February the 21st, 2022 - The Split startup UniCompoST has created a system for treating biowaste and turning it into fertiliser for growing plants.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Lucija Spiljak writes, organised by the Croatian Association for Creativity and Innovation (HUKI), the global Social Impact Award (SIA) programme will be held in Croatia for the third time.

The programme is implemented in more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia and Africa and includes more than 8,000 students and young people a year, and details about applications will be known soon. One of the winners of last year's edition of the SIA programme is the Split startup UniCompoST, which develops products that combine biowaste treatment and the home cultivation of plants, such as C-Eco for Home.

As one of the founders, Zvonimir Jukic, explained, the Split startup UniCompoST was created on the basis of a project while studying at the Faculty of Chemical Technology in Split. From the very beginning, the focus has been on management, biodegradable waste and the desire to encourage the population to process biowaste in their own households through technological solutions tailored to end users.

The team consists of eight members who cover everything necessary for the development of the startup into a sustainable business entity; from business and operational development, marketing and product development to education and customer support. They develop startups in their free time because they are all employees in various companies and institutions, but they share the vision to "turn" something into a company to which they will all dedicate themselves and in which everyone will find employment.

“The goal is to develop a sales network that will enable the availability of products throughout the Republic of Croatia, and also abroad. Next month, the devices will be installed in five educational institutions of different levels in Split and the city's surroundings through the project ''Raising awareness of the role of composting'' implemented by the Sunce Split Association. This will be a good indicator of the interest of one of our target groups - educational institutions.

The processing of biowaste at its place of origin achieves many benefits, both directly for the user as an individual and for the community as a whole. For example, if the household cycle closes, less biowaste will be disposed of over time, fewer containers will be needed in public areas, less biowaste will end up in landfills, and utilities themselves will need smaller waste collection cycles.

Collectively, the move will reduce the greenhouse effect, eliminate soil and groundwater pollution, and cumulatively reduce the environmental and carbon footprints of users and the community in general. Therefore, in the development of the C-Eco for Home device, we've added the function of indoor plant cultivation, precisely to enable the user to close the loop in the circulation of substances in everyday life.

The idea is for the user to process biowaste, get organic fertiliser, use it in plant cultivation, and consume the fruits of that cultivation (cultivation is adapted to mostly leafy plants). C-Eco for Home has two variations - a model for schools that is primarily educational in nature and the functionality of which satisfies many educational outcomes in vocational subjects such as nature, biology and chemistry.

The second variation is intended for households, it's also educational in nature but with a higher volume of processing that allows the household to really eliminate biowaste as a fraction of waste. Both models are based on the use of effective microorganisms whose use doesn't create unpleasant odors during processing. The product comes in a starter pack that consists of the initial amount of effective microorganisms, sowing substrate, organic plant nutrition products and selected plant seeds,'' explained the Split startup UniCompoST's founder Zvonimir Jukić.

Product testing with test users and collecting feedback is the phase they're currently in, and those interested can try out the device in the showroom of the Krizevci Climate Innovation Laboratory.

They also launched the project "UniCompoST Classroom" funded by the European Solidarity Force, which aims to develop an innovative programme of environmentally friendly learning for primary and secondary schools to educate students about a comprehensive waste management system in a practical and fun way and strengthen educational institutions in environmentally oriented teaching.

“Through this project, we're also developing a website where various interactive video educations will be free and available to students and the general population. Through this website we want to generate and gather more knowledge in the field of waste management, the circular economy, sustainable development and environmental protection - edu.unicompost.com.hr. The site will be open by the end of February,'' announced Jukic.

He believes that people today are increasingly aware of climate change and waste management, which is manifested through many formal and informal initiatives and organisations aimed at launching certain processes and changing the community image on climate and waste.

For more, check out Made in Croatia.

February 21, 2022 - On Sunday night, most of the Croatia men's senior basketball team gathered in Zagreb ahead of the 2nd round of 2023 World Cup qualifications. 

On Friday, February 25, at 18:30, the Croatia national team will begin the second qualifying round for the 2023 World Cup, played in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with a match against Sweden. It will be the official debut of coach Damir Mulaomerović, who gathered most of the national team on Sunday, just one day after the Krešimir Ćosić Cup final, but also Cup matches across Europe.

"The situation is not great, but I'm glad to see you guys," said the honest coach and continued:

"Tomorrow, we will complete the evening training. The most important thing is to mobilize in this short time. The guys are all in the training process of their clubs, and all are in good shape. I hope for that in these practically three and a half training sessions, and for the rest, I don’t care. I know everyone will give 100%. We have a tough match ahead of us on Friday, both mentally and physically. My job is to prepare them mentally, and we will go physically to the maximum."

Marin Sušić/HKS

Thirteen national team members gathered in Zagreb on Sunday evening, and the arrival of Željko Šakić and Matej Rudan is expected on Monday. Only 12 national team players will play against Sweden. The list of 24 national team players can change for the match that will be played three days later in Norrkoping, Sweden. 

National team list for Zagreb preparations

Roko Badžim – Szolnoki
Danko Branković – KK Cibona
Filip Bundović – KK Cedevita Junor
Mateo Drežnjak – KK Cibona
Goran Filipović - KK Cedevita Junior
Lovro Gnjidić – KK Cibona
Filip Krušlin - Dinamo Sassari
Pavle Marčinković – KK Zadar
Karlo Matković - Mega Mozzart
Ivan Ramljak - Slask Wroclaw
Roko Rogić – Twarde Pierniki Torun
Matej Rudan – Mega Mozzart
Sven Smajlagić - Nevezis
Željko Šakić - Avtodor
Tomislav Zubčić - Tofaş S.K.

2023 World Cup qualifying matches, 2nd cycle
February 25, 2022, at 18:30 Croatia - Sweden (KC Dražen Petrović, Zagreb)
February 28, 2022, at 19:00 Sweden - Croatia (Norrkoping)
*Tickets for the home match against Sweden are on sale at ulaznice.hr and both matches will be broadcast live by SportKlub. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 21, 2022 -  As Covid measures in Slovenia become a thing of the past, should its neighbor Croatia follow suit?

"The measures introduced by the headquarters have proved ineffective and should be considered to be removed because if they are not effective, then it is unnecessary to have them."

Today, Slovenia takes a step towards the life we once knew. COVID certificates will generally no longer be needed anywhere, travelers will no longer have to qualify to be vaccinated, recovered, or get tested, and the same is true for employees, reports Novi List. 

There are no more restrictions on the number of guests in restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs are starting to operate. The self-testing of students, which Croatia is only beginning to implement, is being abolished, but the basic measures remain in force - masks, disinfection, and distance.

There are no such announcements in Croatia yet. 

Although the number of newly infected people in Croatia decreases, there are no announcements of lifting the measures currently in place. 

"Each state, according to the epidemiological situation, assesses when it is time to repeal or strengthen a measure. We have seen a decline in the number of the newly infected in recent days, but these are still high numbers. As a result, we have high numbers of patients in hospitals and many deaths," said Vesna Višekruna Vučina, epidemiologist of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, for RTL.

Scientist Ivan Đikić said that measures in Croatia had not yielded results, many were introduced too late, and people do not adhere to them.

"The measures we have, such as COVID certificates and other measures introduced by the headquarters, have proved ineffective and should be considered to be removed because if they are not effective, then it is unnecessary to have them," said Djikic.

So, should Croatia abolish all remaining epidemiological measures?

For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated section and select your preferred language if it isn't English.

February 21, 2022 - The 24th round of the Croatian First League was held from February 18 to 20, 2022. This round saw a Livaja hattrick for the Hajduk win, a last-minute goal for Osijek over Istra, and a 0:0 draw a Maksimir to shake up the top of the standings. Here is our HNL round 24 recap. 

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (0:3)

Gorica and Slaven Belupo opened the 24th round on Friday, February 18, 2022, in Velika Gorica in front of 285 fans. 

Caimacov scored an early first goal of the match for 0:1 Belupo in the 2nd minute. Zvonarek increased Belupo's lead to 0:2 in the 10th minute. A Jovicic red card forced Gorica to play with a man down from the 56th minute, after which Marina scored a penalty for 0:3, the final score. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 26. 

Hr Dragovoljac v. Hajduk (0:3)

Dragovoljac and Hajduk met on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 1,650 fans. 

Hajduk was awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute, which Marko Livaja scored for 0:1. Livaja was solid on another Hajduk penalty in the 74th minute for 0:2, before a Biuk assist found Livaja for the final 0:3 in the 79th minute. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 10 points, while Hajduk is in 3rd with 47 and a game in hand. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (2:3)

Istra and Osijek met on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in Pula in front of 762 fans. 

A Caktas goal put Osijek ahead in the 27th minute for 0:1. Zaper made it 0:2 13 minutes later. Then, Beljo scored for 1:2 in the 57th minute before Galilea equalized in the 84th minute. Finally, Mance scored in the 6th minute of stoppage time for the 2:3 Osijek win. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 22 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 49. 

Rijeka v. Sibenik (4:2)

Rijeka and Sibenik met on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 3,084 fans. 

Selahi scored for 1:0 Rijeka in the 16th minute. VAR called Sibenik's goal offside in the 23rd minute. Vuckic made it 2:0 for Rijeka in the 34th. Muric and Vuckic made it 4:0 by the 66th minute, before Sibenik scored two goals in the 70th and 84th for the final 4:2. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 46 points, while Sibenik is in 8th with 23. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (0:0)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva closed out the 24th round on Sunday at Maksimir in front of 1,886 fans. 

Neither team was able to score, and the match ended 0:0.

Dinamo is currently in first place with 50 points and a game in hand, while Lokomotiva is in 5th place with 29 points. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 20th, 2022 - Despite the official Balinjerada race getting postponed, an informal version of the popular racing event was held in Opatija

Balinjerada, the iconic costumed soapbox race held each year in Opatija during the carnival festivities, had a preview of its 2022 edition on Sunday.

This year’s event was toned down significantly in comparison with its usual scale, only featuring a handful of costumed racers who took their handmade builds for a spin down the main street in Opatija.

Just as the International Carnival Parade in Rijeka was rescheduled for the summer because of epidemiological measures, so has the regular edition of the popular race in Opatija. Balinjerada will be back in its full glory later this year, as reported by Novi list.

And yet, one cannot ignore tradition. There’s a local saying that warns it’s ‘better to bring down the village than forsake old customs’, and so a few fervent carnival lovers donned colourful attire and brought a smile to all faces in town when they showed up with their makeshift vehicles in Opatija earlier today:

Video: Novi list / Marko Gracin

It was a ‘light’ Balinjerada, an informal version of the popular racing event, to carry us over until June 11th when the real thing is supposed to take place.

Balinjerada is a costumed race featuring homemade vehicles that run on ball bearings alone; they’re called balinjera in the local dialect, hence the name of the event.

It’s a manifestation rooted in creativity and enthusiasm, with the hilarious fleet proving year after year that imagination really knows no bounds. From simple scooters and tricycles to shaky carts of elaborate design that fit a dozen people, the vehicles are known to elicit roaring laughs from the delighted crowd of spectators lining the street.

Naturally, it’s much more entertaining in its traditional format, one that features ambitious builds and numerous racing teams in themed costumes. Watch the video below, filmed at the 2016 edition of Balinjerada, to get a better idea of what happens in Opatija during the carnival season. If nothing else, it has to be admired that most of these didn’t crash at the first turn:

,ebruary 20th, 2022 - A group of Split writers is building an innovative app that will allows its users to experience a destination through stories, guided by unique fictional characters

It will soon be possible to experience the Adriatic coast on a whole new level: through exciting mystical-fantastic quests. Think along the lines of adventures of Indiana Jones, but seen through the eyes of characters rooted in authentic Croatian legends and myths. That’s the essence of the Adriatic Quest app, conceived and developed by a group of writers from Split, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

‘Not only are we designing a unique app that will allow guests to experience the city through a story they can partially shape themselves, but a unique genre as well - a digital narrative. Ultimately, we’re building a much-needed bridge between the IT sector and writers, i.e. creatives’, said Ana Ban, one of the authors who are building the Adriatic Quest app, designed to provide a unique, authentic experience of tourist destinations.

Adriatic Quest is one of the awarded projects launched at the StartIT 2021 startup academy, organised by ICT County (ICT Županija) and the community Digital Dalmatia. After a two-month education, the team are on their way to launch the first prototype which is already raising waves in the tourism sector.

They’re currently negotiating with local tourist boards. Their goal for this season is to come out with a simpler version of the application that would only be based on a story with various possible scenarios, and which they would present solely through cooperation with tourist boards.

‘We’re also working on premium tours that will be designed as treasure hunts, hence the quest in the name, because they’ll give you the opportunity to have food and drinks, win tickets and other rewards, provided you solve a challenge along the way. It will also be a great marketing platform’, explained Ana, screenwriter and copywriter who came up with the idea for the app.

In a feature on ICT County, she explained what the app was all about.

‘Adriatic Quest is an interactive game based on a digital narrative, a combination of fun and travel. It tells a different story of the Adriatic, one that can’t be found in books. It showcases special places, introduces special people, and is entertaining as well. The user has a major role in the story, participating with all their senses, and the only thing they need to do is to pick a place, choose a character, and embark on an adventure. In short, it’s a digital tourist guide that allows you to experience a destination in a unique way’, said Ana.

It will also be possible to travel from one destination to another (think island hopping), all through stories told by the same character. The goal is to ensure the user meets the local population and discovers authentic features of the destination, which from a commercial perspective should be of interest to small local businesses as well.

Croatian writer and university professor Nebojša Lujanović is part of the team creating the attractive app.

‘I’m here to guide and edit the narrative part. Other aspects [of the app] aside, the protagonist of every story has to function as a literary character to an extent, if the user is to identify with them. Regardless of the fact that the writing will be accompanied by other content, such as images, videos, games etc, the story has to hold its own because that’s what’s going to generate interest. No pretty pictures can salvage a bad story’, said Lujanović. He took part in the selection and education of candidates who applied to write scenarios for the innovative app.

The writers have created an ensemble of unique characters, ranging from historians and explorers to a woman who suffered from burnout and now only wants to relax at the beach. There’s a little bit of everything thrown in the mix: history, fiction, literature, fantasy, ecology, making sure that every user finds something to their liking. They even came up with a story that will guide users to locations with the most scenic backdrops for Instragram photos.

‘There’s a lot of work to do, both in terms of IT and writing. The entire gaming industry is in need of good writers, and believe me, all of us involved in this project are only learning this now. There are opportunities for many different professions here, photographers, editors…’ said Ana Ban.

She also launched a hub for creatives in order to connect the cultural and creative industries with the IT sector and tourism. Ana invites everyone interested in this concept to contact them via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

‘All contributors are welcome, anyone who has an idea of any kind. We’re all only educating ourselves now because regardless of us having writing experience, we’ve never been digital authors’, said Ana. The team is also open to working with sponsors, as it would allow them to focus exclusively on the project.

ZAGREB, 19 Feb 2022 - A total of 807 banknotes of all currencies were withdrawn from circulation in Croatia in 2021, which is 77.8% more than in 2020, and 198 of them were counterfeit kuna banknotes, which is an increase of 26.1%, the Croatian National Bank (HNB) said earlier this week.

Kuna banknote counterfeiting accounts for a quarter of fake banknotes

The kuna banknote counterfeits accounted for 24.5% of all counterfeit banknotes registered last year.

The most frequently counterfeited domestic currency denomination was the 200 kuna banknote, which accounted for 98 registered counterfeit kuna banknotes, or 49.5% of the total registered kuna banknote counterfeits.

Among the 807 counterfeit banknotes of all currencies withdrawn from circulation, counterfeit US dollar banknotes accounted for 42.9%, followed by counterfeit euro banknotes (28.3%), counterfeit Swiss franc banknotes (2.4%), and counterfeit pound sterling banknotes (1.7%).

Last year, 228 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation, which is a decrease of 3.8% from 2020. 50 euro banknotes accounted for the largest number of counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation, with a share of 38.6% in the total number of registered counterfeit euro banknotes.

8,075 counterfeit coins withdrawn from circulation in 2021

A total of 8,075 counterfeit coins were also withdrawn from circulation in 2021, including one counterfeit 5 kuna coin and 8,074 counterfeit euro coins. Compared to 2020, when 817 counterfeit euro coins were withdrawn from circulation, the number of counterfeit euro coins increased by 888.3%.

The increase in the number of counterfeit euro coins withdrawn from circulation was the result of the central bank's adjusting banknote and coin processing machines and training as part of the National Training Programme.

The HNB said that the counterfeits registered last year did not cause any significant financial damage, nor did their quantity and production quality cause any disturbances in cash operations in specialised institutions or among the general public.

For more, check out our business section.

ZAGREB, 20 Feb 2022 - The 22nd edition of Split marathon will take place on 27 February, and about 2,750 runners from 40 countries are expected to participate, organisers said last Wednesday.

"Preparation for the 22nd Split marathon are nearing completion," the president of the marathon's organising committee, Kristijan Sidik, told a press conference.

He said that he was proud that the continuity of the Split marathon hadn't been lost even during these challenging times, which was a rarity in the world.

Split Mayor Ivica Puljak said that the marathon had become an event of strategic importance for the development of the city of Split, calling it a unique sporting and tourism event that promotes all those values which they are known for and which they are proud of.

He said that the City of Split, its services and utility companies would provide their maximum support to make the organisation flawless and to make the competitors coming to the city feel welcome.

"The marketing and tourist potential of the marathon is exceptional, the athletes are also our guests, and in the future we will strengthen the brand of Split as a city of sport and sportspeople even more," said Puljak.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.