ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - The Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE) indices - the Crobex and the Crobex10 - fell on Tuesday by 0.38% to 1,951.02 points and by 0.26% to 1,207.53 points respectively.

Today's regular turnover totalled HRK 7.2 million kuna, 2.5 million more than on Monday.

The shares of the Podravka food processor were the only to cross the one million kuna mark in turnover, generating a turnover of HRK 2.3 million, with their price decreasing by 0.68% to HRK 582.

Of the 36 shares that traded today, only nine saw a rise.

(€1 = HRK7.488108)

For more about business in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - The Europe Direct Rijeka information centre which will provide information about opportunities and advantages available to citizens in European Union member states, was officially opened on Tuesday in the premises of the Porin - Rijeka Development Agency (RRA).

Europe Direct Rijeka will be a direct link between citizens and EU institutions, or rather, an extended arm of the European Commission (EC) and it will provide support through a direct flow of information regarding opportunities and advantages that are available to EU citizens, and that means local residents in Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

The centre aims at bringing Europe closer to the people in the field through various activities and to motivate the people to get involved in the debate on the future of the EU. The activities will include visits to schools, presentations, panel discussions about the EU and publishing various official publications.

 The centre also plans a partnership with local media outlets, cooperation with other EU networks, raising awareness about sensitive issues for the EU, and the like.

The project was approved by the European Commission - Europe Direct for the period 2021 - 2025.

The centre began operating on 1 May as part of the Europe Direct network in Croatia and the New Generation Europe Direct information centres in the EU, and are managed by the EC.

All of the centre's services will be free of charge for all citizens but it is not intended to interpret or provide legal advice on EU legislation.

The head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, Ognian Zlatev, said that the Rijeka centre has increased the European network of centres which comprise more than 420 such centres and it will bring EU citizens closer, inform them and enable them to make their own assessments.

He underscored that the network is important so that citizens throughout the EU can experience the EU in their own cities and counties. We want to hear citizens' opinions about the EU. How they see the future and to be better informed of its policies and initiatives, said Zlatev.

Croatia has shown that it can be a leader in certain segments, he said and concluded that the objective is a common one - a clean and more beautiful Croatia and Europe for future generations.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - President Zoran Milanović on Tuesday said that outvoting Croats in elections for the collective presidency and parliament in Bosnia and Herzegovina will come to an end and that Bosniak politicians are to blame for the "misfortune in BiH".

The Bosniak member of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency, Šefik Džaferović, said on Monday that Croatian pesident  was behaving like "a rude guest in someone else's house." Milanović is on a working visit to BiH and stopped in Vitez and Mostar, but not the capital of Sarajevo. Džaferović insisted that Milanović only came to BiH to cause problems and incidents.

"No, no. They are the cause of political instability, nervousness and misfortune in BiH. They are doing exactly what Haris Silajdžić warned about, 15 years ago when he said 'if you continue like that, you will make the Croats abhor this country that is their homeland'," Milanović told reporters in Livno.

Commenting on Džaferović's statement that he needn't come if he was going to behave like that, Milanović said that he was a guest in BiH to those people who welcomed him." "My hosts are the democratic authorities and the Franciscans," said Milanović.

During the three-day working visit to BiH, Milanović visited the towns mainly populated by Croats:  Vitez, Mostar, Ljubuški, Tomislavgrad and Livno. He visited the local Franciscan monasteries and said that the biggest gratitude for preserving the Croatian heritage went to the local friars.

Milanović said that the biggest problem is the outvoting of Croats and imposing Željko Komšić as the Croat member of the tripartite presidency who was voted in with Bosniak votes as well as attempts to achieve the same thing in the upper house - the House of People's in the country's parliament.

"The seats designated for Croats in the House of Peoples are being taken by people who aren't Croats or are lying that they are and they are elected by another ethnic group. That is the same template as in the presidency. The same story. And that has to come to an end," he underscored.

Asked why then he attended an SDP BiH election rally in 2010 and supported Komšić, Milanović said he was "tricked." That isn't a change in policy but rather a policy of maturing and realising someone's false nature. I haven't changed, but they are despicable," said Milanović.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 -.The president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), Luka Burilović, said on Tuesday  that further reform moves were necessary for that institution, and added that up to 150 people might be laid off.

Addressing the HGK general assembly in Zagreb, Burilović said that after 30 years, this institution would be overhauled due to the new legislation on the HGK.

Also on Tuesday, Economy Minister Tomislav Ćorić outlined to lawmakers a new bill on the chamber, explaining that the purpose of the new legislation was to encourage positive changes and not to undermine the reputation of the HGK.

Last week, the government sent to the parliament a draft bill on the HGK whereby the mandatory membership fee will be waived for more than 95% of entrepreneurs in Croatia.

The bill envisages three categories of members.

The first group includes members who can apply for the fee waiver if they meet at least two of the following three criteria: their total assets do not exceed HRK 7.5 million, their annual revenues do not exceed 15 million kuna, and/or the number of people on their payroll is below 50.

The second category comprises those who surpass at least two of the above mentioned criteria, however, they do not surpass the following three criteria: assets of 30 million kuna, their annual revenues do not go beyond HRK 60 million and the number of their employees is up to 250.

The third category includes those who surpass two of the requirements set forth for the second category.

Category 1 members, an estimated 126,000 businesses whose monthly fee has been 42 kuna so far, will be exempt from the mandatory membership, however, they will pay additional services and products of the Chamber, as specified in the HGK price list.

They will be offered the possibility to pay voluntary membership aimed at stimulating the modernisation of the workings of the chamber.

Members from Category 2 and 3 are supposed to pay the mandatory membership fee and the fee will be defined for each category on an annual basis.

Addressing the HGK assembly, Burilović said that when he came at the helm of this institution in 2015, the first wave of reforms started and at the time the HGK personnel was downsized from 670 to 380. He expects the further layoffs  and also recalled that fees had been slashed four times in the said period.

After the implementation of the new law, the chamber is likely to have 230 people on its payroll.

The HGK assembly today decided to exempt businesses from the quake-hit areas from the fee payment in the rest of this year.

Also businesses from the hailstorm-affected parts of Požega-Slavonia County are exempt from the payment of membership fees this year.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - The Conflict of Interest Commission has yet to examine all the circumstances of the disputed donations concerning the Zagreb Mayor, the commission's head, Nataša Novaković, told the commercial N1 broadcaster on Tuesday.

Two conflict of interest cases were opened against Mayor Tomislav Tomašević after media reports, and it is now up to the commission to explore the circumstances and decide whether or not to launch proceedings against the mayor.

On Monday, the commission opened a case against Tomašević after media outlets revealed that one of the newly appointed members of the Srebrnjak hospital's steering council, Tomislav Lauc, was one of the major contributors to Tomašević's campaign, as he donated 10,000 kuna to Tomašević's camp before the elections.

In mid-June, the commission opened the first case against Tomašević on suspicion that some appointments of officials in the Zagrebački Holding company were against the procedure.

Commenting on the latest case, Novaković said that two contributors of the election campaign were reportedly appointed by the new administration to the said council of the hospital.

"This is what we have to investigate," Novaković said adding that the commission needs to establish whether the donation was connected with the subsequent appointment and business relations.

She also elaborated that membership of the steering council was not interesting only because of the monthly reimbursement of 750 kuna (€100) but also because of possibility of exerting influence as a member of that body.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 14, 2021 - Digital Nomads Sailing Review – 6 Digital Nomads, One-week Remote Working Holiday, Expectations v. Reality

• Digital Nomad Destinations

The pandemic has forever changed the Digital Nomad scene. And, as the concept of digital nomadism becomes increasingly popular, various destinations are enacting programs to attract this specific group of travellers.

Croatia is one of these destinations. Details about the new “Digital Nomad’s Residence Permit” (more commonly referred to as the “Digital Nomad Visa”, which it is not!) is found here.

• Digital Nomads | Remote Workers

Over the past year, we have learned the ‘real’ difference between the digital nomad and remote worker: digital nomads travel and change location often, remote workers are more stationary and tend to stay in one place for a longer period of time. Remote working and being a digital nomad are lifestyles and, like most things in this world, no definition can totally encapsulate all the different versions. 

So then:

What is a Digital Nomad?

- A Digital Nomad is someone who works remotely, typically as a freelancer or entrepreneur, as they travel the world, visiting different places for weeks or months at a time. 

What is Digital Nomadism?

- Digital nomadism is about living in different locations around the world that match one’s personality and lifestyle; places that challenge us or give us a different perspective on the world. Digital nomadism is a mindset, as much as it is a role or label.

What is a Remote Worker?

- Remote workers tend to be more stationary when compared to the digital nomad. A remote worker’s lifestyle focuses much more on the work than on the location. They will work in a variety of industries and for a range of employers and are not required to visit a physical office in one location to get their work done. 

We think the great thing about all of this is that since COVID, more and more companies and employees, have become open to employees working remotely and building more flexible lifestyles. It’s as if remote work has gone mainstream.

AND, what does all this all have to do with sailing?

With Croatia’s first-ever Digital Nomad Conference held in Dubrovnik in October 2020, the Digital Nomads in Residence competition launched in Dubrovnik in April/May 2021, the Zagreb Digital Nomad Week held in June 2021, this new type of travel market has exploded in Croatia. And with it, many people have put on their creative hats and created new tours, new offerings, and new services to meet the market. A new type of traveller has been defined. 

New work/tourism programs have cropped up, aimed at helping digital nomads navigate working in new environments, living among different cultures, and experiencing new ways of working.

And that’s where the two worlds collide.

Welcome to the overlap of sailing and the Digital Nomad lifestyle.

• Sail Croatia, Digital Nomad Liveaboard Special.

A great example of an innovative tourist agency, Sail Croatia is now exploring the completely new concept of co-working spaces located in a marina. Specifically, the ACI marina in Milna, on the island of Brač.

Sail Croatia offers catamarans as an ideal space both for working and relaxing at the same time. Their “Digital Nomad Live Aboard Special” offers 28 days living and working on-board a floating apartment, including wifi, open-plan working spaces, and plenty of room for friends and family both working and enjoying the sights.

Choose to work in the air-conditioned salon or take in the picturesque views from the cockpit or bow of the catamaran if you'd prefer to work outside!

Tailor your itinerary to work as little, or as much as you’d like, taking advantage of free mooring in Milna for the days that you’re working on board. You also have the option of hiring a local skipper or booking a range of activities for when you’re ready to explore!

A completely innovative concept. Read more here.

• Local Opportunities

Many different industries are now jumping on this bandwagon. Boats are being converted into floating offices, offering panoramic views of beautiful island settings. Hotels are putting together great long-term accommodation packages with all sorts of extras included. Even private accommodation options are now including a work desk and wifi included in monthly bundles.

Being a digital nomad and being in one place for more than a week, you get to be right on the spot for new deals coming up. Getting to know the locals and other Digital Nomads in the area means that you are ideally located for great opportunities to just fall into your lap!

A digital nomad currently located in Split, Croatia, Cyndie has just had the fantastic opportunity of spending a week on-board a Lagoon 40. While not specifically a digital nomad charter, being given an opportunity by one of the locals, she jumped at it to see how hard or easy it would be to work when sailing. While initially a little concerned about getting behind on work, she describes her week here on board with 3 others, plus the skipper and his wife.

Read her experience here.

• 45 Degrees Sailing, Digital Nomad Sailing Week

In response to COVID19, 45 Degrees Sailing created a unique sailing week specifically designed to cater to Digital Nomads. It is a remote working holiday like no other. On this trip, you can discover the most amazing work week of your life sailing around the Adriatic, whilst still being connected and getting your work done!

This trip is designed specifically for a week combining work & play. The trip is recommended for:

• anyone living or looking to live a digital nomad life
• those working remotely due to the global pandemic
• those looking for a combination of work, fun & adventure
• anyone who realises there’s more to life than the commute!

This 7-day Digital Nomad Sailing Week is offered on-board a luxurious 54.8 foot, Hanse Performance Cruiser. This comfortable vessel features open-planned, air-conditioned workspaces, is fully equipped with high-speed internet, and has more power and charging docks than you will need!

45D has tailored their onboard environment to specifically meet the needs of Digital Nomads, offering amazing private accommodation, supercharged WIFI, and spectacular environments to explore with your chosen bubble onboard. Imagine your own floating apartment, offering the most amazing set-up conducive to being productive in complete luxury, with plenty of space for all onboard. Plus, a skipper and quarter-master who personally understand the challenges and complexities of the Digital Nomad lifestyle to help make your week on the boat both productive AND memorable.

And yet for many, this type of work/play experience is not one they have ever contemplated before. So, let’s find out first-hand what the experience is like. We will meet real-life Digital Nomads and find out what their initial expectations were and then at the end of the trip, how they were met.

• 6 Digital Nomads

First off, let’s meet the six digital nomads that took the leap and signed up with 45 Degrees Sailing and their first 7-day Digital Nomad week in 2020:

- Abhi Pal & Gabby Gerbus | Year Disrupted - Travel Couple

- Jess Wang & Michal Semela | Instagram: dajesswang & michalsemela

- Peter Kirkham & Rochelle Greenberg | Instagram: peterkirkham & rochelle_greenberg

Where did the idea come from?

The group all met through Remote Year and were introduced to Nick Hathaway from 45 Degrees Sailing through Saltwater Nomads in Split. With COVID-19 shutting down many of their options to continue their travelling/working lifestyle, they were very interested in the idea of being able to enjoy the perks of a sailing holiday, while still being connected and able to work on-board the yacht.

What were their expectations, fears, challenges, before and after the trip?

Let them tell you themselves, we captured it on video:

• expectations
• challenges
• the yacht
• the crew
• the food

Digital Nomads often juggle deadlines, wifi reception, differing time zones, and so much more! Coming from location flexible jobs themselves, Nick and Mahina understand how exhausting this juggle can be, which is exactly why they created a holiday package specifically designed to help Digital Nomads meet deadlines AND enjoy the wonders of the Croatian islands.

From their five years of experience providing luxury guided tours, they know that it makes life so much easier if you have someone on board who takes care of the boat, the logistics, and even better someone who organises all the food and even cooks.  This approach allowed the Digital Nomads ample time to focus on work when needed and then, the ability to make the most of their fun time too.

The Digital Nomads themselves answered many of the questions and concerns that often crop up when talking about working from a boat. See what they have to say in their video snippets below:

• What if the weather is forecast to be bad during the week?

• How does sailing compare to other travel experiences?

• What if you are prone to seasickness?

• Is there enough space to work and play on the yacht?

• Is a 7-Day Sailing Holiday value for money?

• What made this trip different?

Being a Digital Nomad requires a lot of planning and organisation. Having the option of jumping onboard a yacht to work sounds very romantic. And it can be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exactly the kind of building block that life as a Digital Nomad is designed to accommodate.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can work on board a yacht and sight-see the Croatian islands at the same time, check out our article on what things you need to think about before stepping on board - Top 4 Must-Haves for an Amazing Remote Working Holiday on a Yacht.

If you have questions on anything sailing in Croatia, feel free to ask below in the comments or check out Total Croatia, Sailing in Croatia: Your One-Stop-Shop for everything sailing.

If you’re looking to experience that remote working holiday that keeps you wanting more, find more details here about an amazing Digital Nomad Sailing Week.

For more about Digital Nomads and Travel in Croatia follow TCN's dedicated pages - Digital Nomads | Travel.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - Some opposition parties claimed on Tuesday that the new waste management law will result in higher bills for citizens and that this will in particular affect lessors and small entrepreneurs.

The entire waste management system is based on waste management centres which are very expensive and that will be evident once citizens receive their new bills, said MP Sanja Udović (SDP).

She claimed that in those areas where these centres have been established, citizens can expect their bills to increase by 100 percent. "We, in Primorje Gorski Kotar County can soon expect the end price to go up, that means the price citizens pay will increase by some 30 to 40 percent," she said.

MP Marin Lerotić (IDS) underscored that the new bill doesn't go in favour of citizens nor lessors or small businesses who have been categorised as non-households and will pay a higher price.

"Shopping centres will pay the same, minimal service, as will shoemakers, or camp sites for up to 10,000 people will pay the same as a family-owned camp site with a capacity of up to 12 people. Hotels with a capacity of 100 rooms will pay the same price as a lessor of a flat," warned Lerotić.

MP Josip Borić (HDZ) explained that the government was providing a framework for prices to be defined by the local government.

"The opportunity exists to reduce the price for those who need to be rewarded. It contains criteria that allow that reduction for enterprises to certain household members, you can make them up yourself and include them in the price list," he said.

Local government officials have to realise that their role in waste management will be more complex, constructive, creative and more responsible, state-secretary in the Economy Ministry, Mile Horvat said.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 13 July, 2021 - In May 2021, 835 building permits were issued, which was 9% more than in May 2020, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics said on Tuesday.

By types of constructions, 82.6% of the permits were issued for buildings and 17.4% for civil engineering works, up by 9.3% and 7.4% on the year respectively.

The permits issued in May 2021 envisaged almost HRK 3 billion worth of construction works, up by 12.7% on the year.

Based on the types of construction works, 75.8% of the permits were issued for new constructions and 24.2% for reconstructions.

The permits issued in May 2021 envisage the construction of 1,583 flats.

In the first five months of 2021, 4,931 building permits were issued, up 21.3% on the year, envisaging HRK 12.64 billion worth of construction works, up 21.1% from January-May 2020.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.