County Head Says Vaccination Problem Prompted by PM
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - Primorje-Gorski Kotar County head Zlatko Komadina on Wednesday said the problem of vaccination was prompted by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, describing as inappropriate his announcement that county public health institutes would become chapters of the national public health institute.
In an interview with the N1 broadcaster, Komadina said that he understood that the prime minister was not having an easy time in the current pandemic, but that by threatening that he would revoke the regional status of local public health institutes he was trying to dictate expert opinions.
"Not all of the expertise is concentrated in the government, there are experts wherever there are medical schools, and what is happening now is a consequence of delays in the adoption of the protocol on the order of vaccination," Komadina said.
Komadina confident PM will give up his plan
He went on to say that counties were founders of regional public health institutes and that the prime minister made the statement about turning them into chapters of the national public health institute "in the heat of the moment" and that he would eventually abandon his plan if he reconsidered it.
Plenković on Tuesday commented on a proposal by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County not to vaccinate people over 60 with the AstraZeneca vaccine for some time, which prompted him to announce amendment of the Act on Teaching Institutes of Public Health.
"We must prevent county public health institutes from pursuing their own policies that are contrary to those of the World Health Organisation and the European Medicines Agency and to the position of the Croatian Public Health Institute, and from sending discouraging messages to people over the age of 65," said the PM, announcing that the relevant law would be amended as soon as possible to prevent such cases.
No need for nervousness, accusations about politicking
Komadina said that local teaching institutes of public health had decided on their own in which order and how to vaccinate people because they lacked the relevant instructions from the state.
"Now those instructions have arrived and I don't see any reason for nervousness on the part of PM Plenković or for accusations about politicking," he said.
Komadina said that the county public health institute had vaccinated people with available vaccines, that it did not refuse to vaccinate anyone and had only given recommendations as to which categories of the population could be vaccinated.
"Before the instruction from the state level, the county institute called people under 60 with chronic diseases. The next round of vaccination will be in line with the recommendation of the national COVID-19 response team," he said, noting that the situation was similar in many other EU countries and that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had said that people above the age of 55 would not be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Next round of vaccination in line with national response team's recommendations
"I consider that ambiguity resolved now and the next round of vaccination will proceed in line with the national COVID-19 response team's recommendations," he stressed.
Komadina noted that the head of the county institute of public health, Vladimir Mićović, was a professor of epidemiology and had extensive experience in the field.
"People have the right to their own opinion and one should not hold it against them," he said.
Mićović said on Monday that family doctors in the county had been recommended, if a doctor or a patient were uncertain regarding the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine, to vaccinate slightly younger people, of 60 years of age or younger.
According to information on the characteristics of the vaccine, it is clearly stated that there are no doubts regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine in that category of the population, he said.
"It was our suggestion that they should vaccinate all elderly people... but that if they have certain doubts... to vaccinate slightly younger categories of people with chronic and serious diseases," Mićović said at the time.
SDP Candidate for Zagreb Mayor Pledges Prosperity and Future Free of Corruption
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Peđa Grbin on Wednesday presented Joško Klisović as the party's candidate for Mayor of Zagreb, saying that Klisović was offering partnership and transparency and could guarantee the citizens prosperity and a future free of corruption.
Addressing a press conference, Grbin said that Klisović was a professional with over 30 years' experience in different jobs in both the public and private sector. He stressed the priority was not just the forthcoming local election, but how to run Zagreb after 16 May.
"Programmes, ideas and policies are not enough. We need people, and Joško is the person who can guarantee Zagreb progress, prosperity and a future free of the shackles of corruption," Grbin said.
Klisović said he was seeking an alliance with the citizens in running and leading the city. "I am offering the citizens a partnership for an open, transparent and decent government. I am offering them to take part with me in decision making and running the city based on various models," he added.
He said that, if elected, he would conduct referendums on important local issues, strengthen the city districts and local committees so that people can better articulate their ideas, and use other creative methods to involve citizens in the administration of the city.
Klisović said he wanted to make Zagreb a smart city using good practices and high standards of governance that exist in the world so that it would "finally become a metropolis rather than the most neglected capital in the European Union."
He announced the use of high technologies and digitalisation to reduce the space for corruption, adding that he would also focus on the post-earthquake reconstruction and development of the city and the reform of the city administration and the Zagrebački Holding multi-utility conglomerate.
The repair of infrastructure facilities that are in critical condition, such as bridges and sports facilities, improving traffic control, investment in extracurricular activities for children and optimisation of the network of kindergartens, and ensuring enough places in care homes for elderly people will also be among his priorities.
Asked about his leftwing rival Tomislav Tomašević, Klisović said that Tomašević would be an excellent partner to him in running the city. "His activism and my experience can ensure good management of the city."
Circular Economy on Islands Lags Due to Low Environmental Awareness
February 17, 2021 – In a video podcast entitled "Energy Transition on the Islands," organized by the Island Movement initiative, participants warned that underdeveloped environmental awareness is one of the main obstacles to implementing the circular economy on islands.
As Hina reports, the deputy mayors of Hvar and Cres warned that citizens are still unaware of the green economy's importance, which makes it challenging to introduce a circular economy on islands.
"The most difficult phase in achieving sustainable development is to explain to ordinary citizens why the energy transition would be a step forward," said Marin Gregorović, deputy mayor of Cres.
The circular economy is a production and consumption model that encourages sharing, borrowing, reuse, repair, recovering, and recycling of products and materials to achieve the product's added value. Such a concept has a positive effect on reducing the amount of waste.
Commenting on the inefficient disposal of waste on the islands, Gregorović noted that "the system is not working well" and that "we have not yet reached the stage of resolving the issue of biowaste disposal."
"Although we have a recycling yard and dual waste management on Cres, and we plan to build a composting plant, the story of the circular economy is still just – a story," said Gregorović.
Kuzman Novak, deputy mayor of Hvar town, added that "the fundamental problem at the national level is waste management."
"We take the garbage bags out of the house, and they are taken away, which we don't see, so we don't think they are our concern anymore. That is the key problem," Novak said, explaining the underdeveloped environmental awareness of citizens.
"When we talk about sustainable development, it's not just about solar power plants and waste management, it's essentially developing an awareness not to be selfish," said Novak.
The new EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy is one of the key elements in achieving climate neutrality, which is a central goal of the European Green Plan. Voting on the new EU circular economy action plan, the European Parliament this month called for additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, and fully circular economy by 2050.
To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Olympic Qualifiers: Croatia Water Polo Falls to Russia (13:14)
February 17, 2021 - In game four of the Olympic Qualifiers in Rotterdam, Croatia water polo falls to Russia for their first defeat in the tournament.
On Wednesday afternoon, Croatia and Russia met for the penultimate group stage match, which also carried a bit more importance - it was the match for first place in the group.
Behind Croatia are three rounds and three victories at the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Rotterdam. Recall, Croatia won their first match against Romania at 16:6, defeated the Netherlands 25:8, and topped France 10:13.
Russia, on the other hand, was weak in the first two games, though they claimed victory over France and drew their second against Romania. However, in their third match on Tuesday, they topped Germany by 12 goals.
Croatia v Russia Recap
While Russia was the first to score, Rino Buric equalized 40 seconds later, and a goal by Josip Vrlic made it 2:2 with 6:21 to go in the first quarter. Luke Loncar gave Croatia the lead with 5:33 left (3:2).
Fatovic scored for 4:3 with 3:05 to go in the first quarter, though missed a penalty a minute later. Fortunately, he scored for 5:3 with just over a minute to go, which is how the first quarter ended.
Croatia opened the second quarter with goals by Ante Vukicevic and Maro Jokovic for +3 (7:4). Lovre Milos made it 8:5 with 3:58 to go, and Vukicevic scored for 9:5 moments later.
Russia opened the third quarter with a goal for 9:8, though Croatia's Bukic scored for 10:8 with 5:28 to go. Fatovic scored for 11:8 one minute later and scored his fourth goal of the game for 12:9 with just under 3 minutes to go.
Andro Buslje made it +4 (13:9), which was the last goal scored for Croatia in the third quarter which ended at 13:11.
Russia equalized in the final quarter for 13:13 with five minutes to go in the match - and with 2:25 left, Russia took the lead (13:14), which was the final score of the game.
Croatia will meet Germany (Thursday, February 18, at 8:30 pm) in the final group stage match.
Following the group stage, the quarterfinal stage will commence on Friday, February 19, in which the four best teams from each group will meet. The pairs will be determined by their positions in the standings (A1 - B4, A2 - B3, A3 - B2, and A4 - B1).
The four winning teams will play in the semifinals on February 20. The finalists of the qualifying tournament, as well as the national team that wins the match for third place on February 21, will qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which are scheduled from July 24 to August 8, 2021.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Pupovac: It's Unacceptable Housing Containers Aren't Connected to Running Water
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - MP Milorad Pupovac of the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) on Wednesday called for housing containers set up in earthquake-hit areas to be urgently connected to water supply and drainage and for red tape related to reconstruction to be simplified.
Living in containers without running water
Pupovac warned that even though a lot has been done to accommodate people in earthquake areas it was unthinkable to have housing containers that are not connected to running water or drainage.
"I appeal for that to be urgently changed," said Pupovac and added that roads need to be passable and that administrative procedure for reconstruction needs to be simplified.
"If people need to provide 10 to 15 different documents or search for co-owners around the globe in order to apply, that will never be resolved," he warned.
If the relevant ministry wants to play with red tape, then it won't be able to count on our support, Pupovac said.
Vaccination by being in the right place at the right time
Silvano Hrelja (HSS and HSU) condemned people being vaccinated ahead of their scheduled time.
Sandra Benčić (Green-Left Bloc) claimed that the government was to blame because it did not secure a sufficient quantity of vaccine for people to be inoculated according to the set plan and that people were being vaccinated because they happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Sabina Glasovac (SDP) said that a motion that has been supported by 30 MPs will enable parliament to discuss amendments to the Criminal Code which would classify any sexual harassment as a criminal office and would abolish the 3 month deadline to report these crimes. She called on MPs to support the bill.
New bank fees introduced
Katarina Peović of the Workers' Front warned of the introduction of new bank fees on cash withdrawals at ATMs, adding that the Croatian National Bank (HNB) governor would probably justify this by saying that this is a matter of the market while actually it is a mutual agreement between banks.
Sovereignists Call for Exempting Tourist Accommodation Renters from Tax
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - The Croatian Sovereignists party has put forward a bill of amendments to the Tourist Tax Act and the General Taxation Act to automatically exempt small providers of tourist accommodation from paying 50% of the residence tax and flat-rate tax when special circumstances are declared.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused huge losses to the tourism sector and private providers of accommodation have been particularly affected. This year will probably not be any better and can only be worse, the party's leader Hrvoje Zekanović told a press conference on Wednesday.
Last year a regulation was adopted exempting private renters from a portion of contributions and they were required to pay only half of the residence tax and a quarter of tax payable on a flat-rate basis. We recommend that for any year in which special conditions are declared, private renters should automatically be exempt from paying half the residence and flat taxes, said Zekanović.
"That should be done automatically rather than wait for the tourism minister or prime minister to show their goodwill. It should be provided for in the law whenever special circumstances are declared," he underscored.
Zekanović said it was absurd that a service that was not provided should be taxed. If a private renter is not working, then there is no reason for them to pay tax, he stressed.
Last year there were some renters who did not generate even one-bed night but they were still required to pay 50% of tax. The same refers to residence tax which renters were obliged to pay even though they did not have any turnover, said Zekanović.
It is high time for that problem to be resolved and we urge the government to include our motion on parliament's agenda for consideration under fast-track procedure to facilitate the business of tourist accommodation renters, Zekanović concluded.
If Deal is Reached, Sputnik V Will Arrive in 2-3 Weeks - Russian Embassy Official
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - The Russian COVID-19 vaccine can be delivered to Croatia within two to three weeks provided that the two countries reach an agreement to that effect, Russian Embassy spokesman Matvey Sidorov told Hina on Wednesday.
Croatian Health Minister Vili Beroš said on Wednesday morning that the government was considering purchasing the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine even before its approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
As for the amount of vaccine that might arrive in one shipment, Beroš said that this depended on Croatia's logistical capabilities given that vaccines had a shelf life.
Citing sources close to the government, Jutarnji List newspaper said on Tuesday that the amount in question was one million doses.
Sidorov said that this depended on an agreement with the manufacturer, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, but that otherwise there were no limitations.
The EU is not preventing its member states from purchasing vaccines from manufacturers with which the Commission has not concluded an agreement, as is the case with Sputnik V. Any member state that purchases such a vaccine is responsible for its approval and the vaccine can be used only on its own territory. Hungary is the only EU member state to have done so.
Russia reportedly intends to request EMA's approval for its vaccine in April.
In the event of an agreement with Russia, Croatia has two options: it can either have the Sputnik V vaccine delivered to Croatia and store it pending EMA's approval or it can approve the vaccine itself and start using it as soon as it arrives.
Croatia Reports 502 New Coronavirus Cases, 18 Deaths
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - Croatia has recorded 502 new coronavirus cases and 18 related deaths in the last 24 hours, the national coronavirus response team reported on Wednesday morning.
The number of active cases currently stands at 2,219. Among them are 884 infected people who are receiving hospital treatment, including 82 who are on ventilators.
A total of 11,050 people are currently self-isolating.
Since 25 February 2020, when the first case was confirmed in the country, 238,501 people have been infected with the novel virus, of whom 5,375 have died and 230,907 have recovered, including 224 in the last 24 hours.
A total of 1,282,357 people have been tested to date, including 7,348 in the last 24 hours.
International Tourist Guide Day in Croatia: Tours of Skradinski Buk, Varaždin, Garešnica
February 17, 2021 – Although the tourism sector has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, the International Tourist Guide Day in Croatia will be marked with occasional tours of Skradinski Buk in Krka National Park, Varaždin city, and Garešnica in northern Moslavina.
Since 1990, the International Tourist Guide Day is celebrated on February 21, when the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations declared it. This year, their theme is "Tourist guides – contributors to rural tourism through creative storytelling." Some Croatian destinations decided to mark it offering walking and storytelling tours.
Krka National Park
In business and life in general, one should always be accommodating and kind. Such are the guides in Krka National Park. These enthusiastic and creative guides seek to teach visitors about the area's natural and cultural values through direct experience.
Krka National Park invites all nature lovers to join them in a guided tour of Skradinski Buk on Saturday, February 20, 2021. While enjoying the winter atmosphere, visitors will get acquainted with the exceptional flora and fauna, rich cultural and historical heritage, and traditional crafts in the ethno-village.
Skradinski Buk in Krka National Park / Copyright Romulić and Stojčić
The number of participants per group is limited, and you can book your visit via the following link. In the winter months, ticket prices for Krka National Park are 30 kunas for adults and 20 kunas for 7 to 18 years old children. The Park is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For Krka's guides, interpretation is not just a "job," but a way of exchanging values, emotions, and inspirations. It is successful when the visitor saw, experienced, and began to appreciate something in the protected area unknown to them before.
Varaždin
For the eleventh year in a row, the International Tourist Guide Day will be marked in Varaždin. On Sunday, Varaždin tourist guides will take citizens and their guests free of charge through the historic city center and introduce them to interesting facts from the history and present of Varaždin.
The starting point for tours of the historic city center will be in front of the City Hall, and the tours will start at 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., following epidemiological measures.
The city of Varaždin / Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board
Besides numerous facts, stories, and legends, visitors will learn some interesting things related to health – the tradition of hospitals in Varaždin, doctors in the past, where the first pharmacy was, and where public bathing areas were.
Garešnica trails of north Moslavina region
In Garešnica, the hometown of two world-famous personalities, "Mr. Morgen" Ivo Robić and Apollo engineer Mike Vucelić, the International Tourist Guide Day will be marked with free walking tours of northern Moslavina. A natural border, the Ilova River, separates Moslavina from neighboring Slavonia.
Photo: Northern Moslavina Tourist Board
During the six-kilometer walk, visitors will get to know the peculiarities of Garešnica and northern Moslavina: the old railway (where it led, how it connected Garešnica, when it ceased to serve its purpose), Equestrian Club Garić, Selište, Lake Skresovi (fishing tradition of Moslavina).
On Saturday, February 20, the tour will begin at 5 p.m, and on Sunday, February 21, at 9:30 p.m. on the Garešnica town square.
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Croatia Below EU Average on Amount of Municipal Waste Per Person
ZAGREB, 17 February 2021 - Denmark generated the most municipal waste per person in the European Union in 2019 - 844 kilograms, while Croatia generated nearly half as much, ranking alongside Sweden and Latvia, according to data from the EU statistical office Eurostat.
The countries that generated over 600 kg of municipal waste per person were Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus and Germany.
The EU average was 502 kg per person. Portugal, Greece, France, Finland, Austria and Ireland generated slightly more municipal waste than the average, while the Netherlands, Slovenia, Czechia and Italy were almost level with the average.
At 445 kg of municipal waste per person, Croatia was slightly below the EU average, ranking alongside Sweden and Latvia.
The least amount of municipal waste per person was generated by Bulgaria - 280 kg.
Europeans embrace recycling
In 2019 the amount of recycled waste reached a record 107 million tonnes, or 239 kg per person, nearly tripling since 1995. The amount of incinerated waste doubled to 60 million tonnes, or 134 kg per person.
On the other hand, the amount of landfilled waste more than halved, from 121 million tonnes in 1995 to 54 million tonnes in 2019.
