ZAGREB, Dec 18, 2020 - The Crotaste House of Croatian Food, a promotional-sales outlet with a wide range of domestic products from all around Croatia, opened in downtown Zagreb on Friday, offering 220 various products from over 100 producers.

Crotaste, located near Europe House in the city's centre, offers a wide range of domestic products including Slavonian salami, Dalmatian prosciutto, GMO-free eggs, asparagus, wine, olive oil, Pag cheese and fish from the Adriatic.

The project is the result of cooperation between the Croatian Agriculture and Food Agency (HAPIH), the Agro-Klaster company from Vukovar-Srijem County, the Ministry of Agriculture and Vukovar-Srijem County.

"Our aim is to secure a place for SMEs from all over Croatia to promote and sell their products with the European quality label in the centre of the capital city, which is particularly important during these difficult times of the corona crisis," HAPIH director Krunoslav Dugalic said ahead of the official opening.

Opening the Crotaste House, Agriculture Minister Marija Vuckovic underscored that this is finally the realisation of the idea of connecting Croatia's blue and green regions.

"Croatia's agriculture and food industry is continuing to work and develop during these difficult times. We are managing to make some structural changes, and despite everything we have registered growth in agriculture and the food industry of a net 5% in production, and 10% in productivity compared to last year, which is an excellent result." Vuckovic said.

She said this was possible in part due to the government's jobkeeping measures, adding that EU funds helped boost agricultural development as well as other sectors such as fishing, the wood industry, and wine production for which COVID loans from the HAMAG agency for SMEs can be expected.

"We have secured HRK 360 million in income support for farmers who experienced a fall of 15% and many of them are wine producers," she said, adding that despite travel passes being introduced, farmers will be allowed to work as they did during the spring lockdown.

ZAGREB, Dec 18, 2020 - MP Nikola Grmoja of the opposition Bridge party on Friday lost immunity at his own insistence, an almost unique case in the Croatian parliament.

"I ask all my colleagues to strip me of immunity, after which I will ask the Credentials and Privileges Commission (MIP) to strip me of it completely," Grmoja said, to which Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic replied that there was no "general" stripping of immunity, rather it was done case by case.

The case in question is a private defamation suit filed against Grmoja by former interior minister Ranko Ostojic after Grmoja claimed that he had evidence that Bridge leader Bozo Petrov was processed by the police anti-corruption office (PNUSKOK) in 2016.

MIP took the usual position, denying the approval for continuing the criminal prosecution of an MP, in this case Grmoja, while he was in office.

However, Grmoja called on MPs to strip him of immunity, contrary to MIP's recommendation, which they did.

Jandrokovic concluded that 23 MPs voted for MIP's decision, two abstained and 89 were against, and that Grmoja was stripped of immunity based on that.

Pedja Grbin of the Social Democratic Party said parliament had now rejected MIP's motion but that in order for Grmoja to be stripped of immunity, MIP must submit a motion to that effect and parliament approve it.

Jandrokovic agreed, saying "this is a unique case" and that consultations would be held.

I think MIP must submit a motion, so we will do this next time, Jandrokovic said, telling Grmoja that he still had immunity.

"So, we have rejected MIP's decision that he has immunity. However, you have immunity until MIP's decision (to the contrary) and its confirmation at a plenary," Jandrokovic told him.

ZAGREB, Dec 18, 2020 - Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) director Krunoslav Capak said on Friday that Pfizer would dispatch the COVID vaccine to EU member states on December 26 and that Croatia was among the countries that would receive this symbolic quantity.

He added, however, that it was still unknown when Croatia would get the rest of the million doses it ordered.

Capak said the delivery was being discussed with Pfizer at EU level and that the company promised that the tranche for the last quarter of 2020 would be dispatched by the end of January.

We assume will know the quantity by the end of next week, he added.

7 m2 per person in churches on Dec 24, 25

Mass services with more than 25 people will be allowed on December 24 and 25, provided that each person has seven square metres at their disposal, which will ensure a 2.6-metre-distance between them,

Speaking at a press conference of the national COVID-19 response team, he said that before and after those two days the ban on more than 25 people gathering indoors and outdoors would remain in force.

The HZJZ will appeal to the Church and the clergy to make sure that believers comply with the restrictions. Outside churches, a maximum 25 people will be allowed to gather and the recommendation is that all services on Christmas Eve end by 10 p.m.

Asked why bars and restaurants were not allowed to work under the 7 m2 criterion per customer, Capak said the answer was "impossible."

"We keep telling you that, with the measures, we are trying to ban contacts, but without banning the activities which are necessary for economic, psychological, social and other reasons. This measure is tied to respecting believers' wishes and needs for spiritual peace and the need to celebrate this holiday."

Small quantity of COVID-19 vaccine to be delivered on Dec 26Infections have dropped 20% in one week

In the week of December 14-18, Croatia recorded 20% fewer infections than the week before, "for the first time in weeks," but it will take more time for this mild downward trends to be reflected in "the number of hospitalisations, persons on ventilators and deaths," said Capak.

Compared with other EU countries, Croatia continues to have one of the highest incidence rates, ranking third on December 17, after Luxembourg and Lithuania.

Health minister on travel restrictions, bonus for working with COVID patients

Health Minister Vili Beros said travel within the country was being restricted ahead of the upcoming holidays because of asymptomatic patients.

He also responded to complaints from medical staff that this month they did not get the promised salary bonus for working with COVID patients, saying they would get it with the salary for December.

He said some hospitals had calculated the salaries for November before receiving the notification on how to calculate the bonus. "Not one health worker who works with COVID patients will be left without their bonus."

ZAGREB, Dec 18, 2020 - In the past 24 hours Croatia has registered 3,272 new cases of coronavirus after testing 10,849 people, while 68 people have died, the national COVID response team reported on Friday.

There are currently 2,918 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and 294 are on ventilators.

The total number of active cases stands at 21,297.

Since February 25, when the first cases was confirmed in Croatia, a total of 190,235 people have been infected with the novel virus, of whom 3,023 have died and 165,915 have recovered, with 4,352 recovering in the past 24 hours.

Currently, there are 54,587 people in self-isolation.

So far 931,358 people have been tested for the virus, including 10,849 in the past 24 hours.

ZAGREB, Dec 18, 2020 - The Croatian parliament on Friday endorsed the decision to declare an Exclusive Economic Zone in the Adriatic Sea by 129 votes in favour and one abstention.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be formally declared next month after a trilateral meeting with Slovenia and Italy.

Parliament instructed the government to support stronger cooperation at the trilateral meeting in January 2021 in light of the declaration of exclusive economic zones by Croatia and Italy.

"By declaring the Exclusive Economic Zone, we will do our utmost to legally protect the Adriatic Sea," Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman said.

Compared with the existing Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone, the Exclusive Economic Zone provides for two more rights - the right to build artificial islands and the right to use the power of the sea, sea currents and wind.

Parliament also adopted a report on consultations in respect of the declaration of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Before the vote, the parliamentary groups reiterated their views on the matter.

Nikola Grmoja of the opposition Bridge party said he was pleased that after five years of their struggle and the struggle of their predecessors this decision was being put to the vote. He said he was glad that the ruling parties had changed their opinion, albeit under Italy's influence.

Hrvoje Zekanovic (Croatian Sovereignists) said this was no cause for celebration because it only showed "how pathetic Croatia's politics are". 

"Had Italy not decided to declare an Exclusive Economic Zone, Croatia would never have done it," Zekanovic said, adding that the EEZ would change nothing because "Italian trawlers will continue to plough the Croatian seabed."

Branko Bacic of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said that by declaring the EEZ Croatia was protecting its strategic and national interests in the Adriatic, adding that Croatian fishermen would follow rules adopted by the European Commission at Croatia's proposal.

Arsen Bauk of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said that the declaration of the EEZ was a matter for celebration after all because it marked the end of the process that was begun by the SDP government of Ivica Racan in 2003.

The Homeland Movement's Milan Vrkljan disagreed with Bauk, saying that the initiative had actually been launched by the late President Tudjman back in 1994.

Also, Parliament unanimously adopted the Council decision on the system of own resources, one of the EU's key legislative acts the purpose of which is to secure financing over the next seven years.

The EU's budget financing system comprises three main categories of revenue: traditional own resources (mainly customs duties), Value Added Tax-based own resources and Gross National Income-based own resources. 

The agreement on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 provides for a new category of revenue based on own resources from non-recycled plastic packaging waste, in accordance with the EU's green transition and sustainable economy strategy.

December 18, 2020 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters announced new measures in Croatia at the 11 am press conference on Friday. 

Index.hr reports that in the last 24 hours, Croatia has recorded 3,222 new cases, and the current number of active cases is 21,297. 10,478 people were tested in the last 24 hours; there 310 new patients in the hospital. Compared to yesterday, there are 29 new patients on ventilators. 68 people died. 

“The seven-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants in the Republic of Croatia is 591.1. The highest is in Međimurje County, then Zagreb County, and the lowest in Dubrovnik-Neretva and Istria. Within the 14-day incidence rate, Croatia is in 25th place. Luxembourg and Lithuania are higher,” said Krunoslav Capak at the start of the press conference.

After Capak, Minister Vili Beroš took the floor: "Within the current knowledge, those who have already had coronavirus and currently have immunity will probably not get sick in the coming period. However, due to the presence of the virus, they can transmit it and infect other people. This is very important because even those who have survived can transmit the disease to others.

The virus has condemned us to togetherness, and in the context of measures, we must think of each other. Wearing masks is essential, as is vaccination. To achieve collective immunity, we need to talk about it because with the vaccine we are not only protecting ourselves but for others as well.”

Davor Božinović continued: "It is great to talk about the start of vaccination, but it is a process that will continue throughout the next year. We will be able to breathe a sigh of relief in the next six months if responsible. That is why we made several decisions until January 10, 2021. We are trying to send a message about how important it is to calm the population and discourage socializing in this risky period. It is a combination of measures of the Headquarters and other government activities," said Bozinovic, before introducing the measures. 

"First, there is the beginning of school holidays, allowing students to go on vacation until January 18. The movement and number of people in public transport will thus be reduced," Bozinovic said. He added that the government will hold talks with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. The initiative is for workers to use old vacations during Christmas and New Year decisions.

Two decisions have been made; one is the extension of measures with some changes.

"On Christmas Eve and Christmas, mass will be held according to the special instructions of the CNIPH, with one believer per 7 square meters of the church instead of 25 people, regardless of the church's size.

The rule of one person per 7 square meters is also introduced for cinemas, theaters, and other places that belong to the domain of culture.

It is forbidden to leave the county in which the person resides. This does not apply to emergency activities and supplies, daily migration, security services, pharmacy delivery, journalists, patients requiring medical purposes, commuting to and from work if necessary and cannot be done from home, emergency persons preventing the spread of COVID-19, and diplomatic staff.

This is not the introduction of passes; this is a travel ban. Passes are issued only in exceptional cases, when necessary. The message is that everyone refrains from traveling, visiting, and contact for the holidays. The intention is not to extend the restriction of movement after January 8," Bozinovic said.

"It is important to reduce work activity. It is not very high at this time of year anyway, but there are exceptions, so there is a possibility of passes for exceptional cases. We appeal to everyone to refrain from traveling and gathering and socializing for two weeks," said Bozinovic.

NEW EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MEASURES - from midnight on December 22 to January 10

School holidays

- Students are on holiday until January 18, which reduces student mobility and public transportation

Vacations

"On Wednesday, a meeting was held with representatives of the economy. The next two weeks, December 23 - January 8, to enable the use of annual leave to reduce the number of infected people further. Representatives of the largest trade union centers that support this initiative were also introduced," Bozinovic said.

Private gatherings and ceremonies

- maximum of 10 people

- maximum of 2 different households

Mass 

- when possible, via radio, TV programs, and otherwise

- exceptionally on December 24 and 25 according to special recommendations of the CNIPH

Professional and artistic performances

- the number of persons present is limited due to the size of the space

- at least 7 square meters per person

Ban on inter-county movement, from December 23 to January 8 (TCN has more on this HERE)

- it is forbidden to leave the county in which the person has a permanent or temporary residence. This does not apply to staff necessary for traffic maintenance, daily migration of employees in health care services, pharmacy delivery, utilities, gas and electricity supply, security services, journalists, patients, travel to and from work, emergency services to help prevent the spread of disease and diplomatic staff

- when entering/leaving the county, the measure should be adhered to, and you should have an identification card proving your status or pass

- the pass is issued by the county headquarters

- does not apply to the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County

- The travel ban enters into force on December 23 and lasts until January 8

Nove epidemiološke mjere od... by Tportal.hr

"We want to tell citizens to be patient through this risky part of the year without contact so we can wish each other all the best for the upcoming holidays. This is a time-limited decision and is not extended unless necessary due to the epidemiological situation. Around January 8, we will see the results of our behavior during the holidays."

As for people who have already paid for hotel accommodation or holiday home, Bozinovic said: "There are a number of justified reasons for issuing passes. These include people caring for the elderly, enforcing court decisions on the right to spend weekends with children, but also reservations for hotels and other accommodation until the day this decision takes effect. Those who have paid can keep their plan."

They also clarified measures related to churches. "HZJZ is preparing a special document for religious events. Every believer should have 7 square meters of space and there must be a notice at the entrance to the church," said Capak, adding:

"We will appeal to the church to ensure that the faithful monitor the implementation of the prescribed measures. As for the area in front of the church, the provision of a maximum of 25 people applies. In addition, it will contain recommendations members of the same household do not need to keep a distance. It is recommended to set up benches for believers from the same household and to have every other bench in use from the entrance to the altar."

Asked why catering facilities are not allowed to do the same, Capak said: "Because it is impossible. We persistently communicate that we are taking measures to reduce contacts so as not to ban certain activities that are necessary for economic and other reasons. This measure is related to respecting the wishes and needs of believers for spiritual peace and the need to celebrate the holiday. Religious celebrations are allowed with 25 people, but for Christmas Eve and Christmas we have allowed it to be with minimal epidemiological risk, so that believers can celebrate the holiday."

On the arrival of the vaccine in Croatia, Capak said: "We do not yet have any documents to know the exact quantities. The first symbolic delivery for all EU countries will be on December 26 and we will receive that quantity. We have Pfizer's promise to deliver the complete tranche by the end of the January. We will probably find out what the quantity will be at the beginning of next week."

More soon...

To read more about coronavirus in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

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December 18, 2020 – The last wolf was seen in the late 50s or early 60s, but during November, the wolf was again seen on Papuk. Based on the guard service footage, the Papuk Nature Park authorities are sure that this endangered species has returned to their area.

According to the report from the Papuk Nature Park, although the wolf has not been spotted so far, this video is real proof that Papuk is the place where the wolf returned. Recently, there were only stories about the wolf's appearance, but now this has been confirmed by numerous experts.

'The wolf does not pose a danger'

To explore the terrain and start monitoring the signs of wolf's appearance, the Papuk Nature Park Guard Service, experts from the Institute for Environmental Protection and Nature of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb organized the first field trip. They determined how conservationists, foresters, and hunters will monitor, record, and store all signs that would indicate the wolf's presence.

"After we unequivocally proved the presence of wolves in the Park, we conducted interviews with almost all users of this space. We explained to them that wolves' appearance is not unexpected, but also the most important thing at this moment, that it does not pose a danger to a wildlife fund, nor to cattle breeders. Earlier speculations about the damage to livestock in the wider area around Papuk proved to be wrong because it was not wolf attacks, but dogs that were unattended wandering the area," said Alen Jurenac, the director of the Park.

Jackal and wolf easy to mistake

As it is important to monitor the wolves' appearance, a meeting was organized in Jankovac on the premises of the Papuk Nature Park. They discussed the fauna present in the area, and especially the jackal population that records healthy and strong individuals, very often highly trophy in a shooting.

They also concluded that the wild animal population (deer and roe deer) is in excellent condition. Fear was expressed since the jackal and wolf are very easy to mistake, so that the wolf could die in this hunting season. Therefore, regular information on implemented and planned activities in the field is proposed.

The Park points out that they informed all hunting associations in the area about the wolf's appearance, and they also conducted a field tour of the Park area and hunting grounds, especially the location of the wolf snapshot. They also agreed on a future common way of monitoring them and selecting suitable sites for setting photo traps.

There are probably more of them

The last wolf in the Papuk area was shot in the late '50s or early '60s.

"All these years, there have been stories that the wolf was seen somewhere, but there was never any evidence. Our footage is the best proof of how the wolf re-settled on Papuk. Whether it is about him as an individual or there are more of them, it is quite debatable. It can be seen that he is younger, about a year old, and that he is playful. Given that wolves remain in the pack until the second year of life, because they are only then sexually mature, it is to be assumed that several other individuals did not enter the frame," Jurenac told Večernji list.

They set ten photo traps to keep a closer eye on him.

"Of course, the footage is not the only evidence, we are also looking at the traces the wolf leaves behind, and we are waiting for the leaves to fall off completely, so we will be able to follow them more easily. The wolf is strictly protected, and his return to Papuk is positive news," concluded Jurenac.

To read more news from Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 18, 2020 - As the battle to contain the pandemic continues, a guide to new Croatian measures announced today, effective from midnight on December 21 to January 10. 

Please note: this article was sent for - and received - approval from the Ministry of the Interior for its content.

The Croatian authorities have announced stricter measures from midnight on Monday in an effect to reduce the spread and infection of COVID-19, and the return of 'propusnice' (passes) is one of the notable additions to the current rules. However, as Police minister Božinović explained at the press conference today, the point of the measure is NOT to introduce the passes, rather, it's to drastically reduce travel within Croatia during the holiday period as much as possible. So, it's important to keep in mind that it will not be easy to get a propusnica during the next two and a half weeks.

We are getting lots of messages from foreigners, mostly through the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community about the details. Back in March, during the first lockdown, our Viber community did not exist and there was relatively little tourism. The situation is a little different at the moment, with tourists in the country, as well as many people looking to return to spend Christmas with their loved ones. 

This article is an attempt to add clarity on a confusing situation, and it will be updated as more concrete information. PLEASE BE AWARE that it is a guide for information purposes. In order to make your final travel plans, you are advised to receive official confirmation from the authorities. 

Please note that there are two slightly different dates in this announcement:

Midnight on December 21 to January 10 - a continuation of the current measures, which are set to expire on December 21.

Midnight on December 22 to January 8 - the introduction of restrictions for inter-county travel.

Here are the key points and answers to some of the early questions. 

The new Croatian measures now require an official pass to cross a county border. Where can I find these county borders?

Croatia consists of 20 counties plus the city of Zagreb. See the map below for details. Travel within counties will still be unrestricted, but you will need a pass (propusnica) to cross a county border. These will be manned by the police.

Please note that Zagreb County and the City of Zagreb will be counted as one, so travel between the two will be unrestricted. 

What criteria are necessary to get a propusnica?

In order to get a propusnica which will allow you to go to a different Croatian county, you will have to prove your reason for needing to do so, and they will be issued only in those cases when it can be shown that it's absolutely necessary for the person asking to get a pass to travel to a different county. Minister Božinović also explained that those who have already booked accommodation before the decision was announced will be given the passes to get to the location where they booked their stay. 

The list of reasons to get a propusnica, as presented in the document, is as follows: 

• those required to maintain traffic and supply;
• daily migrations of those working in: health and veterinary services, medicines delivery, maintenance of the communal activities (water, electricity, natural gas) and protection services;
• public reporting;
• patients requiring medical care;
• travelling to work, in those cases when it is proven that work can not be done from home;
• urgent and operative services required to stop the spread of COVID-19;
• diplomatic staff;
• those who have booked reservations in hotels.
• if they consider that they have a "valid reason" and the previous reason is not stated in the exceptions for obtaining passes.

Where do I apply for a propusnica as a local resident?

 Croatian residents can apply for a propusnica through an online system called e-građani, or (if they don't have access to it) by contacting their county Civil Protection (Civilna zaštita) office.

Where do I apply for a propusnica as a foreign non-resident?

Upon entry in Croatia, the foreign travellers will be issued the passes at the border crossing of their entry, which will allow them to reach their destination. For any additional necessary travel within Croatia, the travellers will have to contact the Civil Protection office in the county where they are staying.  

For any further inquiries, koronavirus.hr shared the helpful contact information: 

Will hotel bookings be enough reason to obtain a propusnica?

Crossing county borders for just for the purposes of tourism will NOT be allowed, BUT passes will still be available to those who have booked accommodation in advance, for example in hotels, despite the earlier proposal that this should not be a valid reason for issuing passes. Upon arrival in the country, you will receive your propusnica to travel to your hotel. If you have accommodation booked and paid for in a second location, you will be allowed to travel, BUT you will have to get individual passes from the local civilian headquarters. If you have not booked and paid for the accommodation, my feeling is that this will be a lot more difficult.  Please note that this is a very fluid situation, and if you have booked hotels in several places, there is probably less guarantee. 

What will be open and what will be closed?

From what we know now, nothing will drastically change in terms of further closing of businesses in this period: the restaurants and the bars will stay closed, the hotels will stay open and will be allowed to make food only for those staying in the hotels. Museums, movie theatres and theatres will remain open under the same rules as in the previous period: with the reduced number of people and while maintaining social distances.

What about ferries, trains, buses - will they be running?

The Split - Ancona ferry is not running currently. For the latest on ferries, check the official Jadrolinija website. 

For the latest on the trains (Google Translate is your friend).

We are still seeking confirmation on the situation with buses, but would expect a reduced service. 

For the latest news from Croatian roads.

Restaurants are closed, but will takeaway still be possible?

Yes.

Will Croatia close its borders and is there any danger I may be trapped in Croatia and miss my flight home?

Even at the heights of the initial lockdown (which restricted movement between local communities, not counties as here), the borders remained open for repatriation - Croatians coming home and foreigners leaving Croatia. It will be the same this time, even if the border restrictions tighten further. 

For official answers, check the FAQ on the Ministry of the Interior website (it may take some time for the English version to reflect the updates). There is a form at the bottom where you can ask your questions in English, Croatian or German - they are pretty responsive. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.