AGP Executive Report

Housing Reform: Croatia is preparing a new Law on Renting Apartments, with public consultation underway, aiming to tighten long-term rental rules, improve contract security, set longer notice periods, and push unused properties onto the market—an issue hitting hardest in high-demand cities and tourism-pressured areas. Criminal Justice & Environment: Parliament is set to consider major criminal-law changes that would introduce “ecocide” as a new offence, with the most serious cases potentially carrying life imprisonment and no statute of limitations, as Croatia tackles the waste-management crisis in Gospić. Nord Stream Case: A Croatian court has remanded a Ukrainian suspect in custody on an extradition track to Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts, with proceedings expected to move quickly under Croatian timelines. Security & Fires: Dubrovnik police arrested a 38-year-old over illegal fireworks blamed for a wildfire that destroyed about 6,000 square metres of pine forest and threatened homes. EU Veterans Policy: Ukraine’s deputy PM said the EU should develop modern veteran policy together, pointing to Croatia’s experience as the only EU country that fought war on its own territory. Culture & Arts: Zagreb’s fourth Opera Festival will open 11 September with Verdi’s “Aida,” running to 20 September across multiple venues with 30+ events.

Nord Stream Case in Croatia: A Croatian court remanded a Ukrainian scuba diver suspected in the 2022 Nord Stream blasts in custody as extradition proceedings to Germany begin, with the suspect expected to challenge the move in court. Energy Prices: Croatia could see another fuel jump next week as global shocks from the Iran conflict keep pressure on refining markets, with diesel projected to rise more than petrol. Justice & Environment: Croatia is preparing criminal-law changes to introduce “ecocide,” potentially punishable by life imprisonment, as part of a push to tackle long-running waste and environmental failures. Wildfire Accountability (Dalmatia): Dubrovnik police arrested a 38-year-old over an alleged illegal fireworks start that raced toward homes; separately, a 28-year-old Canadian woman was arrested after a fire near Drniš, with two others sought. Public Life & Economy: Croatia plans protections for vulnerable households from electricity disconnections, while new figures show average net salary growth to €1,555 in June. Sports & National Pride: NBA-bound Croatian forward Mario Hezonja is set to feature in World Cup qualifiers, and Lefteris Petrounias won bronze on rings at the European Championships in Zagreb.

Nord Stream Case in Croatia: A Croatian court remanded a Ukrainian man suspected in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts in custody, kicking off steps toward possible extradition to Germany; his lawyer says he will challenge the move, while prosecutors describe him as a scuba diver tied to attaching explosives near Denmark. Legal Process Watch: Croatian proceedings must be completed within 60 days, with the defence expected to appeal detention and argue Germany’s case relies on classifications already rejected elsewhere. Film Set Twist: Reports say the suspect was arrested in Pula while allegedly working as a consultant on “Snake Island,” a Hollywood political thriller about the sabotage starring Sean Penn and Adrien Brody—adding fresh political heat to an already sensitive investigation. Energy-Poverty Protection: Croatia’s government sent amendments to the Electricity Market Act to Parliament to ban disconnections for vulnerable, energy-poor households and require suppliers to warn customers, offer flexible repayment plans, and guide access to support. Wildfire Safety: A Canadian woman was arrested in Croatia after police say she and two others started a fire near Drniš that burned dry grass and low vegetation before firefighters brought it under control.

Nord Stream Case in Croatia: A Croatian court in Pula has remanded a Ukrainian suspect in custody to secure his extradition to Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage, with German prosecutors alleging he helped plant explosives near Bornholm; the defense says an appeal will follow. EU Energy Politics: Polish PM Donald Tusk used the case to renew his argument that Germany should not prosecute the suspects, saying accountability should fall on those who built the pipelines in the first place. Croatian Housing & Tourism Rules: Croatian landlords are pushing back hard on a new Hospitality Activity Act, filing an objection via the EU’s TRIS system over rules that could force re-categorisation every decade and require extensive neighbor and co-owner consent for short-term rentals. Food Prices Warning: Croatia’s agriculture adviser warns drought impacts could feed into next year’s food prices, with estimates ranging from +20% to +40%. Business & Retail: Victoria’s Secret is set to open its first Croatian store in Zagreb in Q4 2026 via Alshaya’s franchise expansion.

Nord Stream Probe in Croatia: Germany says a Ukrainian diver, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, was arrested in Pula under a European arrest warrant over the 2022 Nord Stream blasts, with extradition sought as prosecutors allege he helped plant explosives. EU Security & Migration: EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner visits Croatia to discuss migration and security, including the Entry-Exit System rollout at Split airport and talks with Interior Minister Davor Božinović. Uber’s Robotaxi Step in Croatia: Uber launched driverless robotaxi rides in Zagreb earlier this week (with safety drivers), while a separate Dubai rollout runs Apollo Go with no driver in the front seat—raising fresh regulatory questions. Croatia’s Business Front: Victoria’s Secret is set to open its first physical store in Croatia at Arena Centar Zagreb by end-2026, after launching via an online shop. Water Polo Success: Croatia’s youth water polo teams swept three major titles in 43 days—U16 and U18 world championships plus a U20 European title. Culture & Diplomacy: Italian Ambassador Paolo Trichilo visited Pula for the Vergarolla anniversary, meeting sculptor Gualtiero Mocenni and touring his works.

Nord Stream Case in Croatia: Germany says a Ukrainian “trained scuba diver” (Vladimir Z.) was arrested in Pula on a European warrant over the 2022 Baltic pipeline blasts, with extradition to Germany now up to a Croatian court. Border Management in BiH-Croatia: Bosnia’s security ministry coordinated temporary arrangements for the Gradiška crossings after bridge-fence damage, with traffic rules tied to an Aug. 19 deadline. Split Alcohol Crackdown: Split’s city-wide summer ban on shop alcohol sales from 9pm to 6am officially took effect to curb late-night disorder, noise and litter. Croatia-EU Economic Policy: Croatia’s government moves to tax banks’ “excess” profits at 50%, targeting lenders that posted strong earnings after euro adoption. Disaster Relief in Omiš: A special Omiš donation account was published as recovery continues after the fire, with containers and housing help arriving and experts assessing unstable rock and protective nets. China-Croatia Air Link: Air China launched a new Beijing–Zagreb route via Bucharest, the first regular connection between China and Croatia.

Nord Stream Probe: German prosecutors say a second Ukrainian suspect, trained scuba diver Vladimir Z, was arrested in Croatia’s Pula and will be extradited to Germany over the 2022 pipeline sabotage near Bornholm. Banking Tax Push: Croatia’s euro-era bank windfalls are now facing a 50% tax on “excess” profits, aimed at Milan/Vienna/Budapest-owned lenders after strong 2025 earnings. Cross-Border Justice: The Nord Stream case adds to a wider EU legal push, with courts and warrants driving arrests across Croatia and Germany. Defence & Engineering: Croatia’s Army helped rescue a stranded Roman ship replica on the Drava near Osijek, using engineering “skis” and constant watering to prevent damage. Sports-Politics Link: Russian athletes’ visa issues for Zagreb’s 2026 European Championships are expected to last about a year, according to Russia’s sports minister. Tech & Regulation Watch: Pony.ai says robotaxi revenue and deployments are surging abroad, including a cited Zagreb reference point, as regulators decide whether the model can scale.

Hazardous Waste Oversight: Croatia’s President Zoran Milanović has demanded an extraordinary parliamentary session over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić, citing groundwater contamination concerns and asking for urgent remediation plus regular public updates. Energy Security Watch: A report says gas reserves in Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia are at historic lows for this time of year, raising pressure on EU energy planning heading into colder months. Tourism Under Strain: Croatia’s extreme heat is being linked to real economic damage to tourism and agriculture, while Istria’s peak season is showing a shift toward last-minute bookings that forces private landlords to adapt pricing and minimum-stay rules. Local Business Relief Push: After the Omiš-area fires, entrepreneurs and small family landlords are calling for an emergency government package—tax and charge relief and faster, pre-set disaster assistance—so support doesn’t depend on slow special decisions. Tourism Market Signal: With around 250,000 visitors in Istria, hotels and campsites are near full, but apartments still have gaps, reflecting travelers’ “wait and compare” behavior. International Business/Tech Angle: Pony.ai says its overseas robotaxi pipeline has surpassed 4,000 vehicles under contract, building on its Zagreb operations and expanding an Uber partnership across Europe.

Hazardous Waste Oversight: Croatian President Zoran Milanović has asked Parliament for an extraordinary session over an illegal toxic waste dump near Gospić, citing groundwater contamination concerns and calling for urgent remediation, tighter state oversight, and rapid reporting to lawmakers. Regional Security Politics: A Slovenian ruling-party MP has demanded the government stop sending intelligence/security reports to President Nataša Pirc Musar over alleged possible Russian links, which her office strongly rejects. Croatia–BiH Political Signals: HDZ BiH leader Dragan Čović says criticism of Croatian FM Gordan Grlić Radman won’t weaken Croatia’s support for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, framing it as pre-election mobilization. Croatian Fire Investigation: Police in Zadar County have detained four suspects accused of deliberately starting fires across ten locations, with prosecutors still deciding the final charges. EU Digital Justice: The EU’s e-Evidence rules are now fully in force, letting investigators obtain digital data directly from tech firms across member states faster than before. Tourism Demand Shift (Istria): Istria is seeing a surge in last-minute bookings, with about 80% of remaining capacity reportedly sold near arrival dates. Sports & Culture: Dubrovnik opened its first dedicated pickleball centre, while Croatian writer Vedrana Rudan has died at 77.

Croatia–BiH Firefighting Aid: Croatia will send two Canadair CL-415 aircraft and crews to help Bosnia and Herzegovina fight wildfires near Bosansko Grahovo, after a call between PM Andrej Plenković and BiH’s Borjana Kristo. Dubrovnik–Omiš Solidarity: Dubrovnik is donating €150,000 to wildfire-ravaged Omiš, framing it as a return of wartime help from 1991. Public Safety & Crime: Police in Zadar County arrested four suspects over alleged arson linked to 10 fires across the region, seizing a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition. Tourism Disruption: Jadrolinija cancelled the Dubrovnik–Bari ferry after engine failure on its largest ship, Dalmacija, disrupting peak-season travel. Energy Costs: New petrol and diesel prices show Croatia’s fuel rise continues, with gasoline up 6.6% and diesel up 13.1% year-on-year. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists report a massive Roman-era sarcophagus in Cavtat was found sealed and undisturbed for over 1,500 years. Local Governance & Economy: Osijek’s Croatian Army engineers are helping recover a stranded Roman ship replica on the Drava after extreme low water levels.

Wildfire Response in Europe: The EU has activated civil protection support, sending planes and helicopters to help Belgium and Spain as record heat and drought keep wildfires burning across the continent. Croatia Fire Security: Police in Zadar County arrested four suspects over alleged deliberate arson at 10 locations, seizing a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition. Tourism Under Pressure: Croatia’s fuel prices are set to rise again under regulated maximum retail prices, while Jadrolinija cancelled the Dubrovnik–Bari ferry after an engine failure on its Dalmacija vessel. Government & Economy: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković says the main summer tourist season is holding up better than expected, with a good post-season anticipated. Culture & Media: Love Island Adria is coming to Croatia and the wider Adriatic region, with filming reportedly in Tenerife and a September 2026 premiere on Voyo. Zagreb Business: Zagreb opened its first English-language second-hand bookshop, adding about 6,000 titles to the city’s alternative arts scene.

Wildfire Crisis in Croatia & Europe: Croatia’s Adriatic coast remains under pressure as heat and drought fuel major blazes; authorities report one death, dozens injured, and around 1,200 people evacuated from the Omiš area, while Pelješac crews assess damage after another fire. Public Safety & Accountability: Croatia police say they’ve arrested four people suspected of starting wildfires that scorched pine forests and olive groves. Regional Spillover: The wider European wildfire emergency continues, with Belgium’s High Fens blaze more than doubling to about 3,000 hectares and prompting evacuations near the German border, while Greece’s Salamina saw two deaths and hundreds evacuated after twin fires broke out near Athens. Croatia in the Spotlight Beyond Fire: A Byzantine shipwreck off Mljet has yielded Mediterranean’s largest gold hoard from a 7th-century wreck. Economy & Society: A UBS report says Croatians’ inflation-adjusted personal wealth rose 29% (2020–2025), one of the fastest gains globally.

Wildfire Crisis in Croatia and the Adriatic: Croatia’s coast is still under pressure as a major blaze near Omiš forced roughly 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate, with dozens injured and homes, cars and boats damaged; authorities say steep terrain and shifting winds are making firefighting especially hard. Suspected Arson Crackdown: Croatian police have arrested four people suspected of starting wildfires that scorched pine forests and olive groves. Europe-wide Fire Pressure: The same heat-and-dry conditions are driving evacuations across the region, including Belgium’s record wildfire near the German border and deadly fires on Greece’s Salamina island. Border and Security Watch: Record-low Danube water levels have temporarily changed access around Vukovar Island, creating practical border-control problems and prompting calls for stronger police presence. Human Rights Diplomacy: Croatia is among more than 30 countries backing a joint statement condemning Iran’s executions and calling for an end to the death penalty. Dubrovnik Life and Costs: Dubrovnik-Neretva County is seeing some of Croatia’s highest household shopping costs, while the city also keeps leaning into culture with major classical music programming and festival buzz.

Wildfire Crisis in Croatia: A major blaze near Omiš forced mass evacuations, with at least one death reported and dozens injured; by Saturday morning the fire was described as calmer, but the Red Cross warned of ongoing help needs and lasting trauma for evacuees. Foreign Policy & Bosnia: Croatia’s foreign minister Gordan Grlić Radman pushed back on reactions from Bosnia and Herzegovina politicians over the Croatian electoral unit proposal, asking why the “hysteria” and stressing it should not threaten Bosnia’s stability. Aviation & Tourism Demand: Croatia’s airports saw about 5.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026 (up ~3%), with Zagreb leading and Dubrovnik extending its international season; Air China’s planned long-haul link is flagged as a growth driver. Local Housing Support (Dubrovnik): Dubrovnik increased housing grants for young families by 50% to €45,000 under its “Dubrovačka stanogradnja” programme. Consumer Prices: A basic household basket in Croatia rose slightly in July, with the price gap between counties widening. Tech & Mobility: Pony.ai and Uber plan to expand robotaxi services from Zagreb to more European cities, aiming for over 2,000 robotaxis across five cities.

Wildfire Crisis in Croatia: A severe blaze near Lokva Rogoznica and Omis has killed at least one person, injured dozens, and forced around 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate, with Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković calling it among the worst in recent years; the Red Cross says the situation calmed by Saturday morning and tourists could return, while officials stress prevention and warn against panic during fast-moving fires. EU-wide Heat and Fire Response: Across Europe, wildfires are driving mass evacuations amid record heat and drought, with France, Germany, Belgium, Greece, and Spain all reporting active incidents and emergency measures. Foreign Policy Tensions (BiH): Croatia’s foreign minister Gordan Grlić Radman pushed back on reactions from Bosnia and Herzegovina politicians over Croatia’s plan for a Croatian electoral unit in the Federation, dismissing “hysteria” and arguing it should not threaten Bosnia’s stability. Dubrovnik Housing Push: Dubrovnik is raising non-refundable housing grants for young people and families by 50% to €45,000, enabled by changes to the tax treatment of local affordable housing subsidies. Robotaxi Expansion (Zagreb to Europe): Pony.ai and Uber plan to expand their robotaxi partnership from Zagreb to more than 2,000 vehicles across five European cities, with further markets pending approvals. Cost of Living Watch: Croatia’s basic food and hygiene basket rose slightly in July, and the price gap between counties widened, according to Koliko.HR and HUZP.

Wildfire Emergency in Dalmatia: A major blaze near Lokva Rogoznica and Omiš has killed at least one person, injured dozens (42 reported), and forced around 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate, with seven still in life-threatening condition and some patients transferred to Zagreb. Government Response: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković praised firefighters as the fire burned through about 1,000 hectares in hours; Slovakia’s Robert Fico offered assistance and said Slovak tourists were contacting Zagreb crisis channels. Aerial Firefighting: Croatia’s Defence Ministry released footage of Air Force pilots flying Canadairs and Air Tractors in difficult conditions around Omiš and across Dalmatia. Local Aid: Sinj Mayor Miro Bulj announced €20,000 in solidarity funding for Omiš after the disaster. Tourism Pressure: Separate reporting says rising operating costs are squeezing hotel profitability even as summer revenues hold up, underlining how quickly shocks can hit Croatia’s tourism economy. EU/International Context: The EU warned of “very extreme” wildfire conditions across parts of Europe, as evacuations also spread to Greece, France, Germany and beyond. Public Order in Split: Split’s crackdown continues with fines for street disorder and a temporary alcohol sale ban aimed at curbing late-night chaos. Tech & Mobility: Uber and Pony.ai plan to expand commercial robotaxis across Europe, including a growing footprint tied to Croatia’s earlier deployments.