June the 2nd, 2022 - The Croatian economic expectations which were looking promising over the last few weeks have dropped since May this year owing to continuing inflation worries.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Croatian economic expectations worsened during the month of May 2022 as a wave of pessimism among consumers in the face of high ongoing inflation outweighed improved retail sentiment, a European Commission (EC) report found.

The Economic Climate Index (ESI) in the Republic if Croatia fell by 0.8 points during the month of May compared to the revised value we could read about in April, amounting to 110.1 points.

The strongest deterioration last month was the general feeling and sentiments among the country's consumers, whose index fell 3.4 points from April, sliding below the long-term average of the past twenty years.

Croatian economic expectations in the service and construction sectors, whose indices fell by 1.4 and 0.6 points, were also somewhat dampened. Retail managers showed a certain degree of optimism, as was expressed in the jump of the index by as much as 6.4 points. Expectations in the industry, whose index rose by half a point, also improved slightly.

At the same time, business leaders are signaling a decrease in the demand for labour, which was reflected in the fall of the index by 3.3 points. According to their perception, the uncertainty was alleviated compared to the month of April, despite ongoing inflation, and the rise in energy prices and problems in supply chains, seeing the EUI index fall by 1.3 points.

At the European Union (EU) level, the economic climate index fell by half a point in May when compared to April, while in the Eurozone it remained almost unchanged.

This occurred despite the fact that the countries using the single European currency are all facing the exact same struggles as Croatia in regard to inflation, although the currency offers a form of safety net Croatia won't be able to enjoy until its own accession to the Eurozone in early 2023.

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

June the 2nd, 2022 - The tragically rare noble pen shell, of which there are believed to be only a mere twenty living speciments remaining in the Croatian Adriatic, appears to be a dying species. Mljet National Park, however, is continuing to do all it can to protect the remaining ones and encourage them to flourish in the southern part of the Croatian coast.

As Morski writes, throughout this year, the NP Mljet National Park Public Institution is firmly continuing with the project entitled "The preservation of the noble pen shell in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea", which is being co-financed by the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency of the Republic of Croatia.

In cooperation with the Sunce Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development, collectors were set up in Veliko Jezero and the Lastovo Bay on Friday to catch young noble pen shells, should any of them be present within the general area. The collectors will be in the sea until November and will be a base on which perisha larvae can be caught.

Marine experts hope that there are still live adult noble pen shells located in relative proximity and which are close enough to each other for normal fertilisation to occur. Any noble pen shells which are found to be alive will be transported to the aquarium in Pula, where they will be taken care of and attempts at breeding in swimming pools will be made by those in the know.

The noble pen shell rescue project was created to repair the unfortunate situation in which we've seen the ongoing mass death of this strictly protected species across the Mediterranean. Back at the end of 2019, the noble pen shell was included in the Red List of critically endangered species due to a disease that affected it back in 2016 in Spain, and which by 2019, had sadly managed to spread to the Croatian Adriatic. The synergy of an aggressive parasite which causes the disease (Haplosporidium pinnae) and a type of bacteria which does the same (Mycobaterium sherrisii) has brought the noble pen shell to the very brink of extinction. Should it go over that brink, it's believed that there will be no turning back for this Mediterranean species.

If you are swimming and happen to come across a noble pen shell in Croatian waters, you'll be able to tell whether or not the specimen is alive by just gently passing your hand over. If it is alive, the shell will slowly close itself. In this case, do not touch it, but instead inform the Institute for Environmental Protection and Nature of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development by email, explaining as best you can the shell's location: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

June 2, 2022 - Dimensions Festival celebrates its 10th-anniversary edition from September 1 to 5, 2022. TCN catches up with the organizers to learn more about this year's special edition at The Garden Resort in Tisno.

After a stunning start to the new chapter at The Garden Resort of Tisno last year, the acclaimed underground Dimensions Festival brings back a tastefully curated list of headliners, back-to-back exclusives, label parties, UKG celebrations, Detroit specials, debut sets, and more to ring in the special jubilee. 

TCN caught up with the Dimensions Festival organizers to learn more about what we can expect this year. 

Dimensions celebrates 10 years this year! Congrats! How has the festival evolved, from its beginnings in Pula to today in Tisno? 

In Pula, the scale of our event meant often a lot of attention was on the big headline acts with a need to draw many thousands of people to our event from all over the world. The Garden Resort's intimate setting has given us time to refresh our approach with the line-up in a way that celebrates the exciting artists, labels, and parties in the various corners of our scene but that also plays musically into the idyllic settings including the famous Barbarellas, home to our after parties.

How do the two locations compare? What does Tisno offer that Pula couldn't? Or vice versa?

Each year in Pula we were required to bring utilities into the site; site, power, etc. The site itself was also technically challenging to produce the events at the scale we did. Tisno gives us the ability to focus on the music, the production, the sound, etc with ease. The site is one of the world's best-loved festival resorts, and it's clear to see why. Tisno town also offers a welcomed excursion for customers, artists and staff alike, making the experience feel more like a holiday than a festival at times – which is no bad thing.

Big things are in store for the 10th-anniversary edition - what can festival-goers expect this year to celebrate the big jubilee?

We have many friends joining us for our tenth year, old and new. Off the back of last year's event, there is great excitement and energy for Dimensions Festival this year and we know it is going to be another very special one! 

This year we have lots of very special stage takeovers, some unmissable after-parties at Barbarellas and 3-hour boat parties soon to be announced that will venture out on the Adriatic each day. We'll also be announcing a new stage for 2022... more details on that coming soon.

How many festival-goers are expected this year and which acts are most exciting?

We have had a great response to festival tickets so far this year and are due to expand the site slightly in line with this, with three main stages, a chill-out space, and lots of other special things in store for those that join us this summer!

To us, each act is exciting – we're very excited to welcome debut appearances from so many artists we've wanted to join for so long, as well as celebrating our 10th anniversary this summer alongside so many long-standing partners and artists who have been with us since the beginning.

The boat parties are always a hit - what do you have in store for the 10th edition?

There will be three parties a day, announced soon, with many of our partners presenting some seriously unmissable parties on the Argonaughty! Keep your eyes peeled.

10 years down, at least another 10 to go? How do you see the future of Dimensions festival in Croatia?

Our focus is very much on 2022 at the moment and on making our 10th celebration as special as it can be. Dimensions Festival feels in a really great place at the moment and we're very excited to plan for the future.

For full information and tickets, head to https://www.dimensionsfestival.com.

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

June 2, 2022 - The Croatian Championship finals are tied at 1:1 after 77:73 (43:36) win for Cedevita Zagreb.

After losing the finals opener on Monday, the top-seed team from the capital was able to come back with a last quarter effort in front of 1500 spectators to maintain their chances for a title win against the defending champions. 

To pull the victory off, the talented team stopped the guests at 66:68 with four minutes left to play. The decision finally came with the last possession during which Toni Nakić scored both of his free throws after top scorer Justin Carter had scored his 19th and 20th points of the night to make it 75:73.

Cedevita Zagreb

The series will now continue with two games in Zadar on Sunday and Tuesday. Should game 5 be needed, it will be played in Zagreb Friday, June 10.

Result by quarters: 23:23, 20:13, 15:16, 19:21

Referees:  Radojković Josip, Jovović Alfred, Vulić Martin

https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/HKS/2097384/

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

June 2, 2022 - This summer, Croatia will host the world-famous DJ Calvin Harris in Split as part of the first HARD Summer EUROPE festival on Žnjan beach on August 6.

The HARD Summer festival, which has been successfully organized in the USA for years, will get its European version this year! The leading North American festival will be presented to thousands of Croatian and foreign visitors on August 6, 2022, with a spectacular performance by superstar DJ Calvin Harris. An exciting concert by one of the world's leading music performers will take place in front of thousands of visitors at the popular Žnjan beach in Split. With an idyllic blend of sun, sea, and dance music, this event will be one of the best beach parties in Europe this year. 

HARD Summer Europe will be marked by a performer who has racked up music charts worldwide with countless hits, collecting over 27 top 10 singles in the UK alone. He has over 35 billion combined audio and video streams, making him one of the most-watched artists on YouTube and one of Sony Music’s greatest streaming artists. Calvin has collaborated with several international artists, including Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott. He has won several top music awards and nominations throughout his successful career, including 14 nominations for the MTV MMA, two wins, and five Grammy nominations. He won the Grammy Award in 2013 in the category of the best music video for the song "We Found Love".

Visitors to HARD Summer can expect to hear all the most popular songs that will form part of his indispensable set during this special event. And not only that, the organizers of the event - ALDA and Insomniac, will make sure to provide world-class production to ensure visitors an unforgettable performance of one of the world's most popular musicians.

HARD Summer has been a significant component of the California festival scene since its inaugural release back in 2007. Although this festival enjoys a globally recognized reputation as one of the most significant music events in the United States, the brand has recently decided to make a breakthrough by expanding internationally. HARD now aims to expand its diverse and numerous fan base to Europe to celebrate electronic music on Croatian soil.

Tickets are on sale at www.hardsummer.eu.

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

June 2, 2022 - Harfa International School in Split opened its doors in autumn 2020 as the first international primary school in the city. TCN learns about Harfa’s straightforward philosophy - developing potential. 

The name ‘Harfa’ may already ring a bell to some of you in Split as it's the same as the local publishing house specializing in the literature that stimulates children's emotional and intellectual development at an early age. 

Harfa International School takes that idea to the next level. 

Located on the premises of a Franciscan monastery in Split, Harfa International School was started by entrepreneur Irena Orlović, a neurolinguistic therapist and one of the main protagonists of Mastercard's short documentary FIVE, which addresses the challenges of women's entrepreneurship around the world while promoting the more substantial involvement of women in the economy. Irena was chosen to represent Europe in the documentary, and her inspiring story has been watched by millions worldwide. 

Expanding on the ethos of the Harfa Publishing House, Irena and Harfa International School endeavor to encourage the early emotional and intellectual development of children and educate parents on pushing their children to the fullest potential. All content is adapted to the neurological age of the child, while classes are taught by native English speakers. Endorsing understanding over memorization, students independently choose a weekly learning program with access to games, videos, and digital learning content. 

Harfa is a champion for autonomous creators and creative explorers, founded on principles of non-violence and diversity. It is next-level learning in an environment where children feel comfortable and relaxed; where time outside in nature is just as important as inside the classroom. 

“Learning models in which students passively learn facts and quote them out of context are no longer enough because the brain remembers what is important to it. Neuroscience has proven that if we want children to acquire new knowledge, knowledge needs to be given some meaning, and in order for the brain to understand it, its emotional parts need to be included. Through socio-emotional programs, students have the opportunity to express their emotions, learn to empathize, accept differences, feel the environment in which they live and best develop their potential for what can be discovered and created in the world,” said Irena Orlović.

At Harfa, classes are small, with a maximum number of 18 students. Classes are instructed in English, with an emphasis on the Croatian language. The school embraces individuality through various teaching and learning methodologies while closely following the globally recognized International Baccalaureate educational programs starting from the age of 5, and anticipating until the completion of high school. 

The IB PYP curriculum model allows students to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to participate effectively in life through subject areas like Language and Literature – English/Croatian, Language Acquisition – English/Croatian, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Arts – Music, Visual Art. Students will master these subjects by thinking creatively yet critically, learning through individual work, group assignments, workshops, presentations, plenum, movement, rest, and relaxation to ultimately acquire the knowledge needed to tackle the next phases of life. Each student is celebrated for their talents in a welcoming climate that allows them to discover their best learning practices. 

The Primary Years Programme focuses on holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication, using a constructivist, inquiry approach to teaching, learning, and assessing. Students make practical connections between their studies and the real world and are well-equipped to undertake the IB Middle Years Programme which follows after the PYP programs at Harfa.

A variety of modern and didactic materials enhance the Harfa learning environment, designed to inspire, arouse interest and curiosity, and encourage research and experimentation, allowing students to observe and reason while keeping up with the latest trends in technology.

“By a culture of learning that encourages the development of potential, we mean a culture that allows for diversity and enables the development of individual potential and competencies. It is a culture of learning in which each individual child receives the message that his or her uniqueness is perfectly fine and that it is necessary just as it is.”

Overall, Harfa educators apply a learning culture that practices individual, self-organized, and experience-based work, while students are encouraged to question and evaluate information, using their knowledge, experience, and logical thinking to problem-solve in various situations. Harfa parents are also celebrated as protagonists in transforming their child’s potential. 

Built on a culture of connection, trust, and respect, Harfa is a close community where comparisons do not exist; where progress is measured individually yet teamwork is nurtured. An educational society where every child counts.

Harfa International School is located at Poljudsko šetalište 2, 21000 Split. More information can be found on its official website here. 

All photos by Sara Miller

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

June 1, 2022 - Marin Čilić is in the Roland Garros semi-finals!

In a fantastic match, the Croatian tennis player defeated the 7th best player in the world Andrey Rublev 3:2 in sets, and achieved his best result at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris. Čilić won 5:7, 6:3, 6:4, 3:6, 7:6 in sets after more than four hours of play.

In the first set, both tennis players kept their serve until 5:5 until Rublev took the 6:5 lead. In the next game, he finished the set at 7:5 without losing a point.

Marin entered the second set brilliantly, with an early break he took the lead at 3:0, was up 4:1, and then 5:2. At 5:3, he used the fifth set point for 6:3 and 1:1 in sets.

Čilić continued with momentum in the third set. At 2:2 he had two unused break points. But a new opportunity soon followed. At 3:3 he reached a new break and was successful. He kept the advantage until the end of the set and at 6:4 went ahead 2:1 in sets.

In the fourth set, Čilić and Rublev went to 4:3. Rublev then broke at 5:3 and won the serve for 6:3 and 2:2 in sets.

In the dramatic fifth set, there was no chance for a turnaround until 5:4. In the tenth game, Čilić reached the match point, but Rublev won the game for 5:5. In the next game, Rublev had a break, but Čilić managed to win the game for a 6:5 lead. After Rublev won his serve, the match went into the thirteenth game.

As of this year, at 6:6 a tie-break of up to 10 points is played in the deciding set. Čilić was the first to go ahead after a mini break for 4:2, and then with a fantastic game he scored another six points for 10:2 and a spot in the semifinals.

By entering the semifinals, Čilić achieved his greatest success at Roland Garros. He has reached the quarterfinals twice so far (2017, 2018), but lost both times. He was eliminated five years ago by the Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka, and a year later by Argentine player Juan Martin del Potro.

Čilić played the last semifinal at a Grand Slam in 2018, when he reached the final of the Australian Open. Čilić is also the first Croatian tennis player to reach all four Grand Slam semi-finals. 

It was the seventh meeting between 33-year-old Čilić and 24-year-old Rublev and Čilić's third victory.

More soon...

Source: HRT

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

ZAGREB, 1 June 2022 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said at a European People's Party (EPP) congress Wednesday that the EPP should be the leading political force in condemning and imposing sanctions against Russia and that Ukraine deserved European Union candidate status.

Speaking at the 27th EPP Congress in Rotterdam, Plenković said that the Russian aggression, which has lasted for more than three months, was not just military, but that it violated international law and denied the Ukrainian nation and identity.

"We, as the EPP, express our solidarity, support and sympathy for the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for freedom and for European values for all of us. We thank them for that", the Croatian prime minister said.

Plenković thinks that the EPP should be the leading political force in condemning Russian actions, imposing sanctions, and not tolerating policies that violate everything we stand for.

He called for continuing political, diplomatic, financial, economic, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine.

Ukraine deserves EU candidate status

Plenković considers that Ukraine deserves candidate status in the European Union, which it might gain soon.

"We will support granting Ukraine EU candidate status at the European Council in June. The Ukrainians are expecting that, the Ukrainians deserve that and that symbolic gesture by the EU will be another correct and moral choice in this unprecedented crisis", he underscored.

He reiterated that Croatia supported the European aspirations of other countries, mentioning Georgia, Moldova, Kosovo and neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"We'd like for the issue of constitutional and electoral reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be resolved in that process in order for all three constituent peoples to be treated equally and to feel satisfied and at ease", Plenković said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the European People's Party adopted a resolution calling for electoral and constitutional reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with decisions by international courts and the BiH Constitutional Court.

The "emergency resolution", tabled by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) calls for "electoral reforms to be addressed swiftly in an inclusive manner while complying with the requirements of EU membership."

Strengthening European defence

The prime minister called on his colleagues from the largest group in the European Parliament to make the EPP a leader in demographic revitalisation, the digital revolution and in the fight against climate change by the 2024 European election. He also called for strengthening European defence.

For more, check out our politics section.