Green Diplomacy: Croatia is looking to deepen cooperation with China on green development, with sustainability and ecological transition flagged as growing pillars of bilateral ties, including projects that build in marine conservation and clean-energy thinking. EU Policy: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing Member States toward competitiveness, faster decarbonisation, housing crisis action, and stronger resilience as climate and cost-of-living pressures mount. Local Governance & Public Health: Croatia has passed a law letting cities restrict overnight alcohol sales in shops, aiming to curb late-night drinking linked to tourist-resident friction while keeping bars and restaurants exempt. Climate & Fire Readiness: The EU is mobilising a record wildfire response, pre-positioning hundreds of firefighters and aircraft across high-risk regions to protect communities and ecosystems. Infrastructure & Environment: Croatia’s planned Croatia Ring racetrack near Slunj received environmental impact assessment approval, with the project set for about 50 hectares near the Korana River. Tourism Pressure: Dubrovnik and Split are tightening nightlife and visitor rules, including alcohol-sale curbs, as summer season pressure grows.