ZAGREB, 28 December, 2021 - A HRK 15.2 billion development agreement for the north of Croatia was signed in Varaždin on Monday, with speakers at the event saying that support to investments in the country's north was unprecedented, underlining its regional and national development dimension in the next decade.

The agreement was signed at the proposal of Varaždin, Međimurje, Krapina-Zagorje, Bjelovar-Bilogora and Koprivnica-Križevci counties. Of the HRK 15.2 billion, to be used for the implementation of 38 projects in the five counties, common infrastructure projects amount to HRK 9.2 billion, while the total value of county projects, including back-up projects, is 5.9 billion. The cost of project documentation is HRK 65.5 million.

The agreement was signed by Deputy PM Davor Božinović and ministers Marija Vučković, Nataša Tramišak, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Nikolina Brnjac, Oleg Butković, Darko Horvat, Vili Beroš and Radovan Fuchs and the heads of the five northwestern counties - Anđelko Stričak of Varaždin County, Matija Posavec of Međimurje County, Željko Kolar of Krapina-Zagorje County, Darko Koren of Koprivnica-Križevci County, and Marko Marušić of Bjelovar-Bilogora County.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said the agreement was part of the government's programme and was important both regionally and nationally.

"We have democracy, the state and its institutions, and after EU membership our goal is to contribute to the economic development and higher living standards of our citizens across Croatia," Plenković said, adding that using national and EU funding and public companies' money would be a priority in the period to come.

Recalling the adoption of the National Development Strategy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan as well the adoption of the development programme for northern Croatia in the current time of the coronavirus pandemic, Plenković said it proved that despite the crisis, the focus was on the future.

"The development average of the five counties is between 41 and 57% of the EU average. Varaždin County is the most developed and the biggest. That is why we are here to underline the central role of that northern Croatian county," Plenković said.

Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Nataša Tramišak said that the agreement defined clear strategic and capital projects that were expected to significantly enhance competitiveness as well as the quality of life of people in the north of Croatia, and that over the past few months it had been determined that most of those projects referred to transport and mobility.

"There are also projects concerning educational infrastructure, health infrastructure, and the restoration of cultural heritage to enable development of sustainable tourism, as well as other economic projects that will certainly change the quality of life in the north of Croatia," the minister said.

She added that the plan for the industrial transition of the country's north had already been completed and that a framework for the green and digital transition of economy was being planned so that along with large public and strategic projects, local businesses, too, could have access to funding from European sources.

Varaždin County head Stričak said that projects in his county were worth close to HRK 1.5 billion.

"Significant funds, amounting to €100 million, are envisaged for the regional economy under the Industrial Transition Plan as well," he said.

ZAGREB, 28 December, 2021 - Health Minister Vili Beroš said on Monday that rules had been adopted regulating the allowed level of noise generated by the Mt. Sljeme cable car system and other traffic infrastructure, and it was now up to the City of Zagreb and the State Inspectorate to make the next move to put the cable car into operation.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Varaždin, the minister explained that so far the relevant regulations had not covered cable cars as infrastructure projects at all.

"That was rectified, and during public consultation professional associations did not have any objections. The level of noise during the day and at night has been set as for road and railway transport, at 65 and 50 decibels respectively," the minister said.

He added that the level of noise produced by whisper was 20 decibels, by normal conversation 50 decibels and by loud conversation 65 decibels.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Oleg Burković had agreed with Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević that the Health Ministry would change its rules so that the cable car on Mt Sljeme, overlooking Zagreb, could finally start operating.

Butković said in early December that he expected the cable car to start working by the next Queen Trophy Alpine skiing competition, which is scheduled for 4 and 5 January.

However, Tomašević said last week that as time went by, it was less and less likely that the cable car would be put into operation before the competition. It will be good if it happens in January, while the skiing season still lasts, he said.

ZAGREB, 28 December, 2021 - A €2 billion plan for the social and economic revitalisation of Sisak-Moslavina County in the next eight years was presented by the Croatian government on Monday, ahead of the first anniversary of the devastating earthquakes.

The plan envisages investments in the infrastructure, the enterprise sector and in demographic projects in that county in the next eight years.

Some of the major projects are the completion of the Zagreb-Sisak motorway, incentives for entrepreneurial activities in the county and post-quake reconstruction of housing units.

Presenting the long-term programme, Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Nataša Tramišak said that the government was guided by the imperative to improve the situation in the county.

"We have drawn up the programme of the demographic, social and economic revitalisation of the whole county so as to stop the implications of the 2020 earthquakes being felt in the long run, and prevent the further deprivation of the whole area," said Minister Tramišak.

Economy Minister Tomislav Ćorić said at the presentation that one of the prerequisites of stronger integration of Banovina and the whole of Sisak-Moslavina County would be infrastructural and transport connectivity. Therefore a large amount of the investments envisaged under the plan will go for road and railway corridors, he said.

1st anniversary of devastating quakes in county

In the morning of 28 December 2020, Sisak-Moslavina County was struck by a 5.0-strong quake, with the epicentre near the city of Petrinja. An the day after that, the county was rocked by an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, and it took eight lives. Five villagers were killed by the disaster in Majske Poljane, and in the town of Petrinja, a 13-year-old girl lost her life. A seventh victim was found in the rubble of a church in Žažina. The eighth victim was a woman who died in March 2021 of the injuries she sustained in the quake. Another two persons were killed while clearing the rubble in the aftermath of the quake.

Twenty eight (28) people were injured in the disaster.

The quakes inflicted huge damage to the county, and some damage related to the Sisak-Moslavina quake was reported in neighbouring counties, too.

The World Bank has estimated the quake damage at €5.5 billion. The European Union has disbursed from the Solidarity Fund €319 million in aid to Croatia to deal with the aftermath of the quake.

Roughly 40,000 buildings and structures were damaged by the earthquakes, and 5,000 of them were labelled to be temporarily out of use.

Local inhabitants have submitted requests for the reconstruction of 9,568 properties.

In the aftermath, about 450 properties were demolished as they posed a safety risk.

To date, 1,108 family houses have been renovated by the authorities and another 470 houses have been renovated by their owners.

December 28, 2021 - In the 28th edition of the renowned World Travel Awards, the distinction of the best European cruise destination went to Dubrovnik, surpassing other cities such as Amsterdam, Oslo, Lisbon, and Athens.

The award for the leading European cruise destination went to Dubrovnik as part of the 28th edition of the World Travel Awards, reports HrTurizam. It is an organization that awards the best in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry every year, and the awards are given at the global, regional, and national levels.

The winners are chosen by experts from each field, but also by users who also participate in the selection. The World Travel Awards, also known as the Oscar of the World Tourism Industry, is an esteemed award in the tourism sector and is globally recognized as a top feature of excellence in the industry.

Dubrovnik has been declared the leading destination for cruises in Europe, where there is no lack of competition. Also nominated were Amsterdam, Athens, Lisbon, Venice, Copenhagen, Oslo, Cannes, St. Petersburg, the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Forth, and as many as three Turkish destinations: Bodrum, Izmir, and Kusadasi.

Dubrovnik has also entered the selection for the world's best cruise destination. A total of 14 destinations from all continents were nominated, and Jamaica was re-elected as the best. In addition to this, Dubrovnik was nominated for the award of the leading European city destination at sea, which also included Barcelona, ​​Lisbon, Porto, Istanbul, and Venice.

The cruise industry around the world, including Croatia, has experienced a slight recovery this year. In the first nine months of this year, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 24 foreign cruise ships sailed into Croatian ports with 134 cruises. Of that number, most cruises were realized in Dubrovnik, a total of 111.

For more, check out our dedicated travel section.

December 28, 2021 - A guided vertical and horizontal tasting of Istrian Cossetto Malvasia was held at the Zagreb cafe bar "Naša priča" by Flâneur.

That wonderful Malvasia always cheers up a man! Wine Talks were held with Tomislav Stiplošek in collaboration with "Cheers with You" by Nedeljka Krupljan. It was a guided vertical and horizontal tasting of Malvasia by the Istrian winery Cossetto, held at the Zagreb cafe bar "Naša priča" by Flâneur.

We taste wines of different ages, usually of the same variety, producer, or vineyard, by vertical wine tasting. With horizontal tastings. we taste other wines from the same region and vintages from different vineyards, locations, or technologies - explains wine expert Tomislav Stiplošek.

Slobodan Kadic

On this occasion, Malvasia Rustica Cossetto was tasted, harvested in 2018, 2013, 2011, and 2009. It is a wine whose grapes were first dried on the vine and then macerated for two days. After fermentation, the wine was aged in wooden barrels and then in a bottle. Along with Rustica, Malvasia Cossetto of regular vintages from the same years were tasted.

The Cossetto family winery is located in Kaštelir. The family currently has three oenologists: Alfredo and Melinda Cossetto and their daughter Denis, and are focused on producing premium wines for the discerning market and wine connoisseurs.

"Due to a large number of Malvasia wines on the Istrian market, we wanted our Malvasia to be slightly different from others, i.e., we wanted to produce wine from the indigenous variety that will recognize the typicality, and that this wine can withstand longer aging in the bottle," emphasizes Cossetto.

Did they succeed in that? Malvasia Rustica is proof.

"This tasting showed that aged Malvasia has a great aging potential," said Nedeljka Krupljan, adding: "Malvasia of regular vintages of the Cossetto winery is very interesting; only for the one from 2009, I would say that it is on the wane, while the younger ones are still drinkable, but I still recommend drinking them immediately, within a year or two."

When asked which wine, in her opinion, is the winner of the evening, she replied: "In my opinion, definitely Malvasia Rustica from 2009. It surprised me! On the nose, there is a spectrum of aromas of caramel, honey, vanilla; potential for another two to three years."

The audience's reaction to the tasting was, as expected, excellent. Of course, everyone found their favorite, but in general, we can say that most of them liked Malvasia Rustica from 2013.

There was no lack of accompanying snacks - this time, it was platters with cured meat products and cheeses, with bread from Zagreb's favorite craft bakery Bread Club. The basket included bread with toasted sunflower, flax, pumpkin seeds, pain de campagne (T850 flour and 5% rye flour), and focaccia with olive oil.

Slobodan Kadic

"At the 29th Wine Talks, we got a little out of our comfort zone. Again, we did not host a winemaker but focused on wines, this time on two Malvasias, and vertically monitored their aging. This is something we will do as often as possible in the future to get some results and find out if our wines have the potential for longer aging. Judging by Malvasia Rustica, they certainly have. I was personally impressed by Rustica from 2009 - a perfect wine which, unfortunately, is no more - these were the last bottles," concluded Tomislav Stiplošek.

Nedeljka Krupljan is a sommelier of wine and olive oil, a young, enthusiastic woman who lives and loves what she does. She has launched the project "Cheers With You By Nedeljka Krupljan," in which she wants to present Croatian wines of indigenous varieties through a journey of flavors that she is sure will enchant you. This unique experience provides tourists and other interested wine lovers to explore the wine offer, mainly in Istrian villas. Events are also held in Zagreb, in collaboration with G.E.T. Report and Flâneur catering.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 28, 2021 - Meet Mario Ivanković, the founder of the Rolling Wheels Youth Association, who is on a mission to popularise skateboarding in Vukovar.

Following decorations, gifts, and last week's cakes and sweets, for this week’s edition of Vukovar 365, we decided it was time for creativity combined with movement and sport. And to celebrate this extreme, and to many an unusual sport entering the Olympic realms, I decided to speak to one of its rare representatives here in Vukovar.

Meet Mario Ivanković, the founder of the Rolling Wheels Youth Association, who has been on a mission to popularise skateboarding. In a bid to bring it closer to the general public and to educate the residents of Vukovar on the many benefits of always hitting your ankles with a wooden board, Mario founded Rolling Wheels with his friend Igor in 2009.

In the twelve years that have since gone by, the Association has successfully organized events and festivals, become known country-wide, and managed to convince the city of Vukovar to finance building not one, but two skateparks. Not too bad, is it? The skateboarding population in Vukovar also grew from the initial two skateboarders (you guessed it, Mario and Igor) to dozens of young and teenage boys and girls practicing this art.

With skateboarding becoming an Olympic sport, their horizons have broadened and the dynamic duo is looking to transform the Association into a skateboarding club, which would allow them to carry out more activities, and on a larger scale. Not only are there new places to spend time opening up in Vukovar, but they also help us come up with new things to do. We do advise not trying it at home, though.

Tell us about your association. How did you begin and what is it that you do? 

Rolling Wheels was founded in 2009. Our first goal, which we achieved in 2013, was to have a skatepark built in Vukovar. Other than that, we wanted to popularize skateboarding in Croatia. Extreme sports were always put aside and were considered dangerous and mischievous. Skateboards were frowned upon by the City council and Vukovar’s residents. To popularize skateboarding and present it in a more positive manner we decided to get together and organize skateboarding contests. 

What projects did you do in Vukovar, can you describe them? 

Our main project that went on from 2009 until 2018 was Vukovar Street Art. It was a one-day festival of extreme sports (skateboarding, BMX, and inline best trick contest) including alternative cultures like hip-hop concerts, graffiti workshops, and B-boying. Vukovar Street Art was special because it took place in the city center where skateboarders would show off their skills to everyone and anyone that happened to pass by. On top of that, it was the first “best trick” contest in Croatia. Every year the contest grew and had more and more visitors. 

How many people took part, where were they from? What about those who just came to observe? 

The observers were mainly locals that came with children who were more than impressed by tricks than the skateboarders themselves. It was something unusual and different since it gathered a bunch of different people from all around Croatia that did tricks on a piece of wood, so to speak. The contestants and visitors came from all around Croatia and even from Serbia, Bosnia, Germany, Slovenia, and Brazil.

How successful were you in acquiring sponsorship? 

Getting sponsors from skateboard shops and skateboarding brands was quite easy, actually. Since it was a different kind of contest everyone was down to support us. Getting the scene together was always a pleasure and the smiles on our friends’ faces were what kept us going. The difficult part was getting the financial support we needed but it always somehow ended fine. The main financial sponsor was always the City of Vukovar.

What’s in the future of the association? 

The Association is now going through the process of change. Since skateboarding became an Olympic sport, it became clear that it is here to stay. In order to join the Croatian skateboarding committee, it now needs to become a skateboarding club. To do so we must make some changes within our organization, including changing the statute. By becoming a skateboarding club, we will secure a full membership within the Croatian Skateboarding Committee and will be able to organize national cups in Vukovar.  

Are you planning new projects any time soon? 

One of our main goals for 2022 is to hold a national cup in Vukovars’ newly built skatepark. The Cup will be under the sponsorship of the Croatian Olympic Committee, more precisely the Croatian Skate Association. 

Would you be interested in working with CROMADS and taking part in the Vukovar Card initiative? 

Yes, we would. It could broaden our horizons and introduce us to some new people.

Finally, tell us about Vukovar. Why should people visit? 

Firstly, because of its rich history. The city is filled with beautiful buildings and houses and the river Danube gives it a special atmosphere. Nearby cities are also worth visiting. If you visit Vukovar you should definitely visit the City Museum, the newly renovated Water Tower, the Memorial Centre of Homeland War, and take a stroll through the city centre and the promenades along Vuka and Danube.

Where can we find you?

You can check us out on Vukovar Street Art’s Facebook page.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 28, 2021 - Sinj will say goodbye to 2021 in style with an exciting all-day program announced by the Sinj Tourist Board. 

After the children's New Year's Eve event held at 2 pm on Dr. Franjo Tuđman Square, the enticing aromas of the most delicious Sinj cuisine - Sinj arambaši - will spread through the air. This holiday specialty is rightly on the list of the Ministry of Culture and Media as an intangible asset of the Republic of Croatia. Arambaši will be distributed for free for Sinj citizens and their guests, which will satisfy their palates until the evening hours and an unforgettable New Year's Eve program.

A favorite group of all generations, Crvena Jabuka, accompanied by Sinj local group Ljuta Kuća, will help the town say goodbye to 2021 and introduce 2022!

The program will be conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the applicable measures of the CNIPH.

To read more about Inland Dalmatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 28, 2021 - The Red Slope on Sljeme officially received the green light for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Snow Queen Trophy 2022.

This was confirmed by Emmanuel Couder, director of the FIS World Cup for technical disciplines for men, who checked the quality and snow control of the Sljeme slalom track, mandatory for all organizers of FIS World Cup races, reports Gol.hr.

After inspecting the track, Emmanuel Couder said: "I am very pleased with the snow situation on Sljeme and the situation on the track. There are 70-100 centimeters of solid, compact snow cover on the Red Slope and the track is very well prepared. The organizers and staff of the Sljeme Ski Resort have prepared a good surface and produced sufficient amounts of snow."

After the FIS confirmation, Vedran Pavlek, director of the Organizing Committee of the race, added:

"I am delighted. Sljeme's Red Slope has never been so well prepared so early, which was confirmed by our skiers who have been training on the Red Slope for the last ten days. The snow on the Red Slope is enough to withstand the eventual southerly wind announced. Although the temperatures are higher than the average for this time of year, there is enough snow on Sljeme, and we even have spare snow on the side in case we need it. In the coming days, we will work with FIS representatives to decide when and what the final preparation of the track will be, depending on the weather forecast."

The FIS Ski World Cup Snow Queen Trophy 2022 races are scheduled for January 4 and 5, when the world's best slalom skiers will compete for points, the title, and the crown. The first run of the women's race will be on Tuesday, January 4, at 12:30, and the second run at 16:05.

The best men's slalom skiers will compete on Wednesday, January 5, with the first run starting at 15:30, while the second run begins at 18:40.

Unfortunately, to hold the race safely and follow the epidemiological measures, the FIS Ski World Cup Snow Queen Trophy will be held again this season without spectators and guests, and the world's best slalom skiers will not be greeted by fans this time either.

However, everyone will be able to watch the event on HRT2.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.