ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - Croatian President Zoran Milanović said on Tuesday that Finland and Sweden could not join NATO before the election law in Bosnia and Herzegovina was changed.

The Croatian parliament "must not ratify anyone's accession to NATO" until that law is changed, he told the press. The accession of Finland and Sweden can be discussed, but it is "a very dangerous adventure," he added.

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, next month the two countries will state their wish to join NATO, their media reported yesterday.

Milanović said that formally he could not decide on his own on their accession to NATO but called it "very dangerous charlatanism."

"As far as I'm concerned, let them join NATO... but until the issue of the election law in BiH is solved, until the Americans, the English, the Germans, if they can and want to, force (Bosniak officials) to change the election law in the next six months and give Croats their fundamental rights, the Sabor must not ratify anyone's accession to NATO."

Milanović said "we are in a terrible situation" because Bulgaria and Romania cannot join Schengen, North Macedonia and Albania cannot begin EU accession negotiations and Kosovo has not been recognised, while Finland "can join NATO overnight."

We are only asking that Finland and Sweden "tell the Americans to solve this," he said. "For me, that's a vital national interest of the Croatian state, nation and people, that BiH be a functioning state."

Milanović said he raised this issue with his French and German counterparts, but that Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, due to his function, had a lot more room for that. "But he is neglecting that consciously and cowardly."

Asked if Croats in BiH should boycott general elections in October unless the election law was changed, Milanović said he did not know at the moment. "It seems to me the feeling among Croats in BiH is that they shouldn't boycott so as not to bring into question local government."

Commenting on the victory of manager Robert Golob and his party in Sunday's parliamentary election in Slovenia, he said Slovenia had been "left-liberal" for the past 30 years.

Croatia-Slovenia relations have been "really good" in the past two years, he said, adding that this was due also to Prime Minister Janeza Janša, who was defeated in Sunday's vote.

"We have seen that Croatia-Slovenia relations have been more stable when Janša was in power, but they were not hostile when the left was in power either."

Tanja Fajon, whom Slovenian media say might be the new foreign minister, was in the past against Croatia's accession to Schengen.

"If they want to prevent Croatia's Schengen entry, okay. Croatia won't go down because of that. They will cause damage to themselves," said Milanović.

He said Croatia was ready for Schengen already in 2015, but added that it was "a political decision and torture." He also criticised the fact that Bulgaria and Romania have not yet entered Schengen, despite being in the EU since 2007.

"Slovenia will, if it looks after its interests, ask that Croatia join Schengen. If not, if will have to hire another 20,000 police officers," said Milanović, who is meeting with Slovenian President Borut Pahor later today.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated politics section.

ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - The 26th edition of the biennial Biam Machine Tool Fair and the 29th edition of the Welding Fair opened on Tuesday at the Zagreb Trade Fair Centre (ZV).

The only two industrial fairs in the country will be open until 29 April and as such, they are a significant economic and business event.

ZV Director Renata Suša said that this year's fairs have attracted 120 exhibitors from 19 countries, on an exhibition area of 5,500 square metres.

Suša said that the fairs aspired to be regional leaders in their field and that their value had been recognised by leading companies.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević recalled that due to the COVID pandemic fairs had not been held at ZV but that now activities were slowly getting back to normal.

In cooperation with the Ruđer Bošković technical school and ZV, a day-long event will be organised during the two fairs to promote vocational careers in an effort to popularise vocational careers and help establish connections between employers, partners and future students.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

April 26, 2022 - The songs and performers at the 62nd Split Festival, held at the beginning of July at Prokurative in Split, have been announced! 

At this year's 62nd music event, in addition to the final evening of new songs, the program will also include a retro evening and an exclusive Split Festival opening concert. On July 3, the final evening, some of the biggest names in the music scene will perform new songs alongside young musicians and songwriters who are given the opportunity to embrace one of the most beautiful stages, reports Dalmacija Danas. 

After an intensive, multi-day, and exhaustive listening to three hundred songs received for the competition, the Split Festival artistic jury consisting of Eduard Gracin, head of the music department of Radio Split, Katarina Perišić, music editor of Radio Dalmatia, professor Nenad Šiškov, composer, producer and arranger, Jelena Vlačić, and composer and director of the Split Festival Tomislav Mrduljaš, has selected the performers and songs that will be featured at the 62nd Split Festival, the most important festival of popular music in Croatia.

Twenty-five songs have been selected to be performed at Prokurative this year.

1. ADIO LJUBAVI (Goran Karan-Nenad Ninčević-Nikša Bratoš) 4 TENORA
2. BUDIŠ ME (Marko Kutlić-Marko Kutlić/Aleksandar Čubrilo-Antonio David Perina) MARKO KUTLIĆ
3. DALMATINAC ZAUVIK (Marija Mirković-Alka Vuica-Hrvoje Domazet) MATE GRGAT
4. FORTUNATA (Lea Dekleva-Lea Dekleva-Nikša Bratoš) DANIJELA
5. JEDNO BEZ DRUGOGA (Tonći Huljić-Vjekoslava Huljić-Tonći Huljić/Hrvoje Domazet) LORENA
6. JOŠ BI TIJA (Rajko Dujmić-Nenad Ninčević-Igor ivanović) TOMISLAV BRALIĆ & KLAPA INTRADE
7. JUBE MOJA ZNAJ (Neno Belan-Nikša Sviličić-Neno Belan) NENO BELAN
8. KAD SE RODIŠ USRID SPLITA (Branimir Mihaljević-Mario Mihaljević-Branimir Mihaljević) LUKA NIŽETIĆ
9. LIP KA DALMACIJA (A.K.Leo-Fayo-Branimir Mihaljević) LIDIJA BAČIĆ
10. LIPO MI JE TU (Pero Kozomara-Sanja Tafra-Leo Škaro) KLAPA RIŠPET
11. LJUBAVI PROMIJENIT ĆEMO IME (Ante Pecotić-Ante Pecotić-Bojan Šalomon Shalla) MARKO TOLJA
12. LUDO SRCE (Toni Lasan-Bratislav Zlatanović/Siniša Vuco-Toni Lasan) WILLY FAMILY
13. MOŽDA NEKOG VOLIŠ (Vinko Barčot-Vinko Barčot-Leo Škaro) TEDI SPALATO
14. NE DA MI PISMA (Goran Karan-Goran Karan-Nikša Bratoš) GORAN KARAN
15. ONA MI NEDOSTAJE (Fedor Boić-Nenad Ninčević-Fedor Boić) JASMIN STAVROS
16. PARTENCA (Siniša Garbin/Pavle Sviličić-Siniša Garbin-P. Sviličić/D.Pjanić/J.Ivelić) MJESNI ODBOR
17. PJESMA ZA KRAJ (Vlaho Arbulić-Vlaho Arbulić) MARKO BOŠNJAK
18. SA MNOM (Ines Prajo-Arijana Kunštek-Ivan Popeskić) IVO PERKUŠIĆ
19. SJEĆANJE (Suzana Štefanić-Robert Pilepić-Elvis Stanić) IBRICA
20. SVE ŠTO TREBAM (Vinko Barčot-Vinko Barčot-Leo Škaro) IVAN IVE ŽUPANOVIĆ
21. TAKO NEDOSTAJEŠ (MaTune Music-MaTune Music-Goran Kovačić) STJEPAN LACH
22. VILO MOJA SVA U BILOM (Ljubo Šeperić Luppo-Nenad Ninčević-Mario Mikšić) MLADEN GRDOVIĆ
23. VOLJELI SMO JEDNO DRUGO (Raay-Nenad Ninčević-Leo Škaro) IVANA KOVAČ
24. ZA TEBE BISERE NOSIM (Rudolf Dvorski-Rudolf Dvorski-Ivan Popeskić) IVICA SIKIRIĆ IĆO
25. ZAGRLI ME (Hari Rončević-Hari Rončević-Hari Rončević/Albert Limić) HARI RONČEVIĆ

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

26 April 2022 – For a city of just 21 square kilometers, it’s sure packed full of activities and surprises. Come with me as I showcase the best ways to spend 24 hours in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic!

A (very) brief history of Dubrovnik

Dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik was once a town known as Ragusa, founded by refugees from an ancient Greek colony – Epidaurus. Since then, Dubrovnik has changed hands several times, having been part of the Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, and the Kingdom of Dalmatia within the Austrian Empire.

More recently, Dubrovnik became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Banovina of Croatia upon its creation in 1939. During World War II, it was reincorporated into Croatia as part of Yugoslavia prior to Croatia’s independence in 1995.

Right, with that in mind, let’s begin a full day of activities in Dubrovnik!

9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

What better way to start your day in this rich, historical city than treating yourself to a lush breakfast with an amazing view. While there are a number of restaurants in Dubrovnik, a personal favorite is the breakfast “Orlando” at Gradska Kavana Arsenal, situated in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old City.

Located in the very heart of Old Town, overlooking the former medieval shipyard. Image: Management/Tripadvisor screenshot.

Think crispy bacon, eggs, grilled mushrooms, and toast, finished off with a well-made latte (big plus, they have milk alternatives like oat, soy, and almond) to power you through this busy day.

Can't think of a better way to fuel the day. Image: Tripadvisor/Screenshot.

10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

With your bellies filled and the caffeine flowing through your veins, time to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, housed within its famed city walls that date back to the 9th century. You can either choose to join one of the free walking tours (2-2.5 hours), take a game of thrones tour, or as I highly recommend, head off on your own adventure. For those who are a choose-your-own-adventure type, here are some not-to-miss spots.

Famed for its terracotta roofs and stunning architecture, Dubrovnik has been the setting for many international films over the years. Image: Pixabay.

While it’s still early, head to Gndulić Square which hosts the Gunduliceva Poljana Market to pick up souvenirs and treats like small jars of honey, jam, and lavender products before it winds down around noon.

The market is busiest between 8.00 - 11.00 a.m., so get there early! Image: Sab5859/Tripadvisor screenshot.

Criss-cross the famous Pile and Ploce gates located on opposite ends of the city, and flit through the 300-meter-long pedestrian street called Stradun, whilst ticking numerous monuments off your checklist.

Stradun, the main pedestrian vein of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Image: Pixabay.

Visit the landmark Bell Tower that’s a rebuild of the 1444 original, the famed Dubrovnik Cathedral and Onofrio Fountain that’s been providing the city with fresh spring water since 1438. Then there’s the St Ignatius Church at the top of Jesuit Stairs; St. Blaise, a Venetian Baroque-style church; Sponza Palace where great minds of the past discussed literature, science, and art; the Rector’s Palace built in 1435 but has not lost any of its former grandeur; before finishing off this exploration at the Franciscan Church and Monastery.

In the Onofrio fountain, built from 1438 to 1440, each of the sixteen sides has a unique stone-carved design of a masked face. Image: Pixabay.

12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.

All that walking is guaranteed to make you peckish, so head down to Pekara Glavinić and pick up some delicious pastries like the forearm-sized burek, a flakey filo pastry stuffed with cheese and/or meat.

Nothing like a light, flakey, cheesy snack to keep you going. Image: Recipe 24/Screenshot.

Looking for something sweet? Head down to Slasticarna Ana for an assortment of kolači (sweet pastries) such as a slice of apple strudel, krempita, or a delectable cream puff.

Do try to get your hands on a luscious, creamy vanilla slice (krempita) when wandering the Old Town. Image: Recipe 24/Screenshot.

1.00 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.

While locals would grab a yogurt or coffee to wash all that deliciousness down, I suggest seeking out one of the cliff bars that are unique to Dubrovnik. Buža bar is my star pick as one of the original cliff bars, so well hidden that if you blink, you’d probably miss it. While not a fancy place, think worn metal furniture and curt service, the ice-cold drinks and panoramic views more than makeup for it.

So, sit back, enjoy a drink, and watch the cliff divers leap off a rock beside you to the turquoise waters below (not for the faint of heart).

The bar has literally been built into the side of the cliff walls. Image: Tripadvisor/Screenshot.

From here, there are two alternatives for afternoon itineraries.

OPTION 1

2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.

24-hours in Croatia would not be complete without time on the beach to work on that tan. Banje Beach is just a few minute away from the city, boasting views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Alternatively, a 20-minute walk from Old Town will bring you to Sveti Jakov, boasting some of the clearest waters along the Dubrovnik Riviera.

Time for a quick dip in the Adriatic. Image: Pixabay.

4.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.

2 minutes from Sveti Jakov beach lies the skeletal remains of Hotel Belvedere. Opening its doors in 1985, this once epitome of luxury even had its own helipad and private marine to welcome the well-heeled. Guests could lounge around the pool, and dine at several of its restaurants before dancing the night away at the hotel’s in-house nightclub. Sadly, during the Homeland War (1991-1995), the hotel was bombed and unlike the Old Town of Dubrovnik, has since been left in ruin.

Go on a slight detour and explore the haunting ruins, scars from a devastating past. Image: Pixabay.

OPTION 2

2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Without a doubt, Lokrum island is one of the most beautiful spots just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik. Hop on a ferry (€20 return) that runs every hour from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from the Dubrovnik harbor, and just 15 minutes later, you’re in a different world. One where peacocks strut around without a care in the world, weaving around the luscious greenery of the island.

Just a short 10/15 minute ferry ride from the Dubrovnik harbour. Image: Pixabay.

While there, try to visit the Botanical Gardens, Royal Fort, and the former Benedictine monastery, or take it easy by lounging on one of the island's many picturesque beaches. Just remember to pack enough food and water as the offerings on the island are quite underwhelming.

Lokrum is known for being a lush, green jewel. Image: Dubrovnik Tourism Board/Facebook screenshot.

5.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Head back to your accommodation to wash that salt off your skin, recoup, refresh, change into your evening's finest, and get ready for a night out in Dubrovnik.

6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

Since 1969, visitors have been able to take a short ride aboard the Dubrovnik Cable Car (€22 round-trip) up Mount Srđ that transports you 1350 feet above the Old Town. From the top, you’ll be able to gaze down on the Dalmatian coast and get a bird’s eye view of the terracotta rooftops that are a Dubrovnik icon.

Alternatively, you can also choose to hike up Mount Srđ. Image: Dubrovnik Tourism Board/Facebook screenshot.

While at the top of Mount Srđ, indulge in a bottle of wine or cocktails, paired with a sensational cheese plate whilst watching the sunset at Panorama Restaurant. As you can imagine, this will be a pricey experience but again, the atmosphere and views here are second to none.

Panaroma Bar offers an unparalleled bird's eye view of Dubrovnik and the stunning sunsets. Image: Management/Tripadvisor screenshot.

8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

Cheeks flushed, bellies half-full, now’s the perfect time to round out the evening with some good, hearty cuisine. There’s only one place for you: Pantarul. Housing a simple, modern, and cozy interior, Pantarul’s food is creative, honest, and absolutely delish. With a seasonal menu, all dishes are prepared using ingredients sourced from the surroundings of Dubrovnik such as the regions of Župa and Konavle. The tender braised ox cheeks and vegetable risotto are the stand-out dishes that I would not hesitate to get again and again.

Expect high-quality seasonal ingredients and creative presentations in a warm, intimate setting. Image: Alajandra G/Tripadvisor screenshot.

At this point, you might want to call it a night but for those night owls looking for more, here are some spots to check out.

10.00 p.m. - the sun comes up

There’s something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in Dubrovnik. For those looking for an intimate setting to sit, chat and relax at the end of this busy day, D’Vino Wine Bar is the perfect place to be.

Do try some of the domestic Croatian wines (e.g. Plavac Mali, Debit, Prošip), you'll be in for a wonderful surprise. Image: Pixabay.

If dancing the night away is your thing, there are several places to choose from. You might want to head down to Culture Club Revelin, built inside a medieval fortress or Lazareti, a club set in an old stone ex-quarantine barracks. If a beach party is more of your thing, check out Banje Beach Club, with its stunning views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.  For electronic dance music lovers, give Skybar Dubrovnik a go.

Nothing like dancing under the stars with sand between your toes at Banje Beach Club. Image: Pixabay.

8.00 a.m. - 9.00 a.m.

Whether you’ve partied till the sun came up or just looking for a good cup of coffee in the morning, ring in the final hours of this 24-hour whirlwind trip of Dubrovnik at some of these spots.

Some of the best artisan coffees can be found at Cogito Coffee. Image: Kaleb F/Tripadvisor Screenshot.

Cogito Coffee is my top pick, serving quality coffee with beans roasted at their HQ in Zagreb. 

Alternatively, let's finish where we started with a prime spot on the Stradun, Café Festival is where you can sit back, watch the buzz along the street, and reflect on your wonderful time in this marvelous city.

And that's a wrap! A packed 24 hours in Dubrovnik, hoping to show you just a fraction of its uniqueness and beauty.

ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - The Croatian National Bank (HNB) will soon embark on a campaign for the euro replacing the kuna as the national currency which will be very extensive, as befits such an important event as Croatia's accession to the euro area on 1 January 2023, Večernji List daily said on Tuesday.

To raise public awareness of the introduction of the euro, the HNB has prepared a tender for the creation and implementation of a national information campaign, estimated at HRK 27 million, for carrying out the national plan of replacing the kuna with the euro.

As part of the campaign, HRK 6.8 million is envisaged for designing the promotional campaign, HRK 14.5 million for a media advertising strategy, HRK 1.55 million for PR and organising public events, HRK 800,000 for a call centre, HRK 400,000 for a public opinion poll, and HRK 2.95 million for the Euro on Wheels travelling exhibition.

The campaign is aimed at acquainting citizens with all the advantages of introducing the euro, informing them about the date of the introduction, the fixed exchange rate and trends in consumer prices, and at sending the message that the euro will not result in price rises that would undermine living standards.

Citizens will also be informed about how the government will protect them from unjustified price rises. A public opinion poll has shown that a considerable percentage are concerned that the euro might result in major price prices.

Another aim of the campaign is to increase public support for the euro, reducing citizens' insecurity and the feeling that they will be cheated in the process of switching to the euro.

It will be stressed that introducing the euro as the national currency leads to faster, more favourable and safer doing business, bigger investment, economic growth and higher living standards.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated politics section.

ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - Economy Minister Tomislav Ćorić has made a decision allowing the state to fill the Okoli underground gas storage facility if those leasing it fail to do so, and they are not doing it for now as it is not cost-effective due to high gas procurement prices.

The decision was made based on an intervention plan to respond in time to potential gas supply disruptions, the ministry said on Tuesday, adding that the decision was proposed by a crisis management team established to monitor gas supply security.

The team has ordered that Okoli should be full at 90% of capacity at the start of the next heating system, by 1 November.

Those leasing the storage facility must fill 63% of capacity by 1 August, 68% by 1 September, 74% by 1 October, and 90% by 1 November.

They now have to inform the Economy Ministry how much of the capacity they plan to use and if they do not plan to use the capacity they leased, they lose the right to store gas at Okoli so that strategic gas reserves can be made. In that case, the state will have to find the resources to fill the freed capacity, most probably via state-owned companies.

The entire capacity of Okoli has been leased, but due to gas price hikes, it is not being filled. This has caused concern as filling takes four months and given the uncertainty of regular supply, it is essential that filling begins on time, it was said.

Okoli's capacity is 553 million cubic metres.

For more, make sure to check out our business section.

ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - President Zoran Milanović on Tuesday once again accused the PM of using methods of Yugoslav-era secret service UDBA in calling out generals for supporting a request that he pardon two former intelligence officers, and called on HDZ members to react or they would be his accomplices.

Speaking to the press, Milanović reiterated that Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was "a protege of the communist regime" and that he had labelled the Homeland War generals supporting the pardon of former senior Yugoslav and Croatian intelligence officers Josip Perković and Zdravko Mustač as "UDBA poodles", and said that he was a "perfidious, evil guy."

Milanović conceded that Plenković did not say literally "UDBA poodles", but remarked that by implying that the generals "were brought in by their ears to sign something" begged the question if they were "people with autonomy of will or just garbage."

Milanović said "UDBA fed (Plenković) when he was a child" because his mother worked in a military hospital and his father worked in the office of the director of Television Zagreb and taught communication studies during communism. A person with such parents "knew he was protected by UDBA," he added.

Milanović said "only people who passed UDBA's school" could accuse Homeland War generals "of being the promoters and protectors of UDBA officers."

He called on members of the ruling HDZ to oppose this and to realise that they were led by people using UDBA-style methods "who stop at nothing... to stay in power."

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated politics section.

ZAGREB, 26 April 2022 - The pandemic has accelerated Croatia's digital transformation and the situation in the economy in 2021 improved in that regard, with an average score of 2.59, a mild increase compared to 2020, when the average score was 2.52, the latest survey of the Croatian Digital Index (HDI) indicates.

This is the third year in a row that the survey has been conducted by the local Apsolon consulting company, which says that the HDI index gauges Croatia's digital transformation progress.

"The Croatian Digital Index (HDI) has once again this year shown that Croatian companies are recognising the importance of digital transformation more and more. However, the overall score is still unsatisfactory despite the positive trend, and the growth rate is slow and there is significant room for progress in the years to come," Aposolon said, adding that the survey included 273 Croatian companies, 56 of which were large and 217 were medium-sized companies.

The HDI analyses the preparedness of Croatia's economy to face the challenges in light of exceptionally fast growth and development of new digital technology, which significantly changes traditional business organisation. The survey is aimed at preparing proposals, recommendations and guidelines to expand digital capacities in Croatian companies and the economy overall.

Better score for availability of e-services 

The survey showed a somewhat better than average score of 2.78 related to the availability of e-services, which also improved slightly from the score of 2.73 in 2020.

The survey further showed that 24.2% of companies have developed a digital transformation strategy while in 2020 only 17.7% did. The majority of companies said that digital transformation did not affect the number of people employed in their companies.

Half of them expect digital transformation to have a positive effect on their revenue. However, only 3.7% consider it to be their main priority while 31.5% consider it to be one of their three main priorities.

More than 75% of respondents said that they do not have a structured path toward digitisation, 62% allocate less than 25% for staff training and development of digital skills while 51% use outsourcing.

The government and companies need to do more

The survey further showed that 92.3% of companies view digital transformation as an opportunity for their own development. However, Apsolon believes that Croatia needs to achieve better results in this area in order to improve its competitiveness and for it not to lag behind other EU member states.

Croatia has never achieved an above-average result for the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) conducted by the European Commission.

In 2021 Croatia ranked 19th of the 27 EU member states with regard to the DESI index, moving up one place from 2020.

Apsolon believes the government needs to set the foundations for Croatia's digital future which will then positively impact business and facilitate more efficient communication with the government for citizens and companies.

For more, make sure to check out our business section.