September 7, 2021 - Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić and Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perišić spoke to the press ahead of Croatia's final September 2022 World Cup qualifier at Poljud on Tuesday. Ivan Perišić will captain Croatia against Slovenia. 

Croatia needs a victory at Poljud to increase points after consecutive visits to Russia and Slovakia.

"Certainly, there will be no Livaković in goal; we will not take any risks; Gvardiol is also questionable. I am not inclined to force what I am not sure of, as in the case of Modrić and Budimir. We will go with healthy and ready players. This, after all, was shown by this census at the beginning of the September cycle. Some players played a lot, Sosa, Juranović, Lovren… I'm a little scared to start a game with players who played a lot. We won’t change and invent much because we have nothing. I will say that Livaja will start the game, he has known this for several days, and I expect great things from him; he deserved it with his performances for Hajduk. In what position will he play? Everyone is there to play what is meant for them. Nobody plays a dominant position, even though the media constantly emphasize it," says Zlatko Dalić, who went on to discuss the importance of a victory and the demands of the third game in a week.

"We have to be favorites at our stadium, in front of our fans. Perhaps this will be the most difficult match for us because it is the third in just seven days against an aggressive and combative opponent who beat us in Slovenia. If we do not show the energy from Bratislava and Moscow, it will be difficult for us. However, I doubt that the audience will carry us in our motive, and I believe we will win the match. In which way, it doesn't matter; only the points are important."

Slovenia is no easy opponent. 

"Slovenia is not just Jan Oblak. Iličić rested; he is fresh and the biggest danger; he forms an attacking axis with Lovrić, and I expect Mlakar as well. Slovenia will play as much as we allow them and as we position ourselves on the field. We did not let Russia or Slovakia play with pressure; I am delighted with that game segment. We must react well to other opponents' balls again. Problems in the attack? We were a little futile going forward, but these aren’t games to die for in beauty. Points matter, not impressions. I said that I had no objections to what Croatia played, except for that final."

The team will once again be weakened with the absence of Luka Modrić.

"Luka will not be forever; we cannot keep repeating Luka, Luka, Luka. No one can replace him individually; we can only replace him as a team; we must understand that. He started training; he will be with us in October. We have to get rid of that rumor so that we can play without the captain, who we miss a lot."

There will be no lack of support at Poljud, and well-filled stands are expected.

"The support of the audience will be important to us. We remember Hungary and the fantastic atmosphere that reigned at Poljud during that match. It was an atmosphere that gave you chills. However, since I was the coach, where the point was that we played, it was beautiful for us, in Osijek, Rijeka, Zagreb… Regardless of what someone wants to do that is worthless, the Croatian people recognize the good. Therefore, I expect great support from the stands, and we will try to thank you with three points," concluded Dalić.

Ivan Perišić will lead Croatia as captain against Slovenia. Ivan is aware that the victory against Slovakia in Bratislava additionally raised the self-confidence of the national team.

"The atmosphere is great after the victory in Slovakia; it gave us extra energy. We did well in the matches against Russia and Slovakia, we did not concede a goal, and we can be satisfied with two of perhaps the most difficult away games. However, if we don't beat Slovenia, it won't mean much," said Perišić, who spoke about the hard September rhythm of these matches.

"The rhythm is tough; everything happened in a short time, it will be a little easier in October and November, but then we will already have two games a week with our clubs. Whoever survives will talk, ha, ha, ha… However, we have 25 players so that the coach can choose and distribute the forces. The skeleton of the team is there; the younger players already have a lot of serious games, they give us extra strength." 

Ivan spoke about the course of the match against Slovenia.

"We will start from the first minute to score; it will be easier if we open them at the start, as was the case against Hungary at Poljud. We definitely need to improve our attack, and we need more time for that. Poljud? Every game at Poljud is something special; it means a lot to me, family, friends, we can't wait for it to start."

Source: HNS

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September 7, 2021 - The good tourism news keeps on coming, as tourists from 70 countries in Croatia this year made 2021 one we won't soon forget. 

In the first eight months of this year, more tourists came and stayed in Croatia than last year from more than 70 countries, with fewer arrivals and overnight stays from only five countries - Indonesia, Korea, China, Japan, and Kosovo, reports Index.hr.

This is shown by eVisitor and eCrew data from the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), according to which, as expected, Germans are traditionally far ahead of everyone, both in terms of arrivals and overnight stays.

2.1 million German tourists realized almost 16 million overnight stays or 23.3 percent of the total overnight stays in the first eight months of this year, which is 53 and 42 percent more than in the first eight months of 2020. However, compared to the same period in 2019, 2021 saw 200 thousand fewer German arrivals and about a million fewer overnight stays.

Behind German tourists are domestic tourists, with 1.7 million arrivals and 10.1 million overnight stays, which is an increase of 31.6 and almost 10 percent compared to the first eight months of 2020, while compared to the same period in 2019, there were about 100 thousand fewer arrivals and about a million fewer overnight stays. 

Of the ten markets with the highest number of overnight stays, only Austria and Slovakia had more than 100 percent more overnight stays than last year, i.e., Austrians at 4.8 million (+110 percent ) and Slovaks at 2.2 million overnight stays (+107.6 percent). They rank fourth and seventh in overnight stays among foreigners.

However, the largest increase (212.4 percent) was achieved by Dutch tourists with 1.8 million overnight stays in the first eight months of this year, which puts them in ninth place among foreign tourist overnight stays.

From other markets in the top ten, increases are slightly smaller. Poles are in third place among foreigners (or fourth overall, if domestic tourists are taken into account) with 5.7 million overnight stays or 43 percent more than in 2020.

Slovenians are in second place, just behind the Germans (or third if you count domestic overnight stays), with 7.9 million overnight stays or 3.4 percent more than in the first eight months of 2019. After Austria in fourth (among foreigners) is the Czech Republic with 4.5 million overnight stays or 44.5 percent more, and Hungary with 2.3 million overnight stays or 80.2 percent more.

Italy is in eighth place among foreign markets with 1.9 million overnight stays or 41 percent more (behind Slovakia in 7th). In tenth place, behind the Netherlands, is Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 1.6 million overnight stays or 80.5 percent more than in the first eight months of 2020.

Although neither Germans, domestic tourists, nor tourists from other markets have achieved the results of 2019 this year, many markets have seen a large increase in overnight stays, from some over 300 percent, and others 600 percent compared to 2020! In 24 markets, overnight stays have grown by more than one hundred percent.

The largest increase in overnight stays (679 percent) was realized by Kuwait with slightly more than 2780 overnight stays. Still, significantly more overnight stays, 663 thousand, and an increase of 301 percent were realized from the USA. Russia achieved an increase of 351 percent with 561.7 thousand overnight stays.

Oman recorded an increase of 275 percent compared to the first eight months of 2020, but with only 435 overnight stays, while the same increase was from Norway, but with a little more than 76 thousand overnight stays.

And from other Scandinavian countries - Sweden and Denmark - the growth of overnight stays was high, 128 and 129 percent compared to 2020, while Finland was the only one among all markets to have fewer tourist arrivals, by four percent but 42 percent more overnight stays.

Turkey is the only country where more tourists came (6 percent), who spent fewer nights than last year (15 percent).

An interesting fact among all markets is that, for example, from northern European countries this year there was also significantly more overnight stays in Croatia than last year - from Lithuania 101.5 thousand or 181.3 percent more, Latvia 48.7 thousand or 128 percent more, Estonia 45.1 thousand or 105 percent more, and Iceland 145.6 percent more with four thousand overnight stays.

The large increases in overnight stays from Mediterranean countries, i.e., Croatia's competitors, is also interesting. For example, tourists from France realized 1.1 million overnight stays in Croatia by the end of August this year (which puts them in 11th place among foreigners) or 126 percent more, and Spanish tourists 194.4 thousand or 166.3 percent more overnight stays than 2020.

Portuguese tourists achieved 111.2 percent more overnight stays or 51 thousand, and Maltese tourists 168 percent more with five thousand overnight stays.

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

September the 7th, 2021 - The country's many exporters are set to have life made that bit easier for them with Croatian Schengen entry on the horizon, further aided by the country finally entering the Eurozone.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Darko Bicak writes, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tomislav Coric recently said that for small and open economies, such as that boasted Croatia, exports are a prerequisite for development and survival.

"The country's GDP has been growing for years now, and of late, exports have been one of the main factors when it comes to economic growth and economic recovery. Exports recorded very good results even during pandemic-dominated 2020. This year, we've been recording a large recovery in terms of exports with 60 billion kuna, which is 11 billion kuna more than in pre-crisis 2019,'' said Coric.

He added that we must be careful in this analysis of the growth of the value of Croatian exports, because part of it is related to global inflation.

Minister Coric also pointed out that the achieved results are due to about 20,000 Croatian exporters who are the largest employers in the country, who also generate the largest share of total income and investments. He stated that both EU and national funds are a major source of funding for innovation and competitiveness of the domestic economy in the wake of the Green Plan.

"I'm aware of the challenges that Croatian exporters have been facing for years, and the Government is making great efforts to overcome bureaucratic obstacles for Croatian businessmen, and especially exporters, for greater growth and exports. By joining the Eurozone in two years, we'll take an additional step forward in eliminating exchange rate risks faced by Croatian entrepreneurs when doing business on our most important market - the single market.

In addition to the above, Croatian Schengen entry will be a benefit for all of the country's exporters because it will simplify and speed up mobility,'' concluded Minister Coric.

For more on Croatian Schengen and Eurozone entry, make sure to follow our politics section.

September the 7th, 2021 - Disgraced Croatian entrepreneur Tomo Horvatincic has managed to get away with far too much for far too long. The wealthy and highly influential Zagreb businessman caused the deaths of multiple individuals through dangerous driving of both cars and boats, and is set to finally serve his sentence for causing the deaths of an Italian couple many years ago.

The children of the couple who tragically lost their lives in the aforementioned boating incident have been fighting for years to see Tomislav ''Tomo'' Horvatincic put behind bars and finally get some form of closure.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, entrepreneur Tomislav Horvatincic (73), who is set to serve a four-year and ten-month prison sentence for a maritime accident caused by him in which the aforementioned Italian couple were killed, will serve his sentence in the Lipovica-Popovaca penitentiary.

According to the level of security and the restrictions placed on the freedom of movement of prisoners, the penitentiary in Lipovica-Popovaca is of a semi-open type. Adult men serving sentences of more than six months in prison are doing their time at this particular prison, and there are currently just over 80 of them there, with the oldest prisoner being 83 years old, Nova TV reported back in July.

As Jutarnji list has since learned, the Commission for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions had previously proposed the idea for entrepreneur Tomo Horvatincic to be sent to the Valtura penitentiary near Pula in Istria, which, unlike Lipovica, is open and in which, the likes of Radimir Cacic served his sentence for a traffic accident in neighbouring Hungary.

The director of the Diagnostic Centre, which is located in Zagreb's quite famous Remetinec prison, where Horvatincic's current address is, was also in favour of the Commission's proposal. However, at the level of the competent Ministry, it was decided to designate Lipovica as the place where the businessman would serve his prison sentence.

For more, make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle section.

September the 6th, 2021 - Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic has been shaking things up in the post-Bandic Croatian capital following years of alleged mismanagement and scandals. As things alter and as the Zagreb cable car project continues to cause issues, Tomasevic has assured that ZET ticket prices are to remain the same - at least for now.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, on Sunday, the Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomasevic, said that for now, ZET ticket prices will remain unchanged and that they are doing everything they can to prevent any increase in the price of tickets for the use of the city's public transport system.

"For now, these ZET ticket prices will remain as they are. We're doing everything we can to prevent the increase in the price of public transport,'' Tomasevic told reporters at Ban Jelacic Square, where he participated in the action of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development called #ZaZeleniSvakiDan/ForGreenEveryDay''.

He confirmed that ZET definitely does have debts, because, as he explained, it took out a loan of half a billion kuna for the realisation of the deeply problematic Sljeme cable car, loan installments are already needing to be paid, and there is no income yet. "So the cable car is a big weight for ZET's business," Tomasevic warned.

He explained that ZET, which is marking its 130th anniversary, operates in such a way that the vast majority of costs are covered directly from the city budget through a subsidy paid out to the city company.

The mayor says that this year, in order to cover the loss that will occur, which ZET didn't plan for, he will have to provide a larger amount for the subsidy in the rebalance of the city budget than was planned this year.

He didn't want to say what the amount of the subsidy will be and whether there will be a shift in the way ZET does things, and he announced that he will talk more about it next week when he will present the supplementary budget of the City of Zagreb.

He also announced that he would do everything to improve public transport in Zagreb, and called on people to use that transport as much as possible and leave their cars at home whenever they can in order to help protect the environment.

He says that they have talked to some ministers about the Sljeme cable car, but they haven't yet had time to talk to some of the people they need to. He also noted that they have an administrative dispute on their hands over the use permit for the planned Sljeme cable car and that the dispute will go on in court for some time yet.

However, regardless of the dispute, he announced that works will be done that will reduce the noise of the Sljeme cable car, because, as he pointed out, the cost of these works is lower compared to the cost that arises every month because the cable car isn't in function.

"So, it will be another new cost, but again not so much in relation to this cost that occurs every month because the cable car isn't moving and has no income," concluded Tomasevic.

For more, make sure to follow our lifestyle section.

September the 7th, 2021 - Brexit or no Brexit, the British capital is still a huge allure for many companies from the rest of Europe and the world. The wildly successful Zagreb IT company Q is yet another Croatian company to put down roots in one of Europe's most expensive and beautiful cities. The company is not only opening a British office, but planning further employment, too.

As Novac writes, the Zagreb IT company Q has ambitious plans to open an office in no less than the City of London at the end of September this year. It is busy investigating the acquisition of a London-based company, and there are plans in the works to hire another hundred people this year, Q announced on Monday.

"Opening an office in London is a big step forward in terms of Q's expansion because it creates additional value for existing clients and opens up the opportunity to meet even more new ones. In addition to that, we're already looking for new staff in London, and exploring the potential acquisition of a London company," the statement from Vedran Tolic, the co-founder and chief operating officer of the Zagreb IT company Q, read.

Without revealing any details or the name of the company they intend to take over, Q says that they expect their brand new office in the international and booming British capital London to focus more strongly on strategic projects from very big brands, because they already have a number of successful collaborations with companies like The Times, BBC, Smart, uSwitch and others under their belt.

London is currently the largest market for the Zagreb IT company Q, and most of their clients are large corporations.

Q estimates that they have taken an important step by heading in the London direction towards the development of a network of offices in Europe's metropolises, with a view on the rest of the world, too.

They say that the number of new professionals they employ is constantly growing, and this year alone the team will increase by more than a hundred people, the statement concluded.

For more on Croatian companies, follow Made in Croatia.

September 6, 2021 - Rudi Witkowsky, the Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador for August, is back in his native Cape Town after a month in Zagreb. Some reflections of digital nomad life in the Croatian capital.

Where do I begin?... I was sitting in self isolation in Split and wanted to get up to speed with Croatian news as we had planned a minimum stay of 3 months.

I cam across the application for digital nomad ambassador. At the time I really did not see myself as a digital nomad, but then I realized I have been working remotely and via my laptop for the past 2 years from hotels to endless amounts of coffee shops. At that point I realized I am a digital nomad. I am working remotely online as business and finance consultant and fitness instructor from Croatia. Surely, I am a digital nomad right?

I loved Croatia as it was my 3^rd time. I thought this will be an amazing experience and merely thought of networking with people in Croatia.

I decided to apply and not thinking much of it. I was still sitting in my sleeveless t-shirt and did a quick 1 minute video about myself. I was in my gym attire.

I had totally forgot about it and did not think anything further. We ventured off to Dubrovnik where I received the news that I was selected as the new Zagreb digital nomad ambassador. I could not believe it. I was in shock and woke up my girlfriend whom was sleeping. She was recovering from a water skiing accident where she was in a neck brace.

She thought I was lying. I was so excited and she was more excited. I thought that immediately meant we are leaving the coast. We are leaving the Adriatic ocean during prime summer? I then became concerned with moving to the city. Long story short we decided let's do this. We extended our Dubrovnik stay and booked a flight to Zagreb to start a new adventure entirely with not really knowing what to expect.

Zagreb was on the cards, but merely to purchase property as we were interested in purchasing in Zagreb as we love Croatia so much. We knew that the city would be a good buy, but it felt like work if we went there and kept on delaying our visit to Zagreb. I had passed through Zagreb before for 4 hours before a flight. I really did not know much about Zagreb, after all everyone comes to Croatia for the clear blue ocean and fresh seafood along the Adriatic.

First experience with arriving in Zagreb on Sunday the 1^st August, I was shocked. The city was dead with everyone closed and minimal people. Could not find an open restaurant. I was concerned that we made a mistake.

However, the accommodation was really great. We had a lovely welcome from Adel , the manager of the Doma Zagreb Serviced apartments https://www.domazagreb.com/ The apartment was central , right in the city center with a tram that stopped outside the place. It was fully fitted with a full kitchenette, working desk, bright and sunny apartments with a modern touch. Not to mention that the wifi was absolutely incredible. I struggled with Wifi in some Coastal locations. Many a days I worked from home as it was too comfortable to leave. The apartment had everything that I needed. I could finally relax and settle in nicely in Croatia as we were centrally based. It is easy not to venture off more than a 5km radius from your apartment as everything is in close proximity.

However, I had already missed the sea breeze, however the weather was amazing in Zagreb. A lot more mild without the strong sunshine on the coast.

We met the team on Sunday and received the most amazing welcome ever from top quality wine to quality meats and cheeses. We had so much fun. I then thought that this city might just be amazing. The food and wine was really great.

After the first days of settling in and getting to explore the city had picked up and become a lot more lively. With the trams running through the city and all the cyclists it felt like a real authentic city. It started growing on me bearing in mind that I am not a city person. I am all things water.

I was in awe the trams running through the city. I loved it. Walking through the Ban Jelacic Square felt like a real authentic Croatian experience. The city was alive.

The food was incredible at every restaurant we went to. Not to mention we ate out every single day (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day). The food was just too good and a lot more affordable than the Coastal region.

There were amazing bars and restaurants on every corner with excellent WIFI. Victoria and I are major foodies and Zagreb did not disappoint. We were in love with the food scene. The fitness centers were of top quality and I signed up immediately. I was the happiest person alive as I could work, keep fit and healthy, travel and live my best life ever in Zagreb.

I was extremely shocked to find that English was as widely spoken in Zagreb. I was concerned as it was the capital city with more Croatians. I think more people spoke English in Zagreb than the coast.

Zagreb started growing on us very fast and it was extremely safe. I never felt weary or unsafe at any point of the day. Victoria felt super safe and she would walk around on her late at night. Many a time we would casually wonder through the streets for hours and just admire all the beauty and people watch. You might be in the heart of a city, but it is has a calming effect on you.

I loved the lifestyle and pace in Zagreb where people would sip a double espresso for 2 hours. The city was great for my mental health as I started to adapt the relaxed way of life in Zagreb. I was like what have I been missing all this time in my life? People would meet up for hours and chat with you and take in the fresh air. This is what you call living!

We met a few people briefly for 2 minutes and offered to take us for a drink or join them at lunch there and then. The people were friendly and loved hearing stories of tourists. 2 locals even offered to drop us off at home one evening.

We also loved that there were so many green spaces/parks were one can go for walks and escape the city life not that it is chaotic, but merely to find some more natural beauty.

We went to the coast – Opatija and Rovinj for a weekend from Zagreb. It was a quick 2hr 10min bus ride from Zagreb to the coast. A week later we visited the most magnificent wine farms just 40mins from Zagreb which included Zagorje. It was absolutely the BEST wine experience ever with the most amazing wines, vineyards and scenery. One could easily spend days there. The vineyard felt like something out of a dream. At that point I realized that If I had to stay in Croatia I would stay in Zagreb. It is centrally located in Croatia from the best wine regions to the most exotic coastal regions all within a 2 hour drive. Not to mention Zagreb has many farmers markets with fresh and organic produce. We bought most of our veggies and fruits from Dolac farmers market.

Not to mention we had the privilege of attending the LMF music festival in Zagreb which was world class. They hosted world class artists with the likes of Claptone with the most amazing lighting and stage all based at the beautiful Jarun lake. LMF consisted of 7 different dance stages with plenty of green space and areas to relax. If you are a lover of dance music or festivals, Zagreb surely hosts the best in the world and are right up there in terms of festivals.

Zagreb is also more affordable than the coast and you can experience so much. Everything is easily accessible and in close proximity. Zagreb would definitely see us again. This city has touched our hearts in many ways. I believe Zagreb is something not to miss during Christmas time and hopefully we can make it back up for Christmas.

From a digital nomad perspective Zagreb has everything you need from quality wifi to exceptional co working spaces.

We worked form many co working spaces namely, Canopy by Hilton and BIZKoshnica in Zagreb which offers everything you need from fast wifi, to networking events, to casual drink meet ups and a space where you can break away from work to clear you head space. If you require further information on co-working or co-living I found Saltwater Nomads to be extremely helpful. Feel free to reach out to them as they will answer all your questions on co-working and co-living. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are looking for amazing events or things to do reach out to the Zagreb Tourist board as they are willing to assist you with anything you need. They are a young vibrant team and sure to share the best secrets with you about Zagreb. Thank you for all your recommendations.

I am beyond happy to have ventured to Zagreb as it was truly something special and it did not disappoint. Please make sure to include Zagreb on your list of places to see in Croatia, but not just visit actually live there for a bit and immerse yourself in the culture. You will fall in love.

Everyone is extremely friendly in Croatia. Even the Tax director at KPMG was willing to take my calls and have a casual conversation on how things are etc. Tax directors normally have no time for you. KPMG was extremely helpful. For all your tax related queries as a digital nomad please reach out to Kristina at KPMG in Zagreb This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. 

Thank you for the most special time in Zagreb. You will be missed, but will definitely see you soon.

For more news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

ZAGREB, 6 Sept 2021 - The Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds, Nataša Tramišak, on Monday presented Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Ivan Anušić with six contracts for co-financing the implementation of EU projects at the local and regional level.

The contracts concern projects in which the Osijek-Baranja County administration is the holder or beneficiary of grant contracts, and their total value is HRK 10.9 million.

According to Minister Tramišak, the most valuable contract concerns the construction of a business center in Osijek. The project is worth HRK 65.5 million, of which HRK 45 million has been secured from the EU's Competitiveness and Cohesion operational program and the City of Osijek's ITU mechanism, while HRK 9.3 million will come from the state budget.

The center is expected to be built and become fully operational in a year's time and serve as a venue for trade shows and similar events.

Tramišak said that 49 contracts for co-financing EU projects in Osijek-Baranja County, worth over HRK 78 million in total, would be presented soon. She added that their purpose was to support local government units and their utility companies in the successful implementation of EU projects.

(€1 = HRK 7.5)

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