AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity Finance in Focus: IUCN has launched an EU-funded project to explore how “nature credits” and nature markets could help finance nature restoration in Croatia, the Netherlands and Poland, aiming to support national authorities with practical guidance on feasibility, design and governance. Nuclear Waste Row at Trgovska Gora: A coalition including Bosnia and Herzegovina groups has filed a complaint against Croatia to the Berne Convention over plans for a radioactive waste disposal center near the Una basin, arguing it could harm habitats and cross-border ecosystems. EU Transport & Decarbonisation Debate: Bulgaria urged a balanced approach to the EU automotive rules, warning that mandatory zero-emission vehicle targets could burden small firms and noting uneven charging infrastructure; it also highlighted rail modernization with new electric trains. Autonomous Vehicles Across Borders: Seventeen EU transport ministers backed a common framework for large-scale cross-border autonomous vehicle testing, with Croatia among the participating countries. Local Environment & Water Monitoring: Croatia is rolling out a new satellite water monitoring system to detect pollution in seas, lakes and rivers. Coastal Clean-Up: Volunteers collected 70 bags of waste during a Korčula Island clean-up, tackling summer litter before it spreads. Dubrovnik Culture: A new exhibition in Dubrovnik will open June 10 featuring Pavo Urban’s Mediterranean life photos, shifting attention from wartime destruction to landscapes and everyday scenes.

Cross-border Nuclear Waste Dispute: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s “Green team” and partners filed a complaint against Croatia to the Berne Convention over plans for a radioactive waste disposal center at Trgovska Gora near the Una River, warning it could harm habitats and the wider ecosystem across the border. Autonomous Mobility Push: 17 EU transport ministers backed a common framework for large-scale cross-border autonomous vehicle testing, with Croatia among the signatories—aiming to cut through patchwork national rules for public transport, freight and logistics. Tourism & Transport Upgrade: Work has started on renovating Lake Balaton ferry terminals in Szántód and Tihany, with new passenger areas, bike storage and faster ticketing/traffic management planned to boost capacity and improve the landscape fit. Regional Cooperation: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova will host the SEECP 30th anniversary summit in Sofia on June 10, with Croatia’s foreign minister among expected leaders. Local Clean-Up: Volunteers collected 70 bags of waste during a Korčula Island clean-up, adding momentum to island litter-reduction efforts.

Marine Pollution Action: Around 60 volunteers collected about 70 bags of waste during a Korčula island clean-up, targeting plastic and rubber around Badija, Planjak, Kamenjak and Sutvara as part of the “From Source to Sea” project. Tourism & Nature: Virovitica-Podravina is leaning into restored castles and manor houses plus UNESCO-linked nature—Drava River (Mura–Drava–Danube Biosphere Reserve) and Papuk Nature Park (UNESCO Global Geopark)—to attract visitors seeking quieter, active trips. Clean Transport Rules: The EU has launched infringement steps against 13 countries, including Croatia, over missing penalty systems under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, aimed at cutting aviation greenhouse-gas emissions by boosting sustainable fuels. Heat & Climate Risk (sports angle): With the 2026 World Cup in North America, England players say training has them ready for extreme heat, while broader concerns persist about dangerous conditions for athletes and fans. Local Tourism Momentum: Croatia reports strong pre-season tourism results, with over 440,000 visitors currently staying, as the national tourist board pushes for a more year-round model.

Marine Pollution Cleanup: Around 60 volunteers joined a Korčula archipelago clean-up, collecting about 70 bags of waste from islands including Badija, Planjak, Kamenjak and Sutvara, with organisers stressing the “From Source to Sea” push to cut plastic and rubber entering the marine environment. Tourism & Nature Heritage: Virovitica-Podravina County is leaning harder into eco and heritage tourism, highlighting restored castles and manors plus UNESCO assets like the River Drava (Mura–Drava–Danube Biosphere Reserve) and Papuk Nature Park, aiming to attract travellers seeking quieter nature breaks. Croatia Tourism Momentum: Croatia’s pre-season is strong, with HTZ reporting more than 440,000 visitors currently staying, and a strategy focused on extending the season, better spreading demand, and boosting continental tourism. EU Aviation Emissions Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against Croatia (and 12 other EU states) for not yet setting up penalty systems under ReFuelEU Aviation, a move meant to speed up sustainable aviation fuels and cut greenhouse-gas emissions. Wildlife & Conservation Spotlight: Plavnik, an uninhabited 8.6 km² island in the Kvarner Gulf, is being highlighted for its pristine karst landscape and its griffon vulture nesting colony, alongside rich marine life.

EU Aviation Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against 13 EU countries, including Croatia, for not setting up penalty systems under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation—rules meant to speed up sustainable aviation fuels and cut aviation greenhouse-gas emissions. Climate History in Croatia: A new exhibition at the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb highlights how 19th-century Croatian sailors survived Arctic ice for two years and helped shape modern climate and ice research through detailed observations of ice drift, weather and marine life. Croatia’s Nature Spotlight: Plavnik, an uninhabited 8.6 km² island in the Kvarner Gulf near Krk and Cres, is being highlighted for its pristine karst landscape and its key griffon vulture colony. Coastal & Tourism Development: Dubrovnik’s Villa Argentina and Villa Orsula are reopening after major transformations, with restored historic villas and expanded outdoor spaces aimed at better views and privacy. Local Environment & Transport: Croatia’s railway “revival” story returns, pointing to EU-funded upgrades on key corridors as a potential shift away from car travel. Extreme Weather Reminder: A World Cup warm-up in Texas was delayed nearly two hours by lightning and thunderstorms, showing how storm season can disrupt outdoor events.

Climate History in Croatia: The Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb opened an exhibition on Croatian sailors trapped in Arctic ice for two years in the 19th century, highlighting their observations of ice drift, temperatures and Arctic flora/fauna that helped shape modern climate and ice research. Extreme Weather & Safety: A World Cup warm-up in Texas was halted for over two hours after lightning and thunderstorms forced players and fans to seek shelter, underscoring how storm season can disrupt outdoor events. Heat Adaptation for Sports: Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, England is using palm-cooling tech and planned hydration breaks as forecasts warn many venues could reach dangerous heat levels. Local Environment & Transport: A report on Croatia’s “railway revival” points to EU-funded upgrades, but questions remain about whether trains can finally compete with cars. Coastal & Island Lifestyle: A travel feature spotlights Croatia’s islands as nature-focused escapes, while another piece notes how vehicle limits are being planned in Mallorca to curb congestion and emissions. Water & Pollution Monitoring: Croatia is rolling out a new satellite water monitoring system to detect pollution in seas, lakes and rivers.

Croatia’s Green Transition & Spending: The European Commission urged Croatia to tighten control of public spending and improve how money is used, warning that climate adaptation and the green and digital transitions will add pressure on budgets. Energy & Clean Mobility: Lithuania’s Social Climate Plan got EU approval, backed by €884m to help vulnerable households cut energy use, expand social housing, and support cleaner transport, including thousands of EVs and new charging and bike infrastructure. Local Environment Monitoring: Croatia is rolling out a new satellite water monitoring system to detect pollution in seas, lakes, and rivers. Tourism Under Heat Pressure: Research shows many Europeans expect parts of Europe to become too hot for holidays within five years, with Croatia named among the countries most at risk. Climate-Ready Sports Logistics: Ahead of World Cup 2026, England is using palm-cooling tech and FIFA is adding hydration breaks as venues face dangerous heat and humidity. Reconstruction Slowdown in Zagreb: Zagreb’s earthquake rebuilding still drags on, with residents and visitors questioning why major projects take so long. Sustainable Industry Spotlight: A COST project highlighted greener chemical production methods that cut waste and emissions through mechanochemistry.

Climate & Heat Safety: England’s World Cup preparations highlight rising heat risks, with reports saying players will use tech-powered palm-cooling devices in training and hydration breaks added to matches, while FIFA also bans reusable water bottles at stadiums. Tourism & Resilience in Croatia: Croatia’s national tourism board says 2026 is tracking positively, with growth in arrivals and overnight stays and stronger demand from key markets like Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Hungary, plus a new US air link (New York–Split) supporting longer-haul travel. Local Governance & Public Spending: The European Commission issued five recommendations for Croatia, urging tighter control of public spending and better efficiency, while pushing investments tied to long-term growth, including climate adaptation and the green and digital transitions. Weather Watch: Croatia faces unstable early-summer conditions, with rapid shifts from warm spells to thunderstorms and heavy rain—an issue for transport, outdoor plans and tourism. Sustainable Industry (EU-wide): On World Environment Day, a COST initiative spotlights cleaner chemical production methods that cut waste and emissions using mechanochemistry.

Water Monitoring Upgrade in Croatia: The Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute is rolling out satellite-assisted monitoring for rivers, lakes, seas and coastal waters, aiming to spot pollution and eutrophication signals earlier by combining space data with field measurements, with a pilot on the Drava River showing improved water quality after a major wastewater plant began operating. Tourism Pressure on the Coast: Croatia’s tourism keeps growing, with the Croatian National Tourist Board reporting stronger arrivals and overnight stays and highlighting demand from key markets including the U.S., while social travel trends show visitors increasingly seeking authenticity and slower-paced experiences beyond just beaches. Road Traffic and Safety: Heavy holiday traffic hit Croatia for Corpus Christi, with slowdowns on major motorways toward the Adriatic and warnings about possible rockfalls on mountain routes and parts of the DC8. EU Environment Enforcement: The European Commission launched infringement steps against Spain over incorrect transposition of the Seveso III industrial accident rules, covering thousands of high-risk installations across the EU. EV Charging Push (EU-wide): The EIB is partnering with Ireland to speed up public EV charging rollout, using advisory tools for local authorities to build a nationwide network.

Water Monitoring Upgrade: Croatia’s Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute is rolling out a satellite-based system, paired with field measurements, to spot pollution and eutrophication in rivers, lakes and the sea earlier—starting with a Drava River pilot after a major wastewater plant came online. Tourism Pressure & Crowd Management: With visitor numbers surging, more destinations are adding caps and booking rules; Croatia is also in the mix as cities tighten nightlife and alcohol sales to curb rowdy tourist behavior. Tourism Outlook in Croatia: The Croatian National Tourist Board says 2026 is starting strong, with growth in arrivals and overnight stays and new direct flights boosting demand, especially from the U.S., while messaging shifts toward safety and value for money. Local Transport Strain: Corpus Christi brought heavier-than-usual traffic across Croatia, including slowdowns on key motorways and warnings about rockfalls on mountain routes. EU Environment Enforcement: The European Commission launched infringement steps against Spain over incorrect transposition of the Seveso III industrial accident rules. EV Charging Push (Regional): The EIB is advising Ireland on a nationwide EV charging rollout—relevant for the wider region’s clean mobility build-out.

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.

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.