ZAGREB, 13 June, 2021 - The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Main Committee on Saturday confirmed the SDP Presidency decision to dissolve the party branches in Zagreb and Slavonski Brod as well as the SDP Međimurje County branch, with party leader Peđa Grbin saying the SDP had to change first if it wanted to change Croatia.

The SDP branches were dissolved due to poor results in the recent local elections and worsened intra-party relations.

"I want the SDP to be a party that will dedicate itself to changing Croatia for the better," said Grbin.

"If we want to change Croatia, and we do; and if we want to change Zagreb, and we do - then we have to change first," he stressed.

He noted that the party had to start talking about issues that were important to voters - from precarious work and Sunday work to different types of relations in society - if it wanted to win voters' trust.

Grbin said that so far the SDP had been preoccupied with itself.

The dissolution of the Zagreb party branch was supported by 57 members of the Main Committee, 21 were against and one abstained while the dissolution of the Slavonski Brod SDP branch was supported by 61 members while 18 voted against.

The dissolution of the Međimurje County SDP branch was supported by 62 members of the Main Committee, 19 voted against and two abstained.

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

For more about Croatia, CLICK HERE.

June 13, 2021 - England tops Croatia 1:0 in the EURO 2020 Group D opener at Wembley on Sunday. 

England and Croatia met in the first round match of EURO 2020 Group D at Wembley on Sunday. Around 22,500 fans were said to be in the stands, and not nearly as many Croatia fans as hoped due to the Amber list restrictions in the UK. However, the few present at the stadium were loud - and the red and white checks spiced up the already warm Wembley atmosphere. It was almost 30 degrees Celcius! 

The lineups were released an hour before kickoff, with no real surprises on either side given the coach announcements and training over the last few days. 

Lineups:

England: Pickford - Trippier, Mings, Stones, Walker - Mount, Rice, Phillips - Sterling, Kane, Foden

Croatia: Livaković - Guardiol, Ćaleta-Car, Vida, Vrsaljko - Brozović - Perišić, Kovačić, Modrić, Kramarić - Rebić

The match started promptly at 14:00 GMT.

England pressed a bit in the first few minutes of the match but Croatia worked their way up the pitch in the 4th minute, with brilliant passing between Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic into the box. England had a dangerous chance in the 5th minute which fortunately hit the far post. 

Sterling worked his way into Croatia's box three minutes later. Croatia was lucky it went out for a corner. Livakovic made a stellar save in goal to keep the score equal.

England continued to threaten Croatia's half, with the stadium on their side. An England free kick in the 16th found Kane who was in the offside position. 

England was in Croatia's box for the few minutes that followed. A shaky Croatia defense still managed to clear out anything from England, but barely. 

Croatia began making their way up the pitch from the 22nd minute and maintained good possession. The ref was hesitant to award a foul on Luka Modric. 

Slobodan Kadic 

A Croatia cross into the box was headed out by the England defense, and a Gvardiol cross moments later went out for a goal kick. 

Sterling shot over Croatia's goal in the 25th minute. Another great Croatia attacking play saw Vrsaljko nutmeg the England defense and find Perisic across the box who shot wide. Croatia was looking less nervous and more like a team. 

Mi Hrvati could be heard in the stands. 

A left-footed Vrsaljko cross went across the box and just missed Gvardiol in the 28th minute. England was sloppy in the next few minutes, passing two careless balls out. 

Luka's fancy footwork in the midfield was a joy to watch, as always. 

England finally made it back into Croatia's half in the 33rd minute. A fab Foden touch found Walker but was fortunately miscommunicated. 

Kovacic showed on the pitch his Premier League prowess, masterfully working his way in the Croatia midfield all half. 

England was awarded a free-kick just outside Croatia's box in the 41st minute. Caleta-Car was shown a yellow card. Trippier shot right into Croatia's wall (Perisic's head). 

Slobodan Kadic

Gvardiol, Perisic, and Rebic were quick to attack the box with a minute to go, but the England defense remained solid. Vrsaljko cleared out their last chance of the half. 

It was an uncertain start but Croatia found their footing for the second part of the first half, which ended 0:0. 

The second half started with no changes for either side. Mateo Kovacic was shown a yellow card three minutes in. 

Kramaric was brilliant back on defense and played a perfect ball to Rebic down the right-wing which went out for a Croatia ball. A killer Modric nutmeg found Rebic again but nothing came of the play. 

Slobodan Kadic

Vrsaljko was hesitant to go into a tackle with Trippier who ran the ball down England's left side. Brozovic was there to end the attack, and Modric was fouled for the Croatia ball. 

Kramaric continued creating chances in the midfield, finding Perisic on the left. Luka took a shot in the 54th minute which was an easy one for Pickford to save. 

A mishap in the Croatia defense saw an England through ball to Sterling who scored for 1:0 in the 57th minute. England maintained possession for the minutes that followed. Another chance for Croatia in the 60th minute went for a corner. 

Croatia had a good chance in the 64th minute but Rebic shot wide of the goal.  

A quick England counter resulted in a Brozovic yellow card and free-kick just outside the Croatia box. Mount hit over the goal. 

A Croatia corner found Brozovic who also shot wide. Dalic subbed on Vlasic for Brozovic and Brekalo for Kramaric. England subbed on Rashford for Foden a the same time.  

Croatia was dangerous in the 72nd minute, but a Vrsaljko cross went out for a goal kick. Dalic subbed on Petkovic for Rebic in the 78th minute. Dalic was after a goal with not much time left. 

Slobodan Kadic

Harry Kane was subbed off for Bellingham in the 81st minute. 

Mateo Kovacic was subbed off for Mario Pasalic in the 85th minute. A Croatia free-kick straight after was played offside. 

Four minutes were added to the end of the match in which Pasalic had a brilliant chance in the final second, but Croatia was unable to score. The match ended 1:0 for England. 

The Czech Republic and Scotland are also in Group D and play their first match on Monday. The first two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

June 13, 2021 - Memories of Korčula, and Matko, for some the life and soul of the island - recovering from a severe stroke, with your help. 

I’ve been coming to the most beautiful island in Croatia for 10 years now. Anniversaries are usually fun. Memorable. But so was my every stay on Korčula.

Korčula has given me so much. 

Friendships beyond logic and measure. Memories that don’t fade with life’s problems. Moments that came closest to the capability of time travel. Tastes, smells and hums that make you mention the Lord's name in vain. 

The realization that a concert doesn’t have to be planned, it can happen spontaneously on the street of this Bastion of Croatian-Mediterranean-Venetian history. 

My first Michelin star experience involving cucumbers as a main dish on the first floor of Lesic Dimitri, which is surprising if you ever met me (I’m a big-bodied carnivore). Why would I even order that? Still recommended. 

The first time I witnessed that a Turk doesn’t have to be the bad guy in European legends/cannon, as proclaimed and argued by the renowned Croatian political scientist dr. Dejan Jović. So illustriously presented in the historical storytelling extravaganza called Moreška. 

Insights into the history visible on the wooden floor where the original James Bond used to spill his tea. In his own place. And yes, he actually owned a place in the old town. Not much has changed. The drops are still there. I was privileged. 

If you read the editorial section of Total Croatia News you could have encountered some of these bits of stories. 

Then again, as I was told and numerous times realized, the true value of a certain place, in the end, is inseparable from the quality and nature of its locals. The people.

Whether all-known merchants, judges, politicians, diplomats, architects or just regular Joes, Korčula has given Croatia, Europe and the World so much. It’s a place where you can meet individuals who are changing the view of Dalmatian coast (in a good way) or just expanding the boundaries of local cuisine. It’s one of the few places in Croatia where I have met more people that want to come live there than ones trying to escape. Unfortunately, so rare in this country. True fact, people who spent more then the summer or longer periods of time here have the urge to apply for Croatian citizenship. With a good record of becoming Croats. Basically, Korčula itself is its best demographic measure. 

I would argue it is one of the few places where you can, without a worry, let your young ones do a tour with the town garbageman around the old city and the little ones would come back knowing the lyrics of a rock song from the 70 or 80s. I’ve seen it. It’s safe, heartwarming, beautiful, just different...

Almost everything that I have learned about Korčula was embodied in a man a certain British fellow traveler described as the peasant in the town of Korčula. The man goes by the name of Matko. If you are from there, you most likely know him. There is a good chance that if you spend some time there you met him or heard of him. As a lady named Sarah, from the city of London, who spends her long summers on Korčula, once said: the world is so small if you know Matko. 

He was the middle man to many of my cherished friendships and the godfather to  an abundance of my life changing ideas and incentives. 

He was even around helping and consulting me in making the arrangements for my marriage proposal to my wife. The special event happened on the top of Marco Polo’s house, and everything was perfect. Even the sunset, although I don’t give him credit for that. I still had to carry the box with the ring in my underwear all the way from Prizba and ask her on our very own Slik Road personally, however that’s a story for another day. 

Matko isn’t there these days. 

Walking down the streets of Korčula I’m not hearing the sounds that used to fill me up with life in the most cliche way imaginable. Only in spending a few hours with him by his tavern he was able to draw a New Zealander to preform the traditional Haka battle dance, a duo of Scottish ladies, a capella singers, who performed their national folk songs that made you think you’re closer to Glasgow then to Split or Dubrovnik, groups of Nashvillians citing and preforming the eternal country ballads of Vince Gill and Chris Stapleton, Julliard alums virtuosing at will or just anybody willing to do their Oliver tribute...all in a matter of hours or a night or two. Matko was the classic people’s person, middle man and a Gladwellian connector. A not so little person who continually made a big difference for all who ran into him, making them see Korčula in a more complex but also pure sense, falling enamored with the island and the old town. 

Korčula is still the most beautiful place on earth. I might be biased, however I’m not a local. I travel out of the first capital of Croatia all the way up in the north. There is still so much to see, to get to know and to feel in Korčula. I urge you to visit and experience it yourself. I’m not familiar with anyone with the storytelling abilities to paint you the picture as good as the original on sight. 

It’s just... I feel a tad spoiled. It seems there is no music, there is no country, the joy is on hold, in the streets of Korčula at this moment. Maybe it’s just early summer. Perhaps the weather. 

Hope the music comes back. Hope he returns. 

On April 3rd, 2020, Matko suffered a severe stroke and after couple of days at the hospital was put into a medically induced coma which lasted 44 days. He suffered 3 lung infections, a bladder infection and sepsis. He also had a craniectomy, removing 1/3 of his skull to relieve pressure in his brain. During this time, the medical staff did not exercise him at all because they were basically waiting for him to die. This resulted in severe contractures of joints on the left side of his body plus the partial paralysis that the stroke caused. The restrictions for covid already started so the family could not visit him. After the hospital treatment Matko was taken to a rehab center. Again due to covid the center was understaffed and his was neglected and his recovery was slow, painful and unsuccessful. The family was then informed of a private polyclinic in Croatia that offers a robot neurorehabilitation that is extremely expensive. With help from a local charity organization Matko attended the clinic for six months and made progress. Unfortunately he still has a long difficult road in front of him having to relearn to walk and perform basic human functions again and the funds are running low. He is also scheduled for rhinoplasty surgery in the upcoming weeks to replace the missing part of his skull. He had recently opened a restaurant with a partner and could not be there to work leaving Sandra at home with two young children and no income. Now she cannot work as she takes care of him and their young children. They also have to rent a 2nd apartment near the rehab center just so he can attend the 6 hour therapy sessions. Please help this family survive another one to two years of medical bills, rent costs and basic life needs. If Matko cannot get the therapy he desperately needs he may permanently lose functionality of some extremities and brain functions among other things. His only goal is to get back on his feet so he can work and support his family. Anything you can spare is GREATLY appreciated.

You can contribute to Matko's Go Fund Me appeal here.

ZAGREB, 13 June, 2021 - The 14th Mediterranean Film Festival begins in Split on 17 June with the screening of the Turkish feature film "When I'm Done Dying" by Bir Nefes Daha and the Croatian documentary "Split" by Renata Poljak.

The opening ceremony will take place at the summer cinema theatre "Bačvice". The other venue of the festival is the Dom Mladih (Youth Centre).

The programme of the festival, which runs through 26 June, includes films from Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Montenegro, France, Côte d'Ivoire, Slovenia, Morocco, Malta and Palestine, as well as Croatia.

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

For more about Croatia, CLICK HERE.

ZAGREB, 13 June, 2021 - An estimated potential loss for the Croatian budget due to the illegal tobacco market in 2020 was HRK 1.4 billion, according to findings of a survey conducted by the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) and the Ipsos pollster.

The findings of the survey, conducted on a representative sample of 1,344 households with a total of 3,299 respondents, show a marked share of untaxed cigarettes and tobacco products used by consumers.

As many as 28.1% of adult Croatians are tobacco consumers, and 17% of tobacco products consumed in a year are illegal products, with illegal cut tobacco accounting for the largest portion.

As a result, in 2020 Croatia lost 1.4 billion kuna in tax revenue due to tobacco smuggling, HUP main economist Iva Tomić said last Wednesday at the presentation of the survey's findings.

Nearly 3 in 10 Croats aged over 18 are smokers

Davor Tolić of the Ipsos pollster said that 28.1% of adult Croatians consume tobacco products and they mainly smoke cigarettes, followed by cut tobacco.

The consumption of e-cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco and cigarillos amounted for less than 1% of the total consumption.

(€1 = HRK 7.5)

For more news about Croatia, CLICK HERE.

June the 13th, 2021 - With the epidemiological picture finally becoming more favourable and vaccination across Europe going well, things are beginning to very slowly but steadily return to some form of pre-pandemic normality. For Croatian tourism, there couldn't be better news. So far, 14 Zadar cruise ships are scheduled, the first of which is set to arrive in mid-July.

As Morski writes, the well known Cruise company Viking Cruises is the first cruise company to publicly announce the return of their cruisers to the Dalmatian city of Zadar this summer, and it isn't the only one. As 057.info has learned from Rebeka V. Pevec, the General Manager of ZIPO (Zadar International Port Operations), 14 Zadar cruise ships are set to arrive in Zadar's Gazenica Port this summer.

''With an increasing number of cruisers returning to operation and choosing the Mediterranean for their itineraries, we hope that number will increase. Of course, all this primarily depends on the epidemiological situation in Croatia and in the Zadar region, on how much everyone will adhere to the epidemiological measures, and on the level of vaccination of the population. All these are factors that these companies are closely monitoring, and based on that, as well as on the recognisability of the destination, they make decisions that they will include in their itineraries for this season,'' explained Rebeka V. Pevec.

Passengers with deep pockets will arrive on 2020's Zadar cruise ships...

The companies that have confirmed their Zadar cruise ships this year are Viking Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All three companies are considered luxurious and passengers generally have a higher purchasing power, and accordingly have higher expectations of their chosen destinations and expect a higher level of service and quality, not only on board, but also in the destinations they visit.

The first announced and so far confirmed of the Zadar cruise is on July the 20th, when Viking Venus is due to arrive, the newest ship in the Viking Cruises fleet of identical ships. Considering that Viking Venus is the first cruiser to visit Zadar after more than a year, and that this is its inaugural arrival in Zadar, we hope that together with the tourist boards and citizens of Zadar and the region we'll give a worthy welcome to both the guests and the crew, to prove ourselves as good hosts and as a good destination for cruisers,'' Pevec added.

Given the pandemic and the slightly better numbers after the start of the vaccination rollout, is there any optimism for this season?

''What gives us optimism and hope is the fact that more and more cruising companies are returning to operation, they're creating new itineraries and depending on the epidemiological situation, we see our opportunity there. However, at the same time, it's important to note that there is a lot of competition between ports and destinations in both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, in terms of service, shipping costs, fees and the very recognisability of the destination. Therefore, and compared to the announced numbers of tourists arriving in Croatia by land, and the still current classification of the US State Department, according to which Croatia is in the red zone, our optimism is very cautious,'' Pevec stated.

Now is the time to make the best impressions for next year

''As for the epidemiological measures themselves, the recommendations were made in accordance with the recommendations of the most relevant regulatory bodies, the ECDC and EU Healthy Gateways, and since back in August 2020, no incidents have been recorded. Most ships are currently sailing at approximately 50% capacity, the passengers and crew are mostly vaccinated, so things should be fine if good preparation is carried out and if all stakeholders strictly adhere to the prescribed and agreed epidemiological measures.

In this situation and given all the circumstances, we look forward to every guest and every cruise ship arrival and we'll try to leave the best possible impression as a port and as a destination, in order to attract as many arrivals in the future. So, we aren't just focusing on this season, but we're thinking long term, because in this industry the real results are not seen immediately, but are realised through at least two years. The priority is to prove ourselves as a safe destination, with a high level of vaccination and with a culture of adherence to prescribed epidemiological measures, and of course as excellent hosts to ships, their guests and their crew,'' said Pevec.

Given the overall situation across the world, especially in the emitting markets of the cruising industry, a return to the figures from 2019 is expected in five years.

''Of course, it could happen earlier, but with the condition of very strong promotion in all media relevant to the cruise industry, and with a focus on Zadar as a safe and ideal destination for cruisers. With the appearance of the pandemic, all previous results were minimised and now we need to win over cruise companies to choose Zadar as one of their destinations. As a community, we can achieve this only with strong marketing, impressive service and the creation of a reputation as a serious destination that understands and appreciates the cruising industry,'' Pevec concluded for 057.info.

For more on cruises to Croatia, check our our travel section.

June 13, 2021 - Are you a digital nomad wanting to explore the Croatian capital? Here's how to become a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador, with free accommodation for a month.

Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 & Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project kicks off on June at Canopy by Hilton, with 7 days dedicated to 7 themes relevant to digital nomads in Croatia - cybersecurity, online presence, remote careers, tax & finance, wellbeing, the future of work, and exploring Zagreb. Attendance both online and in person is free of charge, and registrations will be available online from 18:00 tomorrow (Monday, June 14), via the Saltwater Nomads website.  Due to epidemiological measures, the number of physical attendees will necessarily be limited, so I encourage you to apply early. 

Each day will be in a different location (hotel, hostels, coworking spaces, the Great Outdoors), in order to showcase the diversity of options for the digital nomad lisfestyle in the Croatian capital. The final program will be published on the link above on the Saltwater Nomads website on the link above in the coming days. 

A second component of the project is the Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project, which runs from July 1 to December 31, 2021. During this period, the city will welcome one nomad (individual, couple, or family) to live in the city for a calendar month for free, while taking part in a range of activities as part of the program. 

Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 & Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project is a collaboration between Saltwater Nomads, Total Croatia News, and the Zagreb Tourist Board, who are financing the project. TCN will be reporting on the resident ambassadors' progress and experience throughout the initial 6-month period, thereby building up a picture of digtial nomad life in the city throughout the seasons. 

The accommodation will be provided courtesy of Doma Zagreb (and equivalent), 4-star luxury accommadition in the heart of the city. Rarely for accommodation in central Zagreb, free off-road parking is also provided. You can lean more about Doma Zagreb and its serviced apartments on the official website.

Doma Zagreb witll be opening a bar area scheduled for  August. This will contain a reception, breakfast bar, sitting area for 18, bar, kitchen and small area for business.

(The Doma Zagreb Aparthotel is located in central Zagreb, with offroad parking, just a few minutes walk from the main square)

The first ambassador will take up residence on July 1, with the winner being announced during ZDNW. Applications will be open until November 1, with monthly winners announced on a rolling basis. 

So what is on offer, and what do you need to do to apply?

Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project

July to December 2021

The Zagreb Digital Nomad (ZND) Ambassador Project is a first for the city. The Tourist Board are inviting, as their special guests, a digital nomad to take up a 1 month FREE stay in Zagreb, and share their experiences as a digital nomad.Who can apply?
Anyone over 18 who can remote workly and share their experience as a digital nomad in Zagreb.Prize

Six winners (including couples and families who apply) will have 1 month free accommodation at a prescribed location, and be named a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador for the duration of the program.Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassadors are special guests of the Tourist Board of Zagreb. Ambassadors will participate in a program including free coworking, local engagement and promotion of their experience as a digital nomad in Zagreb.Winners are expected to arrive on the 1st day of the month they are selected as an Ambassador, with accommodation available from the 1st of the month to the 1st of the next month. Winners must be able to participate fully in the program and must remain in Zagreb the entire month.See full terms and conditions.Applications will be received on a rolling basis until 1 November, 2021.

(Doma Zagreb Aparthotel - 4-star luxury in central Zagreb)

FAQ

Prize

Six winners (including couples and families who apply) will have 1 month free accommodation at a prescribed location, and be named a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador for the duration of the program.Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassadors are special guests of the Tourist Board of Zagreb. Ambassadors will participate in a program including free coworking, local engagement and promotion of their experience as a digital nomad in Zagreb.Costs
All winners must hold valid travel insurance and pay for their own travel to and from Zagreb and any expenses not included in the program. Accommodation, coworking and tour activities outlined in the program are provided free.COVID19

Any impact by changes, delays, etc. due to COVID19 or other events are not our responsibility. All travel and safety regulations from points of entry, transit and in Croatia will apply. Being informed and adhering to these requirements is the sole responsibility of the winner. The organisers will assist with information where possible.Dates

The dates for accommodation are set out as: 1 July to 1 August 2021 (winner 1); 1 August to 1 September 2021 (winner 2); 1 September to 1 October 2021 (winner 3); 1 October to 1 November 2021 (winner 4); 1 November to 1 December 2021 (winner 5) and 1 December 2021 to 1 January 2022 (winner 6). The prize includes 1 month accommodation, meals outlined in program, activities and use of coworking spaces where available.

Availability

Winners are expected to arrive on the 1st day of the month they are selected as an Ambassador, with accommodation available from the 1st of the month to the 1st of the next month. Winners must be able to participate fully in the program and must remain in Zagreb the entire month.ELIGIBILITY

(One of the bathrooms in the 7 Doma Zagreb Aparthotel rooms)

You must be a digital nomad or able to work remotely for 1 month (Ambassadors stay 1 month free in Zagreb between 1 July to 31 December).You must be active on at least 3 major social networks – and have these set to public. NOTE: We use this information to review your online activity. Influencers are welcome to apply – this project is open to all who are eligible.You also agree you will:
promote the project 2x weekly with TCN articles and videos.

hold 1x event or presentation.

use coworking spaces to work during stay.And you:

Are employed, freelancing or have a business + 5 year work/study history.

Can bring skills and strengths (personal and professional) as a ZDNA.

Can commit to being in Zagreb on program dates AND dedicate 1x day week to being in a coworking space, 2x tours + 2x dinners.
submit a 1 minute video answering 5 short questions. (no advantage for fancy editing, just a piece to camera).

Agree to the full Terms and Conditions.

VIDEO SUBMISSION

1 MINUTE VIDEO

1) who you are
2) your location
3) what you do
4) your goals with digital nomadism/remote work
5) why you’re applying.Acceptable formats are mpg, avi, mov, mp4, mpeg4 and maximum file size 250MB.

Ready to apply? You can do so here.

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

June the 13th, 2021 - Croatian enterprises have a lot of untapped potential just waiting to be utilised, and the global electrical equipment market is where the focus needs to be.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Darko Bicak writes, the global electrical equipment market is growing unstoppably, worth a massive 1180 billion US dollars last year and estimated at 1271 billion dollars this year. With an expected annual growth of 7.7%, by 2025 its value could climb to more than 1662 billion dollars. Where does Croatia stand in this regard, exactly?

Although Croatian electrical equipment manufacturers are already significant players in the export market, the analysis of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce's Fit4Globe showed that the total untapped export potential of these Croatian enterprises stood at 432.8 million dollars and that the realisation of this potential would increase the sector's exports by as much as 38.9%.

As Luka Burilovic, President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, explained, this is an industry that accounts for almost 4% of the total volume of Croatian industrial production with revenues of 8.6 billion kuna, of which 53% is realised on international markets.

Currently, 328 companies operate in Croatia in the sector of electrical equipment production and employ over 9,400 workers. Although 90% of business entities in the industry are micro and small Croatian enterprises, large companies dominate the industry's revenues with a share of 55%, or a total revenue of 4.7 billion kuna.

The biggest player in this sector is unsurprisingly the Koncar Group, whose three companies are on the list of the 10 largest companies. It is led by Koncar - Distribution and Special Transformers with revenues in 2019 of 1.04 billion kuna, followed by Koncar - Power Transformers with 739.7 million kuna, then Elektrocentar Petek from Ivanic Grad comes in 3rd place with 680 million kuna, followed by Elka, a large cable manufacturer from Zagreb, which was taken over by Slovenia's Iskra a few weeks ago.

Significant players in this market and whose individual revenue is measured in hundreds of millions are also E.G.O. Elektrokomponente from Zagreb, Siemens Hrvatska, Vertiv Croatia, Varazdin-based Solvis, which sells its solar panels to Google, and Istrian Estradex from Pican, as well as another Koncar company - Generators and motors, which had 220.5 million kuna in revenue back in 2019.

According to Fit4Globe analysis, the product groups with the greatest export potential are: insulated electrical conductors, cables for voltages up to 1000 volts (V), electrical transformers and static converters of more than 10,000 kilovolt amperes (kVA), parts for electrical transformers and static converters, boards , counters, tables and cabinets for electrical control or distribution of electricity, insulated electrical conductors and cables for voltages greater than 1000 V and permanent electrical resistors.

Mladen Puskaric, President of the Association of Electrical and Electronic Industry of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, also Koncar's manager, points out that electricity is an indispensable part of all technological changes, and the production of electrical and electronic equipment is an industrial activity with great potential for growth, development and employment.

A lack of staff

"This is one of the most important activities of the Croatian manufacturing industry, which manages to generate more than half of its revenues in demanding foreign markets," he said, adding that the biggest challenges facing the industry are a lack of professional staff, digital transformation, productivity, an undeveloped sales network on foreign markets and the ubiquitous globalisation and economies of scale,'' said Puskaric.

Ivan Barbaric, Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce for International Affairs, points out that of the total revenue of this sector, 4.5 billion kuna is generated from sales on foreign markets, which is 6.2% of total revenues from sales abroad of the entire manufacturing industry.

Over 50% of the sector's exports in 2019 were transformers, which Croatian enterprises sell to as many as 104 global markets, and cables, which Croatia exports to 93 countries. The leading export markets are Germany with 213 million dollars and 19.1% share, Austria with 139 million and a 12.5% ​​share and Italy with 110 million in value and an almost 10% share.

Other important markets for Croatian enterprises are Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Serbia, to which Croatia exported electrical equipment worth 33 million dollars back in pre-pandemic 2019.

“The untapped export potential for the 11 selected products on which the Fit4Globe analysis focused in particular exists in 193 countries for a total of 272.5 million dollars. If that potential was fully exploited, Croatian exports would increase by 42.3%. The greatest probability for an increase in exports lies on the markets of Serbia, the USA, Hungary, China and France,'' said Barbaric.

The Chinese market

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce explains that as far as the global market is concerned, the leading exporters of electrical equipment in 2019 were of course China with the amount of 671 billion dollars, Hong Kong with 301 billion and the USA with 173 billion.

The same countries are also the largest importers, again led by China with 497 billion dollars in imports, while the US and Hong Kong swapped places with total imports of 352 billion dollars and 308 billion dollars, respectively.

In the European Union, there are 45,335 companies operating in this sector with a total production value of 303 billion euros, and they employ about 1.5 million people. The Czech Republic leads in the number of companies with 11,190, mostly small and medium-sized entities, followed by Italy with 7,860 and Germany with 5,916. However, German companies are the largest, employing a total of 515,000 workers, followed by Italy with 140,000 and Poland with 118,000.

German companies also generate the largest revenue, almost 110 billion euros, followed by Italy with 39 and Spain with 17.8 billion euros in revenue.

For more on Croatian enterprises, make sure to follow our dedicated business section.