AGP Executive Report

Diesel Shock in Europe: Record diesel prices are rippling through freight costs and squeezing farmers and businesses as supply disruptions tighten an already strained market. Data Centers, Zagreb Summit: Industry leaders in Zagreb urged the EU’s new data-center efficiency labeling to be fair and nuanced, as Europe pushes to triple capacity amid growing power and water concerns. Zagreb Transit & Waste Disruption: A strike at ZET and Čistoća suspended most tram and bus services and halted household waste collection, with recycling centres closed. Croatia’s Renewable Output Drops: Wind and solar generation fell sharply week-on-week while demand also eased; Croatia still imported more electricity, showing how fast the power balance can swing. Hydrogen North Adriatic Moves On: The cross-border Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic is shifting from building a “valley” to wider innovation, investment and market deployment, with new open calls and a major conference in November. Croatian Agriculture Under Drought: Long drought and low river levels hit arable crops hard, with impacts on revenues still being tallied. Western Balkans Renewable Push: A regional conference targets 20 GW of new renewables by 2040, focusing on solar, wind and storage. Indoor Air Quality Focus: EU researchers are turning attention to invisible indoor pollution in homes, schools and workplaces, aiming for practical recommendations.

Energy & Climate Resilience (Croatia): Croatia’s wind and solar output dropped sharply in the week to 20 September, with variable renewables down 54.3% while demand also fell—forcing the system to rely more on hydropower, thermal generation and imports. Local Environment & Services (Zagreb): A strike hit Zagreb’s public transport and waste collection, suspending most tram and bus services and leaving no household waste pickup while recycling centres closed. Drought & Agriculture: Croatian agriculture is taking a major hit from prolonged drought, with spring crops and irrigation constraints (low Danube/Drava levels) worsening losses for arable production. Biodiversity & Invasive Species: Research suggests cities can act as “training grounds” for invasive plants, helping them adapt to hotter, drier conditions—potentially complicating management as climate change advances. Cross-border Clean Energy (North Adriatic): The Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic is moving from building a hydrogen valley to wider cooperation, funding calls and market deployment, with a major conference planned for November. Wildfire Preparedness (Dubrovnik-Neretva): After this summer’s fires, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is investing in new fire stations and equipment, especially for island response.

Wildfire Preparedness in Dalmatia: Dubrovnik-Neretva County is boosting firefighting capacity after this summer’s blazes, planning three new fire stations (Blato, Smokvica, and Mljet) and adding funding for vehicles, equipment, and training. Smart Tourism in Dubrovnik: The Dubrovnik Pass won a European award for smart tourism, using real-time visitor monitoring and forecasting to better manage crowds and protect cultural heritage. Indoor Air Quality Focus: A new EU-backed push is spotlighting pollution inside homes, schools, and workplaces, pointing to cooking fumes and cigarette smoke as major sources and turning research into practical recommendations. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye alliance, securing over €211 million to expand global ocean observing for weather, climate, maritime safety, and coastal protection. Energy Transition vs Fossil Lock-in: The EU warns that US-backed LNG expansion in the Western Balkans could keep countries dependent on fossil fuels longer than their clean-energy targets allow. Climate Data Security: Germany’s climate computing center is building a “digital Noah’s Ark” to store backup climate simulations for the next UN assessment in 2029. Heat and El Niño Risks: Reports highlight a record-breaking El Niño and potential global heat impacts, including projected heat-related deaths.

Wildfire Preparedness in Dubrovnik-Neretva: After devastating fires on Korčula and Pelješac, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is boosting firefighting capacity with three new fire stations planned for Blato, Smokvica and Mljet, plus more vehicles, equipment and training—aimed at keeping up with more extreme weather. Smart Tourism in Dubrovnik: The Dubrovnik Pass won first prize in the Digitalisation in Smart Tourism category at the 2026 ECTN Awards, highlighting real-time visitor monitoring, crowd forecasting and integrated transport/ticketing to protect historic sites. EU Enforcement on Pollution Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement procedures over failures to fully notify transposition of revised industrial emissions rules, including Croatia, giving member states two months to respond. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over €211 million in pledges to expand global ocean observation—supporting climate predictions, weather forecasting and coastal protection. Energy Grid Resilience Idea: A Swedish project in Lund is developing smaller local electricity grids for housing companies, inspired by Ukraine’s 2022 power-grid attacks—pushing a more secure, distributed approach. Croatia’s Refinery Upgrade: INA says the Rijeka Refinery’s new delayed coker unit has successfully started up, enabling heavier residue processing and improving supply flexibility.

Wildfire Preparedness in Dalmatia: After this summer’s fires hit Korčula and Pelješac, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is boosting firefighting capacity with three new fire stations planned for Blato, Smokvica and Mljet, plus more vehicles, equipment and training—especially for island logistics. Smart Tourism for Heritage Protection: Dubrovnik Pass won first prize in the “Digitalisation in Smart Tourism” category at the ECTN Awards, highlighting real-time visitor monitoring and crowd forecasting to better manage cultural sites and spread tourism pressure. Croatia’s Recycling Push: A new EU-supported recycling plant in Ivanić-Grad is turning contaminated industrial solvents (from packaging, pharma and automotive) into reusable clean solvents, with residues burned for energy and ash used in construction. EU Pressure on Industry and Pollution Rules: The European Commission opened infringement steps over failures to fully transpose industrial emissions rules, including actions involving Croatia, with member states given two months to respond. Health and Environment Link in Gospić Waste Scandal: A report tied illegal dumping in Gospić to PFAS “forever chemicals” found in nearby groundwater, alongside elevated heavy metals in soil—fueling renewed calls for cleanup and accountability.

Smart Tourism & Heritage: Dubrovnik Pass won first prize in the Digitalisation in Smart Tourism category at the 2026 ECTN Awards, praising its digital visitor-management tools, real-time crowd monitoring, integrated transport/ticketing, and revenue support for cultural institutions and restoration. Ocean Monitoring Push: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA, securing over €211m in pledges (EU €92m; Canada C$82m over five years) to strengthen climate predictions, weather forecasting, maritime safety and coastal resilience. EU Environment Enforcement: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against Croatia and other states over gaps in transposing parts of the revised industrial emissions directive and other rules, with member states given two months to respond. Circular Chemicals Recycling: A Croatia-based clean-tech plant (Premifab) recycles hazardous used solvents via distillation, cutting contamination and turning residues into energy and construction-grade ash. Local Waste Fallout: Reporting on illegal toxic waste dumping in Gospić highlights PFAS “forever chemicals” found in nearby groundwater and elevated heavy metals in soil, fueling calls for cleanup and accountability. Energy & Climate Context: Eurostat data shows renewables supplied 54.1% of EU electricity in Q2 2026, but growth is slowing year-on-year.

Ocean Monitoring Boost: Canada and the EU have launched the OceanEye International Alliance, with 31 countries joining and Canada pledging C$82 million over five years to expand global ocean observing—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions, maritime safety and coastal protection. EU Enforcement on Pollution Rules: The European Commission has opened infringement steps against multiple EU states, including Croatia, for not fully transposing the revised industrial emissions directive and for gaps in other areas, giving governments two months to respond. Climate Risk Hits Home Values: A new report highlights how wildfires and extreme heat are reshaping real estate decisions, with buyers increasingly factoring in insurance costs and resilience to flooding, wildfire and power disruptions. Croatia’s Circular Recycling Move: Euronews reports on a Croatian plant that recycles hazardous solvents from industry, turning contaminated waste into reusable clean solvents and using residues for energy. Local Waste Scandal Fallout: In Gospić, illegal dumping of toxic waste has triggered national calls for cleanup after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in nearby groundwater and heavy metals in soil. Energy Transition Watch: Eurostat data shows renewables supplied 54.1% of EU electricity in Q2 2026, with growth slowing slightly year-on-year.

Climate & Weather: A new “super” El Niño is already breaking records and could drive major heat impacts worldwide, with one projection linking it to hundreds of thousands of heat-related deaths. Energy Transition: Eurostat data shows renewables generated 54.1% of EU electricity in Q2 2026, but the share barely moved year-on-year—renewables are growing, yet not fast enough to fully match the urgency. Nature & Food Security (Croatia): Croatia’s vineyards are facing a widening flavescence dorée (grapevine yellows) outbreak, with infected vines requiring removal and losses reported across 14 counties. Local Food & Health (Zagreb): Zagreb is expanding its “Organic Food in Schools” programme to cover more schools and kindergartens, aiming to boost healthier diets while supporting domestic organic producers. Oceans: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance, backed by at least €211 million in pledges, to strengthen global ocean observing for climate, safety and coastal protection. Tech for Governance: Croatia is considering mGrađani for age verification ahead of the EU KIDS Act, as platforms face tighter child-safety rules.

EU Policy & Digital Safety: Croatia is weighing how to use its mGrađani age-verification model as the EU KIDS Act advances, with platforms facing new duties to prove children’s safety and age controls. Biodiversity & Agriculture: A grapevine disease, flavescence dorée, is spreading across 14 Croatian counties via the American leafhopper; infected vines must be removed, and growers warn of permanent losses. Food Systems: Zagreb is expanding its “Organic Food in Schools” programme to include municipal kindergartens, bringing organic meals to about 21,000 children and boosting demand for Croatian producers. Climate & Energy: New EU electricity data shows renewables still lead (54.1% in Q2 2026) but growth is uneven, with gas generation rising while hydropower pressure from drought remains a concern. Oceans & Monitoring: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance to strengthen global ocean observation, backed by pledges of nearly €220 million. Nature & Land Use in the Balkans: A Western Balkans biodiversity push is focusing on turning regional targets into on-the-ground conservation and restoration, tied to climate resilience and disaster-risk reduction. Local Environment Watch: Neretva Valley mandarin growers begin harvest under drought pressure and Mediterranean fruit fly controls, including a sterile insect programme.

EU Energy Shift: Eurostat data shows renewables still lead EU electricity (54.1% in Q2 2026) but renewables slipped year-on-year while gas-fired generation rose, even as solar keeps expanding—another reminder that Europe needs a more diversified clean mix. Croatia at the UN: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković defended continued support for Ukraine and flagged climate change and wildfires as growing threats during his UN General Assembly remarks. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped secure about $339m in pledges for the Global Ocean Observing System via the OceanEye International Alliance, aiming to strengthen weather forecasting, climate predictions, and coastal protection. Nature & Money: A new report warns biodiversity loss is becoming a major economic risk and calls for better financing mechanisms to protect ecosystems. Croatian Citrus Under Pressure: Neretva mandarin harvest has started, but drought and pests could cut output to 35,000–40,000 tonnes; growers are also ramping up Mediterranean fruit fly control. Heat Dome Forecast: Another late-September heat dome is expected to push unusually warm conditions across Europe, with Croatia likely affected.

UN Climate & Diplomacy: Croatia’s PM Plenković used the UN General Assembly to push multilateralism and rules-based order, calling for a just peace in Ukraine and protection of civilians in the Middle East, while also flagging migration, energy security and UN reform. Ocean & Weather Resilience: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, securing over $339m in pledges to boost ocean monitoring for safer navigation, weather forecasting and climate predictions. Nature Implementation in the Western Balkans: A regional discussion tied the 2026 Green Agenda targets to real on-the-ground biodiversity and forest restoration work, stressing that conservation must link with climate resilience and disaster-risk reduction. Heat & Risk Ahead: A new European heat dome is forecast for late September into early October, with Croatia expected to see unusually warm conditions. Water & Biodiversity Pressure: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin harvest has started but drought and Mediterranean fruit fly threaten yields, with about €1m earmarked for pest control using sterile insect technique. Energy & Industry: INA’s Rijeka refinery began operating a new delayed coking unit after a €700m upgrade, aiming for more diesel output and better flexibility with heavier crude. Security Cleanup: Police bomb-disposal teams removed and destroyed WWII-era explosives from a ~200-metre-deep cave on Brač. Transport Transition: Across the EU, zero-emission city buses are rapidly taking over new sales, with the market potentially reaching full zero-emission by 2028.

Waste Cleanup in Croatia: Croatia has selected contractors to remove and treat about 13,200 tonnes of illegally dumped waste in Poznanovec, with work expected to last 18 months and a bid value of €11.7m, while cleanup continues at a former industrial site in Gospić. Energy & Air Quality Angle: INA has started up a new delayed coker unit at the Rijeka refinery after a €700m upgrade, aiming to process heavier crude and boost diesel output by up to 30%, strengthening regional energy supply. Heat & Climate Risk: Another European heat dome is forecast for late September, with unusually warm conditions expected to affect Croatia into early October. Biodiversity & Nature Finance: A new report warns biodiversity loss is becoming a major global economic risk, arguing that better financing and policy tools could help reverse the trend. Local Governance & Costs: From 1 October, Croatia expands “anchor prices” rules for more product and service categories, with fines up to €30,000 for non-compliance. Sustainable Mobility: Končar showcased a hybrid electro-diesel train at InnoTrans, intended for long-distance routes and designed to support more sustainable passenger transport.

Waste Cleanup in Croatia: Croatia has selected contractors for the removal and treatment of about 13,200 tonnes of illegally dumped waste in Poznanovec (Poznanovec sites), with work worth €11.7m expected to take 18 months; the waste includes plastics, packaging, tyres and mixed material that may contain hazardous components, while separate operations continue at a former industrial site in Gospić. Rijeka Refinery Upgrade: INA has started up a new Delayed Coking Unit at the Rijeka refinery after a nearly €700m modernisation, with the unit running at about 70% capacity and expected to boost diesel output by up to 30% while allowing heavier crude processing and eliminating the need to import vacuum gas oil. Climate Risk & Insurance Gap: Croatia is flagged as highly vulnerable to climate events but among the EU countries with the lowest share of insured climate losses, as 2026 shows sharply higher burned areas and fire numbers than the same period in 2025. Wildfire Pressure (Global): A report points to record wildfire conditions in the US, with unusually high fire counts and volatile behaviour linked to heat, low snowpack and drought. Public Transport & Costs: A Greenpeace study finds Bratislava’s annual pass rose 32% since 2023, underscoring wider affordability pressures for public transport across European capitals. Wildlife & Nature (Film): Montenegro selected a documentary shot in Montenegro about defending a mountain from a NATO training ground as its Oscar bid, with Croatia among the co-production partners.

Illegal Waste Cleanup: Croatia has selected contractors to remove and treat about 13,200 tonnes of illegally dumped waste at two Poznanovec sites, in a €11.7m project expected to last 18 months, while work continues at a former industrial waste site in Gospić. Hazardous Waste Fallout: Opposition parties are pushing for the dismissal of PM Andrej Plenković over the Lika hazardous waste scandal, as residents raise fears after PFAS (“forever chemicals”) were found in nearby wells. Energy & Industry: INA has successfully started up a new delayed coker unit at the Rijeka Refinery, reaching around 70% of design capacity and expected to boost diesel output by up to 30% while cutting the need to import vacuum gas oil. Climate Risk & Insurance: Croatia is flagged as highly vulnerable to climate events but among the EU countries with the lowest share of insured climate losses, with fires and burned areas sharply higher than last year. Drought Impacts on Food: Mandarin growers in the Neretva Valley expect a weaker harvest after drought and heat damage, with yields potentially down 30–40% for later varieties. Clean Transport Push: Zagreb is offering free trams, buses and Bajs bikes on car-free day as part of European Mobility Week, alongside central traffic restrictions.

Heritage Under Pressure: Europe’s Heritage Days spotlight “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” with the XRculture project using AI, 3D and XR to document endangered cultural collections even in low-connectivity areas, including training in Odesa and publishing dozens of new digitalisations. Water Safety Scare in Lika: After a hazardous waste scandal, PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in wells in Krpani near Gospić, with sampling of 43 private water sources raising fears for residents who rely on local groundwater. Mobility Push in Zagreb: Zagreb marks European Mobility Week and Car-Free Day with free trams, buses and Bajs bikes on 22 September, plus central traffic closures and free Fulir electric shuttles in the pedestrian zone. Energy & Climate Context: Eurostat reports renewables supplied 54.1% of EU net electricity in Q2 2026 (solar leading), while a Greenpeace study says Bratislava’s annual public transport pass jumped 32% since 2023—an affordability warning for cities. Tourism & Sustainability: The GUSTI project wraps up in Dubrovnik, linking authentic gastronomy and local heritage to more sustainable cross-border tourism.

PFAS Water Scandal in Lika: Residents near an illegal hazardous waste dump in Krpani (Gospić area) are alarmed after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in nearby wells, including one above the legal limit, raising fears about groundwater spreading into local drinking and farming supplies. Urban Greening in Zagreb: After a public consultation, Zagreb is moving ahead with plans for a permanent pedestrian zone in the city centre, with residents calling for more greenery, seating, drinking fountains and better accessibility. Climate Pressure on Crops: In the Neretva Valley, mandarin growers warn drought and intense heat may cut later harvest yields by 30–40% despite irrigation. EU Policy Push on Bureaucracy: Austria and Italy lead a coalition of 17 EU states, including Croatia, to curb “gold-plating” by limiting extra national rules when EU law is implemented. Renewables Boost: MOL Group inaugurated a 37.4 MWp solar park with battery storage in Hungary, aiming to cut CO2 and stabilize renewable power.