AGP Executive Report

Gospić Monitoring: Soil tests recorded a 961% rise in measured strontium-90 between 2023 and 2025. Authorities say there is no confirmed link to illegal waste at the former PPK Velebit site, and the increase alone does not establish contamination or a health risk. Waste removal has begun at the former industrial site. Air Quality: Zagreb residents reported a strong smell as air quality deteriorated; possible causes are being examined. Drava Protection: An environmental campaigner warns that factory farms threaten the Drava-Mura wetlands, part of a cross-border UNESCO biosphere reserve known for rich wildlife and migratory bird habitat. Croatian Waters: A Copernicus Marine analysis has raised concerns about changes in the country’s waters, though the available report gives few details. Green Transition: Croatia is offering citizens up to €9,000 toward electric cars and has created a new framework for its bioeconomy. Regional Climate Action: At the MED9 summit in Split, leaders discussed environmental protection and climate change, with Monaco’s Prince Albert urging science-led cooperation and stronger funding for marine conservation.

Gospić Soil Readings: Strontium-90 levels at a monitoring point rose sharply between 2023 and 2025, according to annual reports. Officials say the increase does not prove contamination or a health risk, and there is no evidence linking it to illegal waste at the former PPK Velebit site. Drava Under Pressure: An eco-artist from northern Croatia warns that factory farms threaten the Drava-Mura wetlands, part of the cross-border “Amazon of Europe” UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a vital habitat for wildlife. Zagreb Air Quality: Residents reported a strong, manure-like or burning smell as monitoring stations recorded elevated fine-particle pollution. The source remains unknown; weather and the start of the heating season may be factors. Tourism and Climate: Croatia’s tourism chief says extreme summer heat is increasingly shaping visitors’ choices, while last-minute bookings are becoming more common.

Gospić Monitoring: Strontium-90 measured in surface soil at a Gospić monitoring point rose 961% between 2023 and 2025. The increase does not establish a health risk, and no connection has been identified with illegal waste at the former PPK Velebit site, where non-hazardous waste removal has begun. Zagreb Air: Residents reported a strong odour as monitors recorded elevated fine-particle levels; the source remains unknown, with weather and the start of the heating season among possible factors. Chemical Exposure: A study reported forever chemicals in blood samples from all 10 Croatian participants. Green Transition: Croatia has introduced a bioeconomy framework and is offering citizens up to €9,000 toward electric cars.

Zagreb Air Quality: Residents across several districts reported a strong, unpleasant smell as monitoring stations recorded elevated PM2.5 and PM10. The source remains unknown; experts say weather and the start of the heating season may be contributing. Waste Cleanup: Work has begun to remove 650 tonnes of bagged waste from a former industrial site in Gospić. Officials classify it as non-hazardous, but earlier tests found pollutants in nearby groundwater, keeping concerns over soil and water alive. Electric Transport: Croatia’s new €20 million incentive scheme offers citizens grants of up to €9,000 for electric cars, with support capped at 40% of the purchase price. Lake Protection: Major works are under way to protect Croatia’s largest natural lake from rising salinity. Chemical Exposure: A small study found “forever chemicals” in blood samples from all 10 Croatian participants, raising questions about exposure. Fire Readiness: Longer fire seasons are putting pressure on Europe’s aircraft and specialist crews, highlighting the need for stronger coordination across the Mediterranean.

Air Quality Alert in Zagreb: Residents across parts of Zagreb reported a strong, unpleasant odour (manure/burning) while monitoring stations recorded elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels, but the city said it had no information about the issue and the source is still unconfirmed. Waste Cleanup in Gospic: Removal of about 650 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit industrial site has started, with material headed to cement plants in Istria and Slavonia as alternative fuel, amid an ongoing USKOK probe linked to illegal dumping and earlier findings of microplastics and other pollutants in groundwater. Electric Car Incentives: Croatia is offering citizens up to €9,000 for new electric vehicles under a €20m state scheme, with grants capped at 40% of price and a higher cap for cars up to €35,000 (VAT included), plus support for certain electric two-wheelers. MED9 Summit in Split: Leaders from nine Mediterranean EU countries are meeting in Split to focus on energy security, migration, and a “sustainable Mediterranean,” with Croatia hosting under its presidency. EU Deforestation Law Impact: A new analysis says the EU’s zero-deforestation rules (EUDR) are already pushing down cocoa-linked emissions and improving “deforestation-free” sourcing claims ahead of full implementation. Depth Sports Spotlight: Croatian diver Petar Klovar won men’s FIM gold at the AIDA Depth World Championships, with Alexey Molchanov taking silver and a shared bronze.

Waste Cleanup in Gospic: Removal of about 650 tonnes of bagged non-hazardous waste from the former PPK Velebit industrial site has started, with material headed to cement plants in Istria and Slavonia to be used as alternative fuel. The move follows earlier findings of microplastics and other pollutants in local groundwater, and part of the wider USKOK investigation into illegal waste imports. Electric Mobility Support: Croatia is rolling out a new state incentive for electric vehicles, offering grants up to €9,000 for new EVs up to €35,000 (VAT included), plus up to €2,500 for certain electric two-wheelers—applications are set to open in October. MED9 Summit in Split: European leaders are arriving in Split for the MED9 summit focused on a “safer, more sustainable and more resilient Mediterranean,” with energy security, environmental resilience, water management and regional security on the agenda. Nature-Friendly Transport in Zagreb: Zagreb’s Maksimir Park has brought back a fully electric tourist train for families, reviving a historic park railway tradition with low-emission rides and seasonal educational audio.

Electric Mobility Support: Croatia is rolling out a new state incentive for electric vehicles, offering citizens grants up to €9,000 (or €7,000 for pricier models), plus up to €2,500 for certain electric two-wheelers, with the call expected in October. Climate & Weather Watch: A Genovese cyclone is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds and a sharp temperature drop from Wednesday, with the worst conditions expected Thursday and Friday. Biodiversity & Nature Education: Zagreb’s Maksimir Park has brought back a fully electric tourist train for families, with seasonal audio about plants and animals—blending heritage with low-emissions transport. Animal Welfare Pressure: Croatia has an estimated 1.13 million dogs and cats, but advocates warn enforcement is weak, especially due to a lack of a specialised inspection system. Aquaculture Resilience: A European aquaculture conference in Ljubljana focused on how farms can adapt to climate change across species, farming systems and the wider supply chain. Mediterranean Policy Talks: Croatia hosts the MED9 summit in Split, with leaders discussing security, migration, energy and environmental resilience, including water management.

Weather Watch: Croatia braces for a major shift as a Genovese cyclone brings heavy rain, strong winds and a sharp temperature drop from Wednesday, with the worst conditions expected Thursday and Friday. Wildlife & Animal Welfare: Croatia has an estimated 1.1 million dogs and cats, but advocates warn the biggest problem is weak enforcement and a lack of an effective specialised inspection system for animal protection. Low-Emission Mobility in Nature: An electric tourist train has returned to Zagreb’s Maksimir Park, offering a short, family-friendly ride with seasonal audio education about the park’s plants and animals. Aquaculture Under Climate Pressure: A European Aquaculture Society conference in Ljubljana focused on how farming systems and species can stay resilient under climate change, including impacts on animal health and feed availability. Tourism Economy: September tourism looks strong, with higher accommodation and hospitality receipts—especially in Istria—though Zagreb’s revenue growth lagged behind the rise in bookings. Regional Context (Bosnia): Bosnia’s election results point to further ethnic political consolidation amid low turnout, keeping reform and EU progress uncertain.

Weather Watch: Croatia is bracing for a sharp midweek shift as the Genovese cyclone brings heavy rain, strong southerly winds (storm force possible offshore), thunderstorms in the northern Adriatic, and a big temperature drop from Wednesday onward. Marine Health: A new Copernicus Marine assessment flags concerning, some “irreversible” changes in Croatian waters, pointing to faster Mediterranean warming and more extreme marine heat conditions. Bioeconomy Push: Croatia is setting up a national framework for its bioeconomy, including a coordination body and a 2027–2035 plan with an action roadmap for 2027–2030. Tourism Economy: September tourism looks unusually strong, with higher fiscalised accommodation and hospitality receipts—especially in Istria—though Zagreb’s revenue growth lagged behind the rise in bookings. Local Environment & Water: Croatia is also moving to protect its largest natural lake from rising salinity, with cleanup efforts still raising concerns about lasting damage.

Marine Heat & Risk to the Adriatic: Copernicus Marine’s OSR10 flags worrying, in some cases irreversible changes in Croatian waters, with the Mediterranean warming faster than the global average and 2024 bringing record marine heatwave days. Hazardous Waste Cleanup Fears: Locals in Lika’s Gospic say illegal dumping at the former PPK Velebit site still threatens health and the environment, with cleanup promised but not yet started. Bioeconomy Push: Croatia is setting up a national framework for its bioeconomy, creating a coordination body and drafting a 2027–2035 plan to better link agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, energy and biotech. Tourism & Sustainability Policy: Croatian MEP and former tourism minister Nikolina Brnjac is set to speak at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, focusing on mobility, connectivity and “the right kind of growth” for sustainable tourism. Local Governance & Environment: Croatia is also moving on protection for its largest natural lake, with major works underway to guard against rising salinity.

Marine Climate Watch: Copernicus Marine’s latest decade report flags worrying, in some cases irreversible, changes in Croatian waters and the wider Mediterranean, including faster warming and more marine heatwave days. Waste Cleanup Pressure: Locals in Gospić fear lasting damage as Croatia prepares to remove tens of thousands of tonnes of hazardous waste tied to years of illegal dumping at the former PPK Velebit complex. Bioeconomy Push: Croatia is setting up a national bioeconomy coordination body and a 2027–2035 plan to steer sustainable use of biological resources across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, energy and biotech. EU Budget Priorities: Seventeen EU leaders, including Croatia, urge the next long-term budget negotiations to protect farm funding and keep agriculture high on the agenda. Transport & Resilience: A new Adriatic-Ionian railway corridor push aims to link Italy, Slovenia and Croatia with the wider region, boosting connectivity and investment plans. Tourism & Mobility Policy: Croatian MEP and former tourism minister Nikolina Brnjac will join WTTC’s Global Summit in Malta to discuss sustainable tourism growth and mobility.

Marine Monitoring: Copernicus’ latest decade report flags worrying, partly irreversible changes in Croatian waters, with the Adriatic affected by faster-than-global Mediterranean warming and more marine heatwave days. Waste Cleanup: In Lika’s Gospic, residents fear lasting harm as cleanup of illegally dumped hazardous waste drags on, with locals saying removal has barely started despite years of dumping concerns. EU Budget Priorities: Seventeen EU leaders (including Croatia) urge the Irish EU presidency to keep agriculture a top priority in the next 2028–2034 budget negotiations. Transport & Growth: Croatia backs the Adriatic-Ionian rail corridor push, aiming to link coastal hubs from Rijeka to Greece and boost regional connectivity. Biodiversity & Health: A new study reports “forever chemicals” in blood of all 10 Croatian participants, adding pressure for tighter pollution controls. Climate Extremes: Storms and heat are intensifying across Europe, raising risks for countries most exposed to extreme weather.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Croatia: A new EU study found PFAS in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with 6 above an EFSA health reference level—five of the seven elevated cases linked to Gospić, raising fresh concerns about long-lasting pollution exposure. Natural Lake Protection: Croatia is pushing major works to protect its largest natural lake from rising salinity, targeting a key threat to freshwater ecosystems and local livelihoods. Bees Under Threat: A report warns Europe’s bees face looming dangers, putting biodiversity and pollination services at risk. Transport & Resilience: Croatia signed on to the Adriatic-Ionian railway corridor push, aiming to strengthen rail links from the Adriatic coast toward the wider region—an infrastructure step with climate and connectivity implications. Climate-Resilient Tourism: EU lawmakers and regional partners discussed how to make tourism more climate-resilient, focusing on governance and long-term action beyond pilot projects. Health Risk From Mosquitoes: West Nile virus is spreading in parts of Europe, with the Netherlands reporting deaths and new cases after mosquito bites.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Croatia: A new European study found PFAS in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with six above an EFSA health reference level—five of the seven participants from Gospić were elevated, raising fresh concerns about long-term pollution exposure. EU Tourism & Climate Resilience: European Parliament discussions pushed for turning pilot projects into real, long-term climate-resilient tourism planning, especially for islands facing rising climate pressures. Croatia’s Natural Lake Protection: Major works are underway to protect Croatia’s largest natural lake from rising salinity, targeting a key threat to water quality and ecosystems. EU Enforcement on Wastewater: The European Commission moved forward with infringement steps, including a reasoned opinion to Sweden over gaps in implementing the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Health & Mosquito Risks: West Nile virus is spreading in parts of Europe, with nine deaths reported in the Netherlands since late September—another reminder that warmer conditions can amplify vector-borne threats.

PFAS Health Alert: A new European study found “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with 6 above an EFSA health reference level—highlighting widespread exposure to persistent pollutants. Biodiversity Under Pressure: Major works at Croatia’s Vransko Lake are underway to curb seawater intrusion and protect the lake’s wildlife as drought and climate change push salinity higher, after past fish die-offs. EU Enforcement Watch: The European Commission moved ahead with infringement actions against Bulgaria, including referring it to the EU Court of Justice over failures to fully transpose electricity market rules. Croatia Infrastructure: Croatia is planning about €6bn in railway investment through 2035, targeting track renewal, electrification, signalling and station upgrades across its network. EU Environment Policy: The Commission also issued a reasoned opinion to Sweden over gaps in implementing the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Local Environment & Nature: Croatia’s Vransko Lake project focuses on better control of flows through the Prosika Canal to reduce saltwater impacts on a protected natural area.

Water & Biodiversity Protection: Major works at Vransko Lake (Croatia’s largest natural lake) are underway to curb rising salinity by reinforcing the Prosika Canal control structure, after drought-driven seawater intrusion contributed to a major fish die-off in 2012. Rail & Climate-Linked Infrastructure: Croatia is planning about €6bn in railway investment through 2035, covering track renewal, electrification, signalling and stations, as speed limits still affect 237km of the network. EU Transparency vs Data Centers: A complaint to the EU alleges a “wall of silence” over how much energy and water individual data centers use, with Lighthouse Reports citing Aarhus Convention concerns and incomplete aggregate figures. Air Pollution Health Alert: Record heatwaves and wildfires left half of Europeans exposed to dangerous ground-level ozone levels, highlighting how climate and pollution combine to harm health. Geothermal Tourism Boost: Bjelovar opened Wellovar, Croatia’s largest geothermal spa, using thermal water from a newly tested geothermal well and aiming for major visitor numbers. Local Nature & Salinity Risk: The Vransko Lake project is explicitly tied to climate change and drought pressures, with biodiversity protection at its core.