No Complete Digital Croatia Until 5G Network Introduction?
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Lucija Spiljak writes on the 26th of November, 2020, the Croatian Government has launched a public consultation on the National Plan for the Development of Broadband Access in the Republic of Croatia in the Period from 2021 to 2027, which imposes itself as the main precondition for the development of very high capacity networks (VHCN), even in the most rural areas of the country. Is a truly Digital Croatia closer than ever?
The plan follows not only the domestic plans for a more digital Croatia, but the wider strategic goals of the European Union's broadband approach as formally defined by the European Gigabit Society 2025 communication.
The objectives of the National Plan are, among other things, the introduction of very high capacity networks in Croatian households (at least 100 Mbit / s, with the possibility of upgrading to speeds up to 1 Gbit / s), the introduction of very high capacity networks for public purposes (at least 1 Gbit / s symmetrically), the introduction of 5G networks in urban areas and along the country's main traffic routes, and the introduction of 5G networks in rural areas.
The Croatian Network Regulatory Agency (Hakom) is already participating in preparations for the implementation of 5G networks, and will participate, as they say, in other implementation activities in accordance with the Plan, because they are making great efforts to meet the goals of the European Commission's 5G Action Plan which involves providing commercial 5G service in at least one major city across all EU member states in 2020, 5G network coverage in all urban areas and along all major land transport routes by 2025.
''The plan is to encourage investment in infrastructure and construction of 5G networks in rural areas and across all areas in generally, including those currently less covered by broadband access, in order to provide customers with a certain quality of service. To inform the public, Hakom has published a special section dedicated exclusively to 5G technology on its website, it talks about about what 5G is, its technical characteristics and its possible uses. EU and national strategies are presented there, while the section on electromagnetic fields explains the relevant regulations and the role of Hakom in the control of electromagnetic fields.
"Data on locations where base stations are set up for the purpose of testing the functionality of 5G technology is published and regularly updated," they state.
According to the Index of Economic and Social Digitisation for 2020 (DESI), Croatia is 25th out of 28 members in the Connectivity category, as it was back in 2019, and looking at all of the DESI categories in total, Croatia is in 20th place this year. In Connectivity, which concerns broadband internet, there are several benchmarks, and Hakom has singled out two in which they expect a significant boost - readiness for 5G in which Croatia is performing badly because the allocated spectrum for 5G is still being measured as a result of the ongoing crisis, although Croatian operators themselves are ready for 5G and even offer this service commercially.
The second measure is Croatian households with an Internet subscription of at least 100Mbit / s.
"Although the availability of the Internet above 30Mbit / s and 100Mbit / s is average compared to all other EU member states, in Croatia, households have only recently been wanting very high speeds and changing their previous packages, and there is a higher percentage of the population who don't use the Internet at all." they explain.
With the moving forward of Digital Croatia with the digitalisation of public administration, e-health, education and other things, in the coming years, Hakom says that the widespread introduction and application of new concepts and applications in the economy, such as Industry 4.0 Big Data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities will occur.
“The crisis caused by the pandemic has confirmed the importance of universal access to very large capacity networks that are at the same time reliable, secure and accessible to all at affordable prices. The digital divide between urban and rural areas and people of a different socio-economic status has become particularly visible. We think that in the post-covid era there will be an accelerated digital transformation of society as a whole, which will require an adequate digital infrastructure in terms of data transfer speeds, resilience and the reliability of connections,'' they conclude.
Croatian Telecom/HT, which launched its 5G network less than a month ago, briefly commented that they support all measures that simplify and reduce the cost of building fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure and enable the maximum use of EU funds, because without broadband infrastructure there can be no real Digital Croatia.
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PM Plenkovic Talks Punishments for Not Wearing Masks, Ignoring Measures
November the 27th, 2020 - With the announcement of new, stricter measures in Croatia, PM Plenkovic has stated that there will also be far more attention paid to those refusing to wear masks and not respecting the measures put in place by the National Civil Protection Headquarters to try to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
With bars, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms and more set to close their doors, harsher punishments for those failing to respect the anti-epidemiological measures are on their way.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, PM Plenkovic explained that we are now in a position in which we've been forced to try to suppress the ongoing epidemic by the employment of additional restrictions on people's social life and on economic activities. He added that the further dynamics of protection against SARS-CoV-2 depended on all of us once again, because if the infection continues to spread, these measures may not be enough.
The above was pointed out by PM Plenkovic when he was discussing the new measures, which can be read in detail in the link provided in the first sentence, and as part of some of the answers he provided in response to journalists' questions. He finally clearly announced the possibility of punishments for those refusing to do their bit to prevent the spread.
"We are also thinking about penalties for people not wearing masks and for non-compliance with measures. We're doing that reluctantly. If some of us decide to continue to behave recklessly and endanger other people, we must also resort to sanctions against such people. That's a problem for me, we're reluctant to do it, but that is the next step,'' warned PM Plenkovic.
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Zagreb Company Neuralab Proclaimed Best Agency in World in This Category
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Lucija Spiljak writes on the 26th of November, 2020, the Zagreb company Neuralab has been named the best agency in the world for the development of WordPress eCommerce solutions. Their work has been recognised by the WordPress community worldwide, and in addition, Neuralab is the only agency in all of Central and Eastern Europe to become a WordPress VIP partner agency.
The founder and director of Neuralab, Kresimir Koncic, pointed out that this prestigious recognition will open new doors for the agency and also for their clients. Because of this certification, they now have access to tools, processes, people and knowledge at the highest world level. "This recognition is extremely difficult to obtain. It's a complex certification that lasts a year. The team had to meet a large amount of technical and business requirements, and the amount of 10,000 US dollars in order for us to even enter into consideration isn't to be ignored either,'' said Koncic.
The best WooCommerce agency in the world
In addition to being the only WordPress VIP partners in Croatia and the CEE region, Neuralab was also named the best WooCommerce agency in the entire world. The WordPress platform on which they work also has its own technology intended exclusively for online stores. Neuralab has won the title of the best agency in the world when it comes to design, development, integration and working with WooCommerce. If you want to develop an online store on WordPress or the WooCommerce platform, you'll get a recommendation to work with Neuralab.
A company from Trnje, Zagreb, with offices in New York and employees from all over the world...
Neuralab started back in the student days of its founders. Without much money, external investments or support, but with a vision that the Internet and online services should be OpenSource, ie, based on technologies that are accessible to everyone and are open and transparent. Their office is in Trnje, Zagreb, in the very house where the founder Kresimir grew up, and which is today Neuralab's headquarters. Although headquartered in Zagreb, they also have an office in New York, while their employees live in different parts of Croatia and across the world.
Neuralab has about twenty employees, and at the beginning of the month they received the domestic Golden AAA employer certificate. They've been making a profit from day one, which is often not the case in the start-up and IT world, especially here in Croatia. All indicators of their future business are also heading in a very positive direction.
"People are the ones standing behind our good results. We work on big projects where each individual has an equal role; designer, developer... The salary in Neuralab is individual - it depends on the knowledge and effort of each individual. In our country, in accordance with the philosophy of a relaxed and knowledgeable approach, it's exclusively divided and all done according to expertise,'' concluded Neuralab's Koncic.
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Capak: New Measures to be Combined with Wide Use of Rapid Antigen Tests
ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - Croatian Public Health Institute director Krunoslav Capak said on Thursday that the latest restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak would be combined with the wide use of rapid antigen tests and that this was expected to result in a fall in new coronavirus cases over the next four weeks.
"Right now our epidemiological situation is concerning. Epidemiologists have made their suggestions about individual measures and their effectiveness. The most important thing is to reduce the intensity of social contacts and keep the mobility of people as low as possible," Capak said at the presentation of the latest package of measures.
Croatia's incidence rate among highest in Europe
Capak said he believed the latest measures, combined with rapid antigen tests and self-isolation, would help reverse the present trend over the next four weeks and ensure that the number of new infections started falling.
"Our incidence rate is currently among the highest in Europe, above 900 cases per 100,000 people over the last 14 days. We have the 13th highest mortality rate in the European Union. The number of hospitalisations and the number of people on ventilators are also rising, and we also have a large number of deaths," Capak said.
Asked why the number of new cases detected by rapid antigen tests was not included in daily statistics, he said that the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention did not recognise the antigen test but only the PCR test. He added that Slovakia had not reported the results of its massive antigen testing campaign to the WHO.
"At this point, we are not including these figures. We are tracking them separately and will release them separately," Capak said.
No exemptions from measures
Capak said it was not possible for individual counties to be exempt from the latest restrictions because they were all colour-coded red.
"The incidence rate is so high that there is no need to consider any exemptions. In certain area the measures can only be tightened and not eased," he said.
Asked why the government had not at the same time presented a plan for easing the measures so that people could better organise their lives and work obligations, Capak said that Croatia had opted for a strategy of monitoring the epidemic on a daily basis.
"Some countries plan in advance the steps they will take when new cases reach a certain number, but Croatia is not among them. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis, and we will discuss the easing of the measures in due course," Capak said.
Hospitality Sector Proposes Compensation Measures to Survive Lockdown
ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - Bar and restaurant owners on Thursday proposed two sets of measures that could help them survive the new lockdown, saying at a conference organised by the Croatian Employers Associations that many would go bankrupt otherwise.
The president of the national association of bar and restaurant owners, Marin Medak, said the first model envisaged long-term compensation by slashing VAT to 5% for three years and to 13% in the long term, and providing job-retention aid until April 2021, i.e. HRK 4,000 per employee and writing off taxes and contributions until 1 May 2021.
They also propose compensation of €10 per square metre of their establishment, COVID loans to ensure liquidity for three years and a moratorium on loan payments for businesses which are not allowed to work.
The second model envisages ensuring revenue for entrepreneurs in the amount of 50% of their turnover at the same time a year ago as a direct grant which would also be used for salaries, including a contribution write-off.
This model also envisages exemption from all fixed liabilities for the duration of the lockdown, including rent and utilities. Bar and restaurant owners also propose exemption from parafiscal levies.
Medak said they acknowledged the extent of the pandemic crisis and were unanimous that the most important thing was to keep their businesses going and prevent layoffs which would ensue without adequate lockdown compensation measures.
The government decided today that as of Saturday, bars and restaurants will be closed until before Christmas.
Sveta Nedelja Beyond Rimac: 120 Years of Pharma Excellence at Dechra Genera
November 26, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's most successful town for the economy, Sveta Nedelja Beyond Rimac visits 120 years of pharmaceutical excellence at Dechra Genera.
The electric hypercars and advanced technology of Rimac Automobili may be the most famous show in town in Sveta Nedelja, but it is by no means the oldest. As young entrepreneur Mate Rimac started a company with dreams of creating the fastest electric car in the world a decade ago, a company called Genera, specialising in veterinary and plant products, was celebrating 110 years since its founding. Five years later, its commitment to excellence led to its acquisition by one of its industry's biggest companies, Dechra, and today Dechra Genera is an important global players in the specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals market.
And talking of size, Dechra Genera is also the biggest company in the town in terms of size. Its sprawling complex comes with its own road signs and eco-friendly electric scooter transport, as experienced by TCN on a tour of the plant a few weeks ago.
The TCN visit to Dechra Genera was part of a tour of the successful businesses of Croatia's youngest town, located to the south-west of Zagreb, close to the motorway and border with Slovenia. In an age of mass emigration, economic downturn and mass unemployment, here was a town which was doing things rather differently. The population has increased by 10% since the 2011 census, the number of jobs has increased by 20% since 2017, and unemployment is at a remarkably low 3.9%. The progressive local administration is the most transparent in the country, and the town is constantly looking for ways to attract new businesses and to improve the lives of its citizens. The imminent introduction of free buses is one of the latest initiatives, and businesses are benefiting from local surtaxes being abolished. No wonder, perhaps, that in addition to Sveta Nedelja being voted the best medium-sized town for the economy in Croatia three years running, but also in the top 5 for quality of life.
And while Rimac deservedly attracts the headlines, there is plenty of excellence in Sveta Nedelja in other sectors of the economy, as we are discovering in this mini-series. The Syrian entrepreneur, for example, whose turnover in the medical industry was more than 250 million euro last year, or the Sveta Nedelja business whose systems are keeping many of the world's biggest breweries operating.
The story of Dechra Genera, whose portfolio centres around animal health products, food supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals and plant protection products, dates back to 1901 and the foundation of the Royal Croatian-Slavonian Bacteriological Institute. From 1940 to 2000, it was part of the giant Croatian pharma company, Pliva, after which it operated as an independent, Veterina.
As reported by TCN at the time, the company underwent its latest change in October 2015, when a majority stake was sold to one of the biggest companies in the industry, Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC from the UK. On 1 February 2018, Genera became a 100% subsidiary of the Dechra Group and it has subsequently delisted from the Zagreb Stock Exchange.
As TCN wrote at the time: " Dechra was impressed by young professional staff of Genera, the company which built its value and image on the know-how of its employees. Dechra was interested in Genera because it wanted to enter the vaccine market, which is the fastest growing segment of veterinary medicine and with which it will significantly expand its portfolio of pharmaceutical products for animals."
Dechra Genera seems to be delivering on promises of investment into its Croatian operations. A year ago, for example, it opened its solar-powered plant in Sveta Nedelja at a cost of £1.3 million. The facility is now recognised as the largest integrated power plant for own consumption in Croatia, with 5,543 photovoltaic (PV) panels fitted onto existing roof structures across the Genera site. Prior to this, the Genera operation sourced 100% of energy via the main grid. Following the installation, the annualised level of electric power generation is expected to be approximately 1,545,000 kWh and will generate nearly a third of the electric power needed for Dechra’s Croatian manufacturing facility.
The solar-powered plant is expected to reduce the plant's CO2 footprint by approximately 360 tonnes which equates to 4% of Dechra Genera’s total CO2 emissions in 2018. Over the next five years, Dechra Genera will be increasing manufacturing volume and this facility will enable it to do so using efficiently through using a renewable and sustainable energy source.
Energy efficient, and also a safe workplace. Some 575 days since the last accident on the premises during my visit a few weeks ago, according to the welcome board.
Things have changed a lot since the founding of the foundation of the Royal Croatian-Slavonian Bacteriological Institute in 1901, but things have rarely looked brighter for the company now known as Dechra Genera than at any time in its 119-year history. A little like Sveta Nedelja in general.
To learn more about Dechra Genera, visit the official website.
For the latest coverage from Sveta Nedleja, follow the dedicated TCN section.
Government: St Mark's Square Designated a Guarded Area
ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - The government on Thursday amended the decree on designation of protected persons and buildings, designating St Mark's Square, the location of the buildings housing the government offices, parliament and the Constitutional Court, as a category 1 guarded area.
The amendment came after a 12 October shooting incident in which a police officer guarding the entrance to the government building was shot and wounded and the perpetrator later committed suicide.
Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said that the designation of the area as a guarded area created the legal grounds for stepping up security measures in order to reduce the possibilities of direct access and undermining the safety and security of the persons and buildings concerned.
He said that the rights to public assembly and peaceful protests would not be restricted and would be in compliance with the relevant legislation.
Access and movement for all persons, employees, office-holders, lawmakers, Constitutional Court judges, people living in the buildings in the square, worshippers visiting St Mark's Church and participants in public rallies will not be restricted.
Arena Zagreb to Accommodate COVID-19 Patients in Final Stage of Recovery
ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Thursday that the Arena Zagreb sports hall has been activated and equipped for the accommodation of COVID-19 patients.
"The Arena has been activated, mobilised and equipped. When it will become operational will be decided by medical professionals and the Health Ministry. It is intended for patients who have passed the worst stage of the disease. We will see when this will be, but it can be soon," Bozinovic told a press conference at which new measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic were presented.
He added that the Arena would accommodate hospital patients who had not fully recovered and who needed to spend some more time under medical observation.
Bozinovic said that regional government units could adopt additional measures provided that they were tighter than those adopted by the national coronavirus response team.
The Defence Ministry said on Thursday that army personnel were on standby to assist the public healthcare system in case of opening of the medical unit at the Arena Zagreb.
Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy Until 2030 to be Drawn Up
ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - The Tourism Ministry is launching the drafting of a sustainable tourism strategy until 2030 and a 2021-27 national sustainable tourism development plan as long-term frameworks for tourism development, Minister Nikolina Brnjac said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
The drafting of a new strategy is in line with the government's programme and the Competitive and Innovative Economy strategic goal in the draft national development strategy until 2030.
A strategic environmental impact estimate will be drawn up for the first time as part of the strategy, Brnjac said.
According to the ministry, the strategy, the plan and the estimate are expected to be drawn up by the end of 2021 and the aim is for the strategy to be coherent with other sectors' public policies.
"We have embarked on the creation of strategic frameworks so as to focus our activities as well as possible on the sustainability and development of the tourism sector, and the common goal of all actors should be the positioning of Croatia as a high quality, safe and, according to economic criteria, increasingly successful destination," said Brnjac.
Catering Facilities and Gyms Close in Croatia Until December 21: New Measures in Full
November 26, 2020 – From Saturday, November 28, 2020, catering facilities and gyms close in Croatia due to the introduction of new epidemiological measures. Here's a look at all new measures which will be in force until December 21, 2020.
Today at the press conference at 2 p.m., Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented new, strict measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic. These measures will be in force at least until December 21, and according to Hina, Plenković announced a change in the law, which will enable the punishment of persons who do not adhere to the prescribed measures.
The measures suggest that all public events and gatherings with more than 25 people are prohibited, and a maximum of 10 people are allowed to participate in private gatherings.
Masks are obligatory in the outdoors when it is not possible to keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters. All public events should last until 10 p.m.
As we reported earlier, the work of all catering facilities is suspended, except for hotels and camps, who can only serve their guests, but the restaurants and bars are allowed to prepare and deliver food during their working hours.
Sports competitions and trainings are suspended, except for the highest levels of competition, all without spectators and with the adherence to the epidemiological measures. The work of gyms, fitness centers, and sports and recreation centers are suspended as well.
Wedding ceremonies are suspended, and a maximum of 25 people are allowed to attend funerals where condolences must not be expressed through close contact.
Public transport must not exceed 40 percent occupancy, while drivers and passengers are required to have face masks. The control will be carried out by inspectors.
Stores, shops, and shopping malls remain open but should have displayed information about the largest possible number of customers who can be in the space at the same time, and they need to enhance hygiene measures (cleaning, disinfecting, ventilating).
Working hours of bakeries are limited to 10 p.m. Prohibition of alcohol sales stays from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Casinos and bookmakers, as well as fairs and other forms of economic and tourist events, are suspended.
All amateur cultural and artistic performances, programs, and events, including choirs, are suspended, as well as composite musical stage performances involving orchestras and choirs. There are no rehearsals of amateur choirs, which also applies to church choirs.
Anti-epidemic measures restricting 25 people and completion by 10 p.m. do not apply to professional art performances and programs that do not include the performance of complex music and stage works that include orchestras and choirs, cinema screenings, and exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces.
There is also no food consumption in the cinema. Also, the work of children's playrooms and dance schools is suspended. Foreign language schools can only operate online, as well as driving schools. While driving, instructor and trainees should wear masks.
It is recommended that masses are online, via radio and TV programs, without coming to religious facilities. There may be a maximum of 25 believers in the church at mass.
People who have any symptoms are prohibited from coming to work. Working from home is recommended, as well as sliding working hours, working in shifts and groups, fewer meetings, and regular ventilation of working space.
Plenković emphasized the fact that they are against complete closure and curfew, but they are introducing these measures in order to protect our health and limit certain activities that they believe will help reduce the infection. And they will also take care of the economy.
"Our goal is to ensure the sustainability of the health system in which our doctors, nurses, and health professionals make superhuman efforts to cure the sick and save every life. In parallel, testing capacity will be strengthened because we need to isolate every infected person," said Plenković.
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