Safety in Nature: Two people died after an ultralight aircraft crash in Croatia’s Paklenica National Park, prompting a major search and rescue operation in difficult terrain. Tourism Pressure Signal: Eurostat data shows Greece’s islands face some of the highest tourism intensity in the EU, a reminder of how quickly environmental strain can rise where visitor numbers surge.

Wildfire Crisis in the Region: Extreme weather is still driving chaos across Europe, with a major blaze in Serbia’s Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve burning over 1,600 hectares and support crews including helicopters and a water bomber. Cross-Border Fire Threat to Croatia: In Konavle, thick smoke has drifted from fires in the Trebinje area, and at least one wildfire has crossed into Croatian territory near Duba Konavoska, forcing firefighters to stay on high alert. Croatia’s Policy Response to Environmental Harm: Croatia is preparing major criminal-law changes that would introduce “ecocide” as a new offence, with the most serious cases potentially facing life imprisonment. Agriculture After Fires: Up to €1 million in state support is being prepared for Pelješac farmers to rebuild vineyards and olive groves after wildfires, with grants potentially covering 100% of eligible restoration costs. Climate Impacts on Food: Croatia’s grape harvest is shifting earlier into August as warmer winters and changing rainfall speed ripening, and growers say it’s becoming a “race against time.”

Wildfire Response: A massive four-kilometre blaze burning across the Bosnia and Herzegovina border sent thick smoke over Croatia’s Konavle, with flames briefly crossing onto Croatian territory near Duba Konavoska as firefighters stayed on high alert. Aviation Safety: Two people died after an ultralight aircraft crashed in Croatia’s Paklenica National Park near Velebit; rescuers found the wreckage late Friday after a search hampered by difficult terrain and weather. Environmental Law: Croatia is preparing major criminal-law changes that would introduce “ecocide” as a new offence, with the most serious cases potentially carrying life imprisonment, as part of efforts to tackle long-running waste problems. Waste Scandal Politics: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković accused the opposition of politicising the Gospić hazardous waste dump case, as parliament prepares an extraordinary session over alleged groundwater contamination and plans for removal and criminal responsibility. Climate Impacts on Food: Central Croatia’s grape harvest is shifting earlier into August as warmer winters and changing rainfall speed ripening, pushing winemakers into a “race against time.” Biodiversity & Climate: Fig trees are thriving in southern Moravia as changing weather patterns boost fruiting, raising hopes they could even replace some traditional crops.

Wildfire Watch (Croatia): A massive four-kilometre blaze burned just across the Bosnia and Herzegovina border near Konavle, with smoke drifting into Croatia and flames briefly crossing onto Croatian territory above Duba Konavoska, as firefighters faced steep, roadless terrain and shifting winds. Aviation Safety (Paklenica): Two people died after an ultralight aircraft crashed in Croatia’s Paklenica National Park near Mount Velebit; rescuers found the wreckage late Friday after a search launched when the signal was lost. Fire Crisis (Regional): Croatia battled wildfires that threatened Omiš and spread across the Pelješac peninsula, while Croatia also sent helicopters to help Bosnia and Herzegovina fight a fast-moving fire near Bosanski Grahovo. Law & Environment (Waste): Croatia’s government is preparing major criminal-law changes to introduce ecocide, with life imprisonment possible for the most serious environmental damage, amid the Gospić hazardous waste dump scandal. Climate Pressure (Heat): A new NASA-based timelapse shows Western Europe’s prolonged 40°C+ summer conditions, underlining how heat and drought are driving higher wildfire risk. Biodiversity & Invasives: Europe is pushing faster action against invasive species via an EU rapid-response fund to stop new arrivals from establishing.

Wildfire & heat pressure: Europe’s record heat and drought are still driving extreme wildfire risk, with Croatia firefighters battling blazes that threatened Omiš and the Pelješac peninsula, while a wider European picture shows huge areas already burned and more evacuations. Coastal safety & emergency response: In Croatia, a wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica killed one person, injured dozens, and forced large-scale evacuations, underlining how quickly conditions can turn dangerous. Aviation accident in Paklenica: Two people died after an ultralight aircraft crash in Paklenica National Park near Zadar; rescuers found the wreckage late Friday after a search involving police, firefighters, drones, and HGSS teams. Environmental crime law: Croatia is preparing major criminal-law changes that would introduce ecocide, with the most serious environmental damage potentially punishable by life imprisonment, tied to the Gospić hazardous waste dump scandal. Water & drought relics: Across the region, shrinking rivers are exposing history—Serbia’s Sava River has revealed the “Sava’s Titanic” steam tugboat—another reminder of how drought reshapes both ecosystems and daily life. Climate context: A NASA-based timelapse shows Western Europe’s prolonged summer heat, with large areas hitting or exceeding 40°C.

Wildfires & heatwave impacts: Europe’s record-hot summer is still driving extreme wildfire danger, with reports of major blazes and evacuations across the region, including a Croatia fire near Omiš that killed one person, injured dozens, and forced around 1,000 residents and tourists to flee. Extreme weather & floods: After weeks of 40°C heat and fires, heavy rain and storms are now hitting parts of Europe, with flash-flood damage reported in Italy and Spain and severe storm impacts in Germany. Croatia waste crisis & ecocide law: Croatia is preparing major criminal-law changes to introduce “ecocide,” with life imprisonment possible for the most serious environmental damage, tied to the long-running hazardous waste dump scandal in Gospić and concerns about groundwater contamination. Biodiversity & invasives: An EU-backed rapid-response effort is pushing faster action against invasive species spreading across Europe, including examples like lionfish and bullfrogs. Water scarcity & drought: Europe’s drought is also exposing history as rivers run dry, with a century-old steam tugboat surfacing in Serbia’s Sava River—another reminder of how climate stress is reshaping water and ecosystems. Aviation search: Authorities are searching for a missing ultralight aircraft near Zadar, with weather limiting aerial search efforts.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Gospić: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković accused the opposition of trying to destabilise the government over a waste scandal, as parliament prepares an extraordinary session on roughly 30,000 tonnes of hazardous waste illegally dumped at a Gospić site, with groundwater contamination concerns driving calls for urgent remediation and stronger state oversight. Heat, Drought and Food Prices: Croatia’s agriculture adviser Tatjana Radić warns drought impacts could push food prices up 20–30% next year, with some estimates reaching 40%, as the country weighs irrigation, climate adaptation funding and reduced dependence on imports. Wildfire Risk Across Europe: A new study projects Europe’s wildfire-affected area could nearly triple by 2100 in a high-emissions scenario, while better fire management could slow the damage but won’t replace climate mitigation. Invasive Species in the Adriatic: Researchers are testing a biological approach to curb invasive blue crabs by releasing about 160,000 young common octopuses, after blue crabs were newly found near Lastovo, raising fresh ecosystem concerns. Extreme Weather Impacts: Severe storms hit Germany with deaths and injuries, while Europe braces for more heat-driven disasters and fire conditions. Ancient Protection Secrets: A study on the 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck Ilovik-Paržine 1 finds hull waterproofing made from pine tar and pine tar-beeswax mixes, using molecular and pollen analysis to reconstruct past materials and environments.

Drought & Rivers Expose History: Europe’s worst drought in decades is laying bare riverbeds, with a century-old steam tugboat surfacing from Serbia’s Sava River—locals call it “Sava’s Titanic”—as low water levels also reveal warships, ancient structures and other relics. Wildfire Forecasts: New research warns wildfire risk will surge across Europe by 2100, with burned area potentially nearly tripling even under best-case climate action, unless prevention and fire management improve. Adriatic Invasive Species Response: In Croatia, scientists are releasing about 160,000 young common octopuses to help curb invasive blue crabs; the species has now been spotted near Lastovo, raising fresh concerns for local ecosystems. Storm Impacts in Europe: Severe storms hit Germany, including a tornado and deadly tree-fall injuries, while firefighters continue battling wildfires across the Balkans. Local Tourism Pressure: Croatia’s tourism sector faces calls to expand vegan options, as some international visitors report disappointment with limited plant-based meals. Water Governance Progress: DIKTAS II experts met in Sarajevo to review mid-term results on transboundary groundwater monitoring, biodiversity, and legal cooperation among regional partners including Croatia.

Drought & Rivers Expose History: Europe’s worst drought in 70 years is laying bare relics across the continent, including a rusting early-1900s steam tugboat (“the Slovenian”) and other ancient structures as river levels crash. Wildfire Risk: A new study warns wildfires could burn 39% more of Europe by century’s end even under best-case climate action unless fire management improves. Croatia Hazardous Waste: Croatian President Zoran Milanović has demanded an emergency parliamentary session over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, citing groundwater contamination and PFAS concerns, and pushing for urgent remediation and tighter state oversight. Heat Hits Food & Farming: Croatia’s extreme heat is damaging tourism and agriculture and is also reshaping olive and grape seasons—olive oil production fell while imports rose, and Istrian grapes are ripening earlier due to drought and high temperatures. Local Governance & Public Order: Split has introduced a summer ban on shop alcohol sales from 9pm to 6am to curb late-night noise, disorder, and litter.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Gospić: Croatian President Zoran Milanović has asked Parliament for an emergency session over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, citing tests that show groundwater contamination and calling for immediate remediation, tighter state oversight, and regular public reporting. Extreme Heat Pressure on Food and Tourism: Croatia is seeing record heat wave duration and longer stretches above 30°C, with reported economic damage to tourism and agriculture and warnings that climate change is reshaping heat, rain timing, and productivity risks. Olive Oil Supply Strain: Croatia imported more olive oil than it produced for the first time, after drought and high temperatures hit domestic output, raising concerns for the olive-growing sector. Istria Grapes Start Earlier: Istria’s grape harvest has begun earlier than usual as heat and dry weather speed ripening, with growers watching drought impacts on yields. Nord Stream Sabotage Link to Croatia: German prosecutors say a second Ukrainian suspect was arrested in Croatia (Pula) and will be extradited over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts. Blue Economy Cooperation: Cyprus and Croatia businesses will meet in Limassol in September for a forum focused on the blue economy, marine innovation, and environmental sustainability. Invasive Pest Alert: The Netherlands issued a warning about Japanese beetles arriving via shipments, noting the insect’s EU quarantine status and its presence in parts of Croatia.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Gospić: Croatian President Zoran Milanović has asked Parliament for an emergency session over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, citing tests that show groundwater contamination and calling for immediate permanent remediation, tighter state oversight, and regular public reporting. Sea Quality Check: Croatia’s bathing-water monitoring continues through the season, with 127 beaches tested every 14 days; the latest results rate about 97% of sites as excellent. Heat and Wildfire Pressure on Tourism & Farms: New reporting links extreme heat to major economic strain, warning that Croatia’s summer warming is increasingly a business risk for tourism and agriculture. Extreme Heat Records: DHMZ says several weather stations have set new records for the longest heat waves with health impacts, with prolonged heat and drought also fueling the wildfire season. Wildfire Solidarity: Dubrovnik is donating €150,000 to help Omiš recover after a wildfire, framing it as a return of support from 1991. Blue Economy Link-Up: Cyprus and Croatia businesses and researchers will meet in Limassol on Sept. 25 to boost cross-border cooperation in the blue economy, including environmental and maritime innovation.

Hazardous Waste Crisis in Gospić: Croatian President Zoran Milanović has asked Parliament for an extraordinary session over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, citing groundwater contamination concerns and calling for urgent permanent remediation, tighter state oversight, and rapid public updates. Sea Quality Check: Croatia’s bathing-water monitoring shows 97% of tested beaches rated excellent, with sampling every 14 days and daily follow-ups when pollution is detected. Heatwave Records: Croatia’s meteorological service reports new heat-wave duration records at several main stations, with prolonged extreme heat linked to drought and a tougher wildfire season. Wildfire Solidarity (Omiš): Dubrovnik is donating €150,000 to help recovery after the Omiš-area wildfire, framing it as a return of wartime support from 1991. Wildfire Pressure Across Europe: Rain helped firefighters in Belgium’s High Fens contain parts of the country’s biggest-ever blaze, but officials warn fires can smolder underground and flare again. Invasive Pest Alert: The Netherlands is warning holidaymakers and logistics firms about Japanese beetles after a dead specimen was found from an Italian shipment; the pest is EU-quarantined and can devastate gardens and crops.

Heat Records in Croatia: Croatia’s DHMZ says six of eight main weather stations set new records for the longest uninterrupted heat wave with health impact, with Rijeka hitting 20 consecutive days and Split 19, alongside fresh “very high danger” heat-risk duration records. Wildfire Relief Efforts: In Belgium’s High Fens, rain (5–9 mm) and cooler temperatures helped firefighters partially contain the country’s biggest-ever wildfire and slow its push toward the German border, though peat soils can keep fires smoldering underground. Croatia–Omiš Solidarity: Dubrovnik announced €150,000 for recovery after the Omis-area wildfire, framing it as a return of help from 1991 when Omiš troops came to Dubrovnik’s aid. Wider Europe Under Fire: Reuters reports Europe has burned about 576,000 hectares this year, with deadly blazes in Greece (Salamina) and evacuations tied to extreme heat and drought. Extreme Weather Beyond Europe: Spain saw deadly flooding and a landslide after torrential rain, killing two women and injuring two babies.

Wildfire Relief vs. Climate-Driven Risk: Rain (5–9 mm) and cooler, more humid air helped Belgian crews partially contain the High Fens blaze, but the fire still threatens the German border and remains out of control in hard-to-reach areas. EU Emergency Response: The European Commission sent firefighting aircraft and helicopters to Belgium and Spain and is using Copernicus satellite mapping to track the crisis. Croatia on the Front Line: In Croatia, a wildfire near Omiš forced around 1,000 people to evacuate, with reports of injuries and damage to homes. Heat, Drought, and Bigger Fire Footprints: Across Europe, wildfires have already burned about 576,000 hectares this year, with successive heatwaves and dry vegetation linked to climate change. Bosnia and Herzegovina Firefighting: Firefighting continues near Bosanski Grahovo, with air support and ground crews battling difficult terrain and wind. Weather Shift for Croatia: Croatia’s DHMZ warns of showers and thunderstorms starting Monday, with stronger storms possible in the northern Adriatic and Gorski Kotar.