AGP Executive Report

Nations League, Croatia-England context: England closed the international break with a 3-0 Wembley win over Czechia, with Harry Kane matching Peter Shilton’s 125 caps and scoring twice to reach 91 international goals; the result keeps England on track for the Nations League knockouts and sets up a key Nov. 12 visit to Croatia. Spain vs Croatia: In Split, Spain beat Croatia 2-1, with Mikel Merino scoring twice after Ivan Perišić’s opener, extending Spain’s unbeaten run and tightening the group picture. Croatia-Balkan diplomacy: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Filipović said renewed communication between the BiH Presidency and Croatian leadership is a “bridge” toward Europe. MED9 summit in Split: Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides will attend the MED9 summit in Croatia, with discussions on energy security and the Middle East. Environment in Croatia: In Gospić, removal of non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit industrial site began, tied to a wider USKOK waste investigation.

Mediterranean Diplomacy in Split: Croatia is hosting the MED9 summit on Oct. 6-7, bringing together leaders from nine Mediterranean EU states plus top EU officials, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković set to focus on a safer, more sustainable and more resilient Mediterranean—covering security, migration, energy, environmental resilience, water management and demographic challenges. Croatia–Spain Nations League: Luka Modrić said Croatia hopes for a positive fan reaction after the 7-0 loss to England, as Slaven Bilić’s side host Spain in Split with Spain chasing quarter-final qualification and Lamine Yamal’s minutes under close watch. EU Enlargement Watch: A Wider Europe briefing flags the European Commission’s Oct. 6 pre-enlargement strategy, debated at an Oct. 15-16 summit, with proposals that could change how new members participate in a larger EU. Cross-Border Student Funding Cut: Croatia’s government has drastically reduced funding for a cross-border student program, cutting support by more than 75% in the latest reported move.

Croatia–EU & Rule of Law: Croatia’s Economy Ministry has appealed the decision on the new Maksimir Stadium and SRC Svetice complex in Zagreb, asking the State Commission for the Supervision of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM) to review the process after public criticism; the ministry says concerns are about legality and equal treatment of competitors, not the winning design’s aesthetics. Bosnia Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s election results point to a further ethnic-nationalist shift, with Croat seat in the presidency going to HDZ BiH’s Darijana Filipović and pro-Russian Milorad Dodik’s SNSD maintaining strong influence in Republika Srpska. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador Ernesto Villegas says the country is stepping up its UNESCO work agenda, including meetings with Croatian officials and participation in multilateral events. Sport & National Identity (Croatia): Luka Modrić says Croatia needs a better response when it hosts Spain in Split after the 7-0 England defeat, urging fans to back the team despite the “catastrophic night.”

Bosnia Election Fallout: New biometric checks cut classic vote-rigging tactics, but turnout stayed low and nationalist blocs still dominated—Denis Bećirović leads the Bosniak race, HDZ’s Darijana Filipović is set for the Croat seat, and Republika Srpska’s SNSD line remains strong with Željka Cvijanović. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU states, including Croatia, urged the Irish EU presidency to protect cohesion and farm funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would hit local communities and farmers. Croatia Economy & Infrastructure: Rijeka’s Adriatic Gate Container Terminal reached four million TEU since joining ICTSI in 2011, backed by a €35m crane and hybrid equipment upgrade. International Sports (Croatia angle): England’s 7-0 Nations League demolition of Croatia continues to ripple—Luka Modrić said he felt ashamed, while England’s Alex Scott and Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa withdrew from the next match due to injury.

Bosnia Election Shockwaves: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s general election closed with record-low turnout (41.5%) and nationalist parties set to dominate again, with Denis Becirović (Bosniak seat), Zeljka Cvijanović (Serb seat) and Darijana Filipović (Croat seat) leading preliminary counts after biometric voting and optical scanning. Republika Srpska Power Play: Milorad Dodik declared victory for his Russia-friendly SNSD-led bloc, crediting support from Vladimir Putin, while Cvijanović and SNSD allies look set to retain control in the Serb entity. Croatia-Linked Diplomacy: Croatia’s ambassador to Iraq, Ivan Jurich, met Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Croatia in the Spotlight (Sports, not politics): Luka Modrić called Croatia’s 7-0 Nations League loss to England “catastrophic” and said he felt “ashamed,” as England’s Tuchel praised a “complete” performance.

Croatia-UK Spotlight: Luka Modrić said he felt “ashamed” after Croatia’s record 7-0 Nations League defeat by England in Rijeka, calling the performance unacceptable, while England’s Harry Kane framed the rout as a message to Europe and a blueprint for bigger matches. Government & Policy: Croatia’s households face a new electricity consumption threshold from 1 October to 31 March 2027: use above 3,000 kWh triggers a 35% higher charge only on the excess, a key change for families relying on electric heating. Regional Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina opened voting for a complex general election that could shape its EU path, with 3.4 million voters choosing the tripartite presidency and lawmakers amid ethnic tensions and a first nationwide push using biometric checks, ballot scanning, and video surveillance to curb irregularities.

Nations League Shock: England crushed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka as Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, with Jude Bellingham adding a goal and three assists; the result came in a match played “behind closed doors” after UEFA sanctions tied to Croatian fan conduct, but with thousands of local schoolchildren allowed in. EU Budget Push: Seventeen EU leaders, including Croatia, urged the Irish EU presidency to protect farm and cohesion funding in the next budget, warning against cuts to treaty-based policies. Environment Watch: A Copernicus Marine decade report flags concerning, some “irreversible” changes in Croatian waters, citing faster Mediterranean warming and more marine heatwave days. Aviation Safety Update: Jordan’s aviation regulator said Jordanian airspace remains safe and flights continue normally after an EU aviation safety advisory, with multiple European airlines still operating. Sports Beyond Football: Croatia’s Petar Klovar won silver in AIDA’s Constant Weight with Bifins at the Depth World Championships, while England’s Nations League win also sparked fresh debate and backlash in football media.

Croatia–Armenia Cooperation: Croatia’s Health Minister Irena Hrstić met Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan to discuss healthcare reform, including universal health insurance, with Croatia contributing expertise through an EU-funded Twinning project. Energy & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković says Croatia could start supplying Germany with gas from the Krk LNG terminal within two years, via a southern corridor through Slovenia and Austria, after capacity upgrades at Omišalj. Defence Industry: Defence Minister Ivan Anušić announced Croatia signed over €200m in defence contracts with domestic firms over the past year, as Zagreb monitors Serbia’s military build-up and pushes armed forces modernisation. Inflation Watch: Plenković warned that without government measures inflation would have been around 7%, while September CPI inflation is reported at 4.7%, driven heavily by energy prices. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU states including Croatia signed a letter opposing cuts to nearly €900bn for agriculture and cohesion policy in the next EU budget. Politics in the Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina holds elections with new biometric voter ID and ballot scanning tech, while coverage highlights voter fatigue and youth emigration pressures. Sports (Croatia–England): UEFA Nations League action returns to Rijeka with Croatia hosting England behind closed doors due to prior fan sanctions, as both sides chase points.

EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU countries, including Croatia, are pushing back against cuts to farm and cohesion funding in the 2028–2034 budget talks, warning the bloc risks weakening the “European project.” Bosnia Politics: President Zoran Milanović urged Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina to vote in the Oct. 4 elections to elect “true representatives,” arguing Croats have lacked legitimate representation since 2018. Croatia–Montenegro Dispute: Zagreb is demanding over €2.4bn in military property from Montenegro tied to Yugoslavia’s breakup, with talks set for Oct. 9 and the issue also linked to Montenegro’s EU bid. Croatia–EU Border Policy: The EU approved tougher migration and return rules, including broader penalties for overstayers and “return hubs,” as member states tighten border enforcement. Rijeka Trade Milestone: Adriatic Gate Container Terminal in Rijeka reached 4 million TEUs since joining ICTSI in 2011, underlining its growing role as an Adriatic gateway. Sports (Local Angle): Ahead of Croatia vs England in the Nations League in Rijeka, England coach Thomas Tuchel said he won’t rule out selecting Manchester City players even if their Premier League appeal leads to relegation.

EU Legal Pressure on Croatia: The European Commission issued Croatia two reasoned opinions over breaches of EU rules—renewable energy transposition and consumer credit—giving Zagreb two months to respond or face a possible referral to the Court of Justice. Montenegro EU Accession Watch: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Podgorica the bloc “believes in Montenegro” as a future member, but warned political stability is needed to close remaining chapters by year-end; a separate report flags Montenegro’s language translation hurdle, with Croatian seen as a possible interim option. Croatia’s Defense Industry Deal: Iskra Shipyard and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a teaming agreement to cooperate on future Croatian Navy programs, including a planned multipurpose corvette, and broader military and civilian shipbuilding. Zagreb Labor Dispute: Zagreb’s strike was declared illegal, with limited ZET services running and services set to resume after a court ruling looms. Business & Finance in Croatia: Rimac Group appointed Matthias Wich as new CFO, as major automotive and energy projects continue. Sports (Croatia-linked): Spain thrashed Croatia 4-1 in Nations League action; Nico Williams later withdrew from Spain’s squad with a muscle injury.

Zagreb Labor Dispute: Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević says ZET and Zagreb Holding workers who struck will not be paid for strike days, after a court declared the walkout illegal and ordered services to resume. Rail Infrastructure: Transport Minister Oleg Butković announced signing the largest Croatian Railways contract ever—nearly €900m for reconstruction and a second track on the Dugo Selo–Novska line (83 km), with an Indian firm winning the tender. Steel Rules: New EU “melt and pour” requirements took effect in Croatia, forcing importers to declare where steel was melted and cast, backed mainly by Mill Test Certificates. Tourism Economy: Croatia’s foreign-tourist revenue hit a new record in 2026 H1—€4.59bn total, up nearly 5% year-on-year, with domestic tourism also rising. Regional Politics Watch: Bosnia holds elections Sunday amid EU-accession stakes and heavy US/Russia influence, as ethnic divisions and economic frustration shape the vote. Montenegro EU Test: A Montenegro parliamentary crisis over condolences to Ratko Mladić’s family is becoming a stress test for coalition unity and EU credibility.

Zagreb Public Transport: Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević says court rulings have made the ZET and Zagreb Holding strikes illegal, with waste collection ending and services set to resume after three days of disruption. Tourism Economy: Croatia’s foreign-tourist revenue rose to €4.59bn in 2026 H1, up nearly 5% year on year, while domestic tourism hit record arrivals and overnight stays. EU Politics: Bosnia’s election campaign ahead of Oct. 4 is again dominated by ethnic identity politics, as EU ambassadors back the Central Election Commission’s push for transparent, fair voting. EU Enlargement Plan: Politico reports the European Commission is preparing “gradual integration” for candidate states into the EU single market, tied to political alignment. Tech & Industry: HCLSoftware plans to acquire Zagreb-based Robotiq.ai to expand AI-driven enterprise automation. Data Centers Transparency Fight: Lighthouse Reports challenges the EU over a “wall of silence” on data-center energy and water use under Aarhus rules. Sport (Croatia-England context): England’s Nations League match in Rijeka is set behind closed doors, linked to prior crowd disturbances.

EU Enlargement & Single Market: Politico reports the European Commission is drafting a plan for “gradual integration” of candidate countries into the EU single market, including frictionless trade and access to research programmes while applications are assessed, with Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro set for “roadmaps.” Croatia-Linked Labour Disruption: Zagreb’s ZET and Zagreb Holding strike entered a third day, with only limited tram and bus routes running and waste collection heavily reduced, as a court decision looms. Croatia in EU Business & Consumer Life: Rhode expands into Sephora across Europe, with Croatia among 19 new markets getting in-store and online access. EU Policy Pressure: Romania and four other EU states asked the Commission for urgent measures for the sheep and goat sector, including flexible disease restrictions and easier movement for vaccinated animals. Regional Security & Courts: Bosnia’s Republika Srpska PM argues Bosnia’s future should be decided by its peoples, while Croatia is mentioned in a Nord Stream-related extradition context. Sports (Croatia vs England): Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League as Lamine Yamal scored twice; England’s match vs Croatia is set for behind closed doors in Rijeka.

NATO & Security: Multinational NATO military police command-and-staff exercises SHARP LYNX 2026 kicked off at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre in Georgia, with troops from Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary taking part as part of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package. EU Sanctions Politics: Germany’s foreign minister urged Slovakia to back EU measures against Russia more firmly, warning that member states can’t block sanctions and stressing pressure on Moscow. Nord Stream Legal Fight: A Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream sabotage case, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, has applied to Croatia for political asylum, arguing he won’t get a fair trial in Germany, while Croatian extradition proceedings are said not to be automatically halted. Croatia in the Spotlight (Sports): Spain crushed Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League homecoming, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice as Spain extended a record unbeaten run to 40 matches; Croatia’s Dion Beljo replied for the visitors. Regional Sports Note: England rebounded with a 2-0 win over 10-man Czechia, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to assist Anthony Gordon. Domestic Tourism: Wellovar, a €42m geothermal thermal complex in Bjelovar, officially opened, featuring Olympic-standard swimming facilities and multiple pools aimed at boosting inland tourism.

Rail Modernisation: Croatia is planning about €6 billion in railway investment by 2035 to cut speed limits and delays, with targets up to 160 km/h on international routes and more double-track capacity. Sports & National Identity: Croatia’s freediving champion Vitomir Maričić became the first Croatian inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, recognised not just for records but also for education and marine conservation. EU Policy: The European Commission has launched EU Screening Week and proposed EU-wide cardiovascular health checks to improve early detection and reduce premature deaths. Croatia–US Business Push: In New York, Croatia and the USA moved to deepen ties across tourism, energy, tech and investment, with Plenković attending an HGK/HTZ forum and B2B meetings linking companies. Tech & Industry: HCLSoftware plans to acquire Zagreb-based Robotiq.ai for €9 million, aiming to expand enterprise automation using AI-driven workflows. International Spotlight: Spain hosts Croatia in the Nations League, setting up a high-profile test for Croatia after a strong start under new coach Slaven Bilić.

Fuel Policy & Cost of Living: Croatia is postponing new “anchor price” rules due to business pushback, while the government also revised weekly fuel ceilings: Eurosuper 95 up by 2 cents to 1.76€/l and Eurodiesel down by 5 cents to 1.86€/l, with blue diesel for farmers and fishermen falling to 1.42€/l. Energy Prices in Europe: A wider EU diesel surge is being blamed for higher freight costs and inflation pressure, as record retail and wholesale diesel prices ripple through supply chains. Tech & Business in Croatia: HCLSoftware plans to acquire Zagreb-based Robotiq.ai for 9 million euro, aiming to expand enterprise RPA and AI workflow execution; the deal is expected to close by end-November 2026. International Cooperation: Croatia joined the growing Artemis Accords coalition as NASA welcomed new signatories including Croatia, bringing total participation to 76 countries. Local Economy & Tourism: Sarajevo Canton reported strong mid-year tourism growth, with foreign visitors driving most arrivals and overnight stays. Sports & Politics Spillover: Croatia’s football spotlight continues with Davor Šuker backing Luka Modrić for the long run, even as Nations League matches keep Croatia in the headlines.