November 6, 2022 - Some very encouraging news for the Split Winter Tourism flights initiative, reports specialist flight portal Croatian Aviation.

Build it and they will come. 

It is almost a year since the TCN Split Winter Tourism Roundtable brought together key players from the public and private sector with one aim - to increase flights out of the season in order to extend the season. 

The initiative is still ongoing, and progress is being made. The initiative received a large boost a few weeks ago when KLM announced it would fly 12 months a year between Split and Amsterdam.

And, according to Croatian Aviation, it seems that things are going pretty well.

Even though we are at the beginning of November and in the winter flight schedule, the occupancy of aircraft on lines to and from Split Airport is excellent!

November is the month in which the winter flight schedule is in effect, at the end of October many airlines canceled their seasonal routes to Croatia, including Split Airport. However, several rotations on seasonal lines are also carried out at the beginning of November, and there are previously announced lines that will be in service throughout the winter.

What is somewhat surprising is the fact that almost all lines from Split Airport are still very full. This is partly due to the fact that a certain number of tourists are just returning from vacation, but it should also be mentioned that tourists are still coming to Dalmatia on vacation, so the planes are full in both directions.

As we have learned, Croatia Airlines flights to international destinations such as Frankfurt, Munich and Rome, and KLM flights to Amsterdam record high occupancy. This is partly due to the US aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, which sailed into Split and has up to 3,500 crew members. Part of the crew will do a shift in Split and travel to their destinations in the USA, while a certain number of them will arrive in Split for boarding.

The people of Split also have several flights on low-cost airlines, which will be relatively short in traffic, but enough so that after the summer season those interested can make a city break trip to London, Amsterdam, Paris and other well-known destinations.

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.

Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

November 6, 2022 - Central Dalmatia has a new tourist board director, after Ivana Vladovic took over the position in July. TCN asked about her plans for the region in an email interview. 

1. You are very new to the position of Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director, taking over in July. Give us your impressions of the season so far. 

We are all very pleased with the season so far, results are great, and there is a significant improvement in the quality of events and tourist offers. The season is extending, and we are heading in the right direction. 

2. A new director often brings a new perspective. What are your priorities for tourism in Central Dalmatia County?

My vision of developing tourism in the area of ​​Split-Dalmatia County is based on tourism that is authentic, high quality, sustainable and year-round. Also united and presented to the world through modern channels of communication and promotion. My perspective is based on bringing traditional products up in the first plan, values, gastronomy, and authenticity of local products. We have so much to offer as a destination, but we need to be authentic, recognizable by our values and unique way of life. 

3. Let's talk about Split, which has been in the media for all the wrong reasons this summer. An explosion of pub crawls, a significant increase in public drunkenness. What are your thoughts on the season in Split in particular, and how do we get the balance right?

Split has generated great numbers this season and delivered significant projects, but before anything is mentioned, the collaboration of different entities is what makes the difference. Great numbers often bring different issues that we need to cope with. Tourism needs to improve the quality of life for local inhabitants, and they need to feel positive effects.

It is our responsibility to offer quality contents and destinations that are opposite of what was happening this season. In cooperation with the city officials, we are working on keeping the order of communal infrastructure.

4. Having followed Croatian tourism for a decade, I have noticed an official obsession with numbers, numbers, numbers, with little consideration for quality or the damage to the environment or quality of life for locals. And yet in the same breath, we hear the mantra of sustainable tourism. Where do you stand on this?

Numbers are important but not crucial. Almost every interview begins with questions about numbers and results. We must not be obsessed with the results measured in numbers; we need to enforce ourselves with the quality of the offer, impress with tradition, and protect our way of living. Traditional values, local inhabitants, protection of our culture, and tradition are what make us distinct and unique. Tourism needs to be an advantage, not an issue for our citizens.

5. What specific ideas and plans do you have to introduce a more sustainable tourism strategy to the region?

I am addressing the problem of sustainability with projects branding our tradition,  and the specific way of life here in Dalmatia. We have plenty to offer, starting with our history, natural beauties, rich gastronomy, high quality of living, authentic products, and people. Branding our county as a whole year tourism destination including lots of potential that we have in the nautical segment is what makes us sustainable.

6. The beach and islands are understandably popular - tell us more about your plans to promote inland Dalmatia.

It is important to develop the area of Dalmatia Inland according to the principles of sustainable tourism and valorize the rural area, natural and cultural-historical resources and autochthonous traditional elements in the best possible way.

The goal is to encourage the development of tourism and eco-agriculture in symbiosis, to network the tourist communities of this part of the county, and to offer a number of unique products.

7. Last December, TCN and local partners organised the Split Winter Tourism Roundtable initiative, which brought all the stakeholders from the public and private sector together. Momentum is building, and KLM has just announced year-round flights to Split from Amsterdam. How much of a priority is winter tourism for you, and will you financially support the concept of winter flights?

I support the extension of the season, but it must be planned and sustainable. We are aware of the fact that 80% of the total accommodation capacity in the area of ​​our county is private family accommodation, which is occupied by students during post and preseason. Namely, our capacities, from infrastructure to the offer of events as well as gastronomy, must work together in synergy in order to achieve a true extension of the season. Winter flights are a very important part of market strategy, and we are in communication with airline companies. They are important, but by themselves, without an elaborated overall strategy, they are not enough. 

8. The remote work revolution is here, and Split is the de facto digital nomad capital of Croatia, even though almost nothing has been proactively done by official bodies. How important is developing this sector in your plans?

Digital nomads are another trend that became popular during the covid pandemic. People have embraced technology that allows them to collaborate virtually and increase flexibility. They are excellent promoters and tourism ambassadors of the country in which they are located. 

9. Define Central Dalmatia as a destination in a paragraph, including why people should come.

All the great emperors and kings who came to our region came in early spring or late summer, when Dalmatia is the most beautiful. The colors are the most intense, the sounds are the purest, and the fruits are ready for tasting. This is exactly what we want to show the world.

10. And finally, 3-5 of your favourite places in the region, and why?

The first place I hold dear is my native Marina, the place of my heart. The second in order for me is the unreplaceable view from Vidova Gora. And third but not last is the particularly moving and emotional place of Sinj during the procession on the day of the Great Lady.

For the latest news and features on tourism in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.

Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

November 6, 2022 - Festive fun is back in the Croatian capital, as the plans for Advent in Zagreb 2022 are unveiled. A return to normality and arguably the best programme yet from the 3-times best Christmas market in Europe.  

It is almost 50 years since I last got really excited about Christmas and the Advent festive period, but I felt a little tingle of nostalgia, excitement - something - as I attended the Advent in Zagreb 2022 press conference at Hotel Sheraton on Friday. 

The pandemic and other doses of bad news have done much to dampen the mood and restrict activities over the last two years, and I found myself warming to the promise of a return to the magic of winter socialising on the streets, parks, squares and courtyards of Zagreb with the forthcoming season. A sudden yearning for festive cheer began with the promotional video for this year's event.

Zagreb may have a bigger budget than other tourist boards, but there is no denying that they are superb at press conferences, everything flawlessly orchestrated, with a little touch of style. Mayor Tomasevic and Zagreb Tourist Board CEO Martina Bienenfeld were the key speakers, flanked by two important transport partners for this year's Advent - Croatia Airlines and Turkish Airlines.  

After the press conference, participants were invited to an adjacent room at the Sheraton for a glass of wine and some nibbles, and that is when the Christmas buzz began to start - a little preview in the video below before the guests arrived en masse.  

And so to the presentation itself. What would Advent in Zagreb 2022 look like? After three glory years of being voted the best Christmas Market in Europe (2014-2016), the Croatian capital became synonymous with festive cheer, and the event grew in stature and popularity until the fateful year of... 

... but even as most other cities cancelled or severely scaled back their Advent programmes, Zagreb tried (and succeeded) to keep the tradition alive, albeit it in a more virtual and hybrid form in 2020 and 2021. 

But the good news is that Advent in Zagreb is back, in full force, to the memories of 2019 and before. These have been tough times for all, and the prospect of a jolly festive city full of life is one that I, for one, will be very much looking forward to.  

So what can we expect this year? Firstly, the dates. Advent in Zagreb 2022 will officially open on the evening of November 26 and run until January 7. The iconic ice rink on Tomislav Square will return, and Advent will take place in more than 20 locations throughout the city, with more than 100 concerts, as well as a rich programme for kids, and a multitude of exhibitions. 

Both the Upper and Lower Towns will be a hive of festive activity, including three new locations this year - Dr. Franjo Tudjman Square, Park Gric, and Stara Vlaska. 

Meet some of the superstar locations:

The Ice Park on King Tomislav Square next to Advent in Zrinjevac will once more play a central - and very picturesque - role. 

While Strossmayer Square and Ban Jelacic Square are also sure to be popular. 

And Europe Square and the Gradec Plateau are your go-to places for foodies and Christmas scenery.  

Head to Strossmayer Promenade for the charming 'kucice', or little wooden huts, and no Advent would be complete without a little fooling around - Fuliranje 2022 will take place on the terrace of Hotel Esplanade. 

The official lighting of the candles on Mandusevac will take place at 17:00 on November 26, and the long-awaited opening of the ice rink will happen at 19:00, with the symbolic lighting of the lanterns on Zrinjevac at 20:00

And then let the fun begin! 

Magical locations in both the Upper and Lower Town.

Art and culture have always been strong pillars of Advent in Zagreb, and this year is no exception. 

Music all over the city, including Advent Classic Fest, Advent concerts of the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra, Advent concerts of Zagreb soloists, The Festival of Advent and Christmas Songs in Zagreb, Concert of "Ivan Filipovic" Chamber Choir, Evenings with Brahms, Advent under the Lantern, To Zagreb from Christmas Balconies, Advent postcards from Zagreb, and Advent at Katarinac Square.

For more on the musical component of this year's event, click here.

Cultural highlights are to be found at Advent in the Ethnographic Museum, Advent in Vidra, Advent in Mala Scena Theatre, the Museum of Chocolate, and Advent at Dagmar's in Krlezin Grad.

For more on this year's cultural offer, click here.

Some of the main attractions for kids can be found at the Advent in Mala scena theatre, Advent in Zagreb Zoo: Croatian Tales of Long Ago, the Museum of Chocolate, the Croatian School Museum, the Live Nativity Scene, and the Backo Mini Express - Train Museum. Some of the main attractions for kids can be found at the Advent in Mala scena theatre, Advent in Zagreb Zoo: Croatian Tales of Long Ago, the Museum of Chocolate, the Croatian School Museum, the Live Nativity Scene, and the Backo Mini Express - Train Museum. 

For more on what awaits the little ones, click here.

(Photo Zagreb Tourist Board/D. Miloslavic)

Other events include Advent of the University of Zagreb, Project Ilica Q'Art, and the annual Zagreb Advent Run. Other events include Advent of the University of Zagreb, Project Ilica Q'Art, and the annual Zagreb Advent Run.

For an overview of other events, click here. 

A key component of the success of Advent in Zagreb in recent years has been the participation of the private sector, including hotels. There is once more a strong show of support from some of Zagreb's leading hotels, who are actively taking part in this year's event. Learn more about this.

The promotional campaign looks impressive, with a focus on countries in the region, as well as other European countries accessible by air. Promo campaigns are being conducted in Austria, Belgium, BiH, Czechia, Denmark, France, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Germany, USA, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, and UK.

Accessibility is enhanced by Advent partnerships with Croatia Airlines, as well as a more global partnership with Turkish Airlines. In a nice gesture to the domestic market, train travel to and from Zagreb will be half-price within Croatia, and free from within Zagreb County. 

The stage is set. Advent in Zagreb 2022 is ready for you. Are you ready to once more feel the Christmas magic? 

Follow all the latest on the official website.

For more information about the Croatian capital, check out the Total Croatia Zagreb in a Page guide. 

November 6, 2022 - Filip Ude came in eighth in the world on the pommel horse! In his fifth final at the World Championships in Liverpool, he made a mistake on a jump that cost him a score of 12.500 and the initial score of 5.7. However, Filip was anything but a disappointed finalist.

"I survived. I decided to take a risk. I had no chance with that qualifying exercise. The last time I competed in this exercise was a year ago, and unfortunately because of that Gymnova horse tlly doesn't suit me, I couldn't train for the exercise I did today. For the first time now, I raised my hand and tried it. I decided to take a risk; it doesn't matter, it's fifth or eighth, it doesn't matter to me', Filip said in a breath after the final in which he took a risk with the element of "three Russian rounds between the grips" which significantly increased his starting rating.

Photo: Slobodan Kadić

Before the final he said, "when I come to the last warm-up and try that element, I will know if I will go for it or not." And it worked great on that "one touch." "I did it well during practice, too, but it took an awful lot of energy. 30% of my energy is taken away by that element, that's why in the qualifications I did one that comes easy to me. Well, after the "roller coaster" it was as if someone took away all my energy. I dragged on, I don't even know how I dragged it to the end. On the jump I thought I would fall on the horse like the Dutchman De Munck, but I shot the jump in the wrong direction. It could have been better, but the maximum I could do with that exercise was fifth because I spread my legs. I'm not going to say 'if this, if that'..., the Čakovčan, who in his career already won world silver in 2014, was fifth in 2010 and seventh last year on pommel horse, said in all honesty.

What impressed everyone the most with Filip was that he really took risks and that he fought until the end. After a mistake on the jump, he got back on the horse and went for another jump. "Honestly, I don't know, I have no idea why I even went to do the jump again, because then I made a mistake. I was so exhausted... I don't know, I wanted to try to do an E jump to at least finish in style, but my hands weren't mine. Anyway, I'm satisfied, I'm happy." And he looked happy.

Photo: Slobodan Kadić

"I'm happy that I entered the final at all, considering the problems I had in training with that horse. I have nothing to complain about. Yes, the grade is what it is, but for me this final is like I won a medal, considering everything I went through. I'm in the top 8 in the world, being this old... Look, an Armenian won bronze at 38. I have a few more years for sure, but next year I have to practice more. This time I took a risk, it didn't pay off, but my time will come."

The world champion on pommel horse is the Irishman Rhys McClenaghan (15,300), bronze medalist from the 2019 WC and European champion in 2018. The runner-up is Ahmad Abu Al Soud (14,866), who brought Jordan the first medal in the history of the gymnastics WC. The bronze medalist is the oldest finalist here, the 38-year-old Armenian Harutyun Merdinyan (14,733), current European champion and bronze medalist from the WC 2015.

"The boys were better today. Next time I have to prepare better", said Filip Ude.

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

October 29, 2022 - Looking for a job in Croatia? A new weekly feature on TCN, in partnership with leading job site agency, Posao.hr, who present a selection of weekly job listings.

How hard is it to find a job in Croatia, and what is on offer?

We spoke to Ines Bokan, director of leading jobs site Posao.hr, who kindly took the time for this excellent interview overview.  

Ines has kindly agreed to work with us on a new weekly feature on TCN - a weekly selection of 10 job listings, as chosen by Posao.hr.  Details and links to the job opportunities below in the latest edition of this feature.

WEEKLY SELECTION OF JOB LISTINGS

verovis GmbH sucht einen Finance Specialist – German speaking (m/f/d) für remote work. Sie bieten 30 Tage für Deine Weiterbildung, einen Firmenlaptop und ein Firmenhandy, und vieles mehr. Bewerben Sie sich hier bis zum 10.11.

GVS Bullion Group is hiring a Sales Advisor (m/f) in Zagreb. The company is offering a long-term perspective in an internationally growing company, stability in rapidly changing times, training in all major fields of the company, and understanding of economic connections. Applications can be submitted until Nov 13^th by clicking this link.

TRESCON Betriebsberatungsgesellschaft m.b.H. is looking for a SAP Professional (m/f), a Technical Professional (m/f) and a Software Engineer (m/f) in Austria. All the details are available here, and applications can be submitted until Dec 4^th.

Gi Group Staffing Solutions is hiring a Service Sales Engineer (m/f) in Zagreb on behalf of their client. The company is offering use of the company car, laptop, and mobile; various allowances; life insurance; and additional bonuses and rewards. Apply here by Nov 7^th.

Eumetsat is hiring a Network Architecture Engineer (m/f) in Darmstadt, Germany. The company is offering a net salary of up to €7.500 a month, flexible working time, full medical coverage, 30 days annual leave and more. Apply here until Nov 19^th.

Falkensteiner Hotelmanagement d.o.o. is looking for a Head of Sales MICE & Sports (m/f) in Zadar. The company is offering a competitive salary, all-inclusive onboarding, a buddy program, and much more! Apply by Nov 12^th via this link.

Next Step career network is looking for a Receptionist / Front Office Manager (m/f) in Vienna, Austria. The company is offering a net monthly salary of €1.700, 14 salaries paid out a year, full social benefits and daily meals, hotel accommodation, and much more! Apply by clicking this link before Nov 13^th.

TELUS International AI Inc. is hiring an Online Data Analyst (m/f) for remote work. If you are fluent in English and Croatian, have been living in Croatia for the last two consecutive years, and are familiar with current affairs and news in Croatia, this might be a great role for you! Apply here until Nov 30^th.

Workforce Ljudski Potencijali d.o.o. is looking for a Group Parts Analyst (m/f) for work in Zagreb. The company is offering a dynamic work in a well organized, positive and creative international environment, the possibility of constant trainings and career development and a stimulating compensation plan. Apply by clicking this link until Nov 25^th.

AA Euro Croatia d.o.o. is hiring a Senior Backend Developer (m/f) for remote work. The company is offering a 12 month contract, fully remote work, competitive salary range depending on qualifications with weekly payments, and an opportunity to work with a skilled team of professionals. Apply here until Nov 11^th.

For more career options and job listings, visit posao.hr.

These weekly job listings will appear in the weekly TCN newsletter - you can subscribe here.

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.

Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

November 5, 2022 - For more than two thousand years, at a depth of two meters, covered in sand, a Roman ship lay untouched in the sea near Sukosan.

Zadarski reports that although it has long been speculated that the seabed of the ancient harbor at the Barbir site has been hiding many riches, the Zadar river archeologists only recently, after six years of systematic research, came to a great discovery: a Roman ship from the 1^st century emerged from under the layers of sand! It is about three meters wide, while nine meters of its length have been discovered so far. Apart from the parts that were eaten by shipworm, the rest of the ship is in incredibly good condition thanks to the fact that the wood itself has been preserved in the sand for two millennia.

"The ancient port of Barbir was discovered in 1973 and for a long time was documented only superficially, thanks to the research of Boris Ilakovec. Only in 2017 did new, more serious work begin in that area, in parallel with the research of the Roman villa on the mainland, which was largely destroyed due to modern construction. Fortunately, part of the site under the sea has been well preserved", reveals Mladen Pešić, the leader of this research and the director of the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology. In the last six years, for as long as the research under the sea has lasted, the centre has cooperated with the German Archaeological Institute, but also with other partners such as Oxford, the University of Zadar, the Archaeological Museum...

First, they investigated the structure of the Roman pier, which was built in two phases. The first one dates from the 1^st century AD when the port was smaller. This is evidenced by numerous finds of ceramic vessels and amphorae, oil lamps and fragments of glass that came to Sukosan from different parts of the Mediterranean - from the area of ​​present-day Greece, Turkey, the Middle East and Italy - on the routes of maritime trade links. A major expansion took place in the middle of the 4^th century, when the present-day shape of the tongue was formed, which is still there, despite the long exposure to the sea. Evidence of intensive trade during that time is also shown by finds from North Africa. Among the finds from that period, thirty bronze coins stand out, minted during the reign of the emperors Constantine II, Constans and Constantius II, which were found in a layer 150 centimeters below the level of the present-day seabed. It was during these investigations that the archaeologists found a piece of wood, a board with a metal nail, which particularly intrigued them the year before last.

"We were hoping that there could be a ship next to that board. That's why last year we opened the first four squares, each with an area of ​​four square metres, and started researching at that location. And indeed, there was a Roman ship there that we dated to the end of the 1^st or the very beginning of the 2^nd century, i.e. following to the first phase of the port. This year, the research continued, again in cooperation with the German Archaeological Institute and the University of Zadar and archeology students. The team was not large, but it was very interesting" Pešić said for Zadarski.

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

November 5, 2022 - Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that in 2021, 29.6 percent of Croatian citizens and 70.4 percent of foreigners immigrated from abroad, while 64.2 percent of Croatian citizens and 35.8 percent of foreigners moved away. In the total number of immigrants and emigrated persons, a significant share of foreigners have been issued residence and work permits. 

Most people moving in come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while most moving out go to Germany.

As Index reports, of the total number of immigrated persons, 22.4 percent immigrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of the total number of people who moved away, most people moved to Germany (32.3 percent). The most significant number of people who moved abroad were between the ages of 20 and 39 (45.9 percent).

In 2021, 71,864 people changed their residence within the Republic of Croatia. Out of the total resettled population in 2021, most people (40.5 percent) moved between counties, while 38.5 percent of people moved between cities/municipalities of the same county, and 21 percent of people moved between settlements of the same city/municipality.

Population migration between cities/municipalities of the same county in 2021 was the largest in Split-Dalmatia County and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

Velika Gorica, Križevci, and Samobor had the best ratio of immigrants to emigrants.

The cities of Velika Gorica, Križevci, Samobor, Čakovec, Dugo Selo, Solin, Sveti Ivan Zelina, Zadar, Sveta Nedelja and Duga Resa had the most significant number of immigrant residents (from abroad and within the country), compared to those who left.

Last year, 450 people more immigrated to Velika Gorica than those who emigrated (from other parts of the Republic of Croatia and abroad) in Križevci the difference is 421, Samobor 375, Čakovec 370, Dugi Selo 339, Solina 221, Sveti Ivan Zelina 211, Zadar 189. , Sveto Nedelja 161 and Duga Resa 147.

In relation to the number of inhabitants, the city of Nin had the most significant migration balance, 2.80 percent, followed by Donja Stubica with 2.44 percent, Križevci with 2.21 percent, Dugo Selo with 1.90 percent, Vis with 1.61 percent, Novalja with 1.55 percent, Duga Resa and Sveti Ivan Zelina with 1.44 percent, Cres with 1.42 percent and Čakovec with 1.36 percent.

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

Križevci had the most significant migration balance with foreign countries last year, where 378 more people immigrated from abroad than moved abroad. Čakovec with 268 more people follows it immigrated from abroad than those who moved across the border, then Split, where the migration balance with foreign countries was 190, Sveti Ivan Zelina with 134, Duga Resa with 103, Zadar with 101, Donja Stubica 100, Velika Gorica 97, Ivanec 79 and Jastrebarsko with 59 more people moving in than moving out across the border.

In relation to the number of inhabitants, the most significant migration balance with foreign countries, of 1.98 percent, was in Križevci, 1.88 percent in Donja Stubica, Nin 1.73 percent, Duga Resa 1.01 percent, Čakovec 0.98 percent, Sveti Ivan Zelina 0.91 percent, Stari Grad 0.75 percent, Ivanec 0.62 percent, Krk 0.61 percent and Novalja 0.57 percent.

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

November the 5th, 2022 - Works on the construction of what's often referred to (and has been being called that for about a decade, to be precise) the ''most expensive Croatian road'' are now well underway. 

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the D 403 road - which is currently being constructed in Rijeka - is one of the most important and expensive infrastructure projects in the entire country at this moment in time. Known as the most expensive Croatian road, it will eventually connect the container terminal of the Port of Rijeka with the A7 motorway as part of a larger trans-European transport network. This very difficult and demanding construction project is estimated to stand at a staggering approximate of 460 million kuna, as reported by HRT.

A whole decade has now gone by with people waiting for the most expensive Croatian road's actual realisation. Roundabouts, viaducts and a tunnel that stretches under urban areas is unique in the Republic of Croatia, and this adds to the difficulties faced in this phase.

"We've reached the Podmurvice tunnel, which is 1,263 metres long and very demanding because it was built in the middle of the city. We have two viaducts - Mlaka, 150 metres long, and Piopi, which is 315 metres long," said Martin Abramovic from Croatian Roads (Hrvatske ceste).

The construction of this brand new and much anticipated road means the development of a complete Croatian traffic route, as was pointed out by Denis Vukorepa of the Rijeka Port Authority.

"This new road will be connected to the container terminal, we'll cover the entire hinterland of [this part of] Europe, and we will also connect that road through what is now the port area, tomorrow we'll take that area out of the port area with the waterfront, you will have a ring going around the City of Rijeka,'' Vukorepa explained.

The dizzying rise in prices as a result of ongoing inflationary pressures requires a certain risk in solving all the previously outlined plans. "The increasing prices of materials, energy sources and raw materials are certainly putting pressure on liquidity, we're in negotiations with investors and we hope that we will soon find a solution to at least partially cover these costs," said Sanjin Puric from GP Krk.

Another challenge in realising this capital project, which European Union funds are financing as much as 85 percent, is the lack of manpower here in Croatia. This country is now importing more and more labour from elsewhere, and the construction of the so-called most expensive Croatian road is no exception.

Part of the labour force present on the construction site today are from Turkey, India, and of course, from neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, which isn't unusual. The D403 road construction project began back in mid-2020, and the plan is for it to be completed at the end of June next year, when the traffic jams on Rijeka's roads should finally become a thing of the past.

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