News

ZAGREB, 6 July 2022 - Visiting Croatia on July 4-5, Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Regional Director for the European Union, held high-level meetings with key stakeholders to discuss the country's development priorities, the World Bank's support, latest macro-fiscal developments, and evolving global challenges. Vincelette, who was accompanied by Jehan Arulpragasam, World Bank Country Manager for Croatia, and members of his team, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zdravko Marić, Minister of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Marin Piletić, Minister of Justice and Public Administration, Ivan Malenica, and key representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the…

ZAGREB, 6 July 2022 - Croatia has lost an arbitration case regarding INA brought by the Hungarian oil company MOL, in which MOL alleged that the Croatian government did not honour its obligations from a gas business agreement, the Večernji List daily said on Wednesday.  According to unofficial information, having lost the case, Croatia will have to pay between 250 and 300 million US dollars, including interest. Croatia's objections regarding corruption during the purchase of INA by MOL from the Croatian state were rejected as well. The case was dealt with by the International Court for Settlement of Investment Disputes…

July 6, 2022 - The youngest-ever debutant for the Croatia national team and once considered the most promising young talent in Europe is looking to revive his career. Alen Halilović returns to Croatia as a new member of Rijeka.  Alen Halilović is a new player of HNK Rijeka, the club announced on Wednesday. Halilović underwent a medical examination this morning and signed the contract afterward, reports Rijeka.  After playing in the second division of English football for two years, first for Birmingham and then for Reading, who did not offer him a new contract, Halilović decided to return to Croatia…

ZAGREB, 6 July 2022  - The news of Finance Minister Zdravko Marić's unexpected resignation on Tuesday was followed by the first reactions of opposition politicians who in their comments told Prime Minister Andrej Plenković that the time was ripe for new parliamentary elections. Social Democratic Party (SDP) political secretary Mirela Ahmetović said in a Twitter post that "the last time Marić resigned, his boss fled the country and the company folded," a reference to former Agrokor company owner Ivica Todorić. When the most popular minister leaves, that means the government has fallen and Plenković just does not want to admit…

ZAGREB, 5 July 2022 - Jutarnji List daily said on Tuesday that First Lady Sanja Musić Milanović had called Hanza Media owner Ana Hanžeković Krznarić in an attempt to stop an article on her contacting the headmistress of her son's secondary school about raising his grades. According to the daily, President Zoran Milanović said an "absolute lie" when he claimed earlier today that Hanžeković Krznarić had called his wife yesterday afternoon, before the article was released, and told her that an article was being prepared and it would be good if she responded. The President's Office has not yet replied to Hina's query about the…

ZAGREB, 5 July 2022 - Weathering the challenges, Croatia's commodity exports have achieved a strong growth, and the number of exporters increased by 1,700 in 2021, giving rise to relative optimism in the current challenging times, it was said at a conference in Zagreb on Tuesday. Croatian commodity exports are at the level of 2019, and despite the challenges, they achieved €7.5 billion in the first four months of this year, which is 35% more compared to the same period last year, it was said at the 9th edition of the conference "mart people know what exports are for". "In times that are…

July the 6th, 2022 - The stunning Makarska Riviera is known for its jaw-dropping panoramic views, rugged and imposing mountains, gorgeous beaches and of course - the sparkling Adriatic Sea that draws millions of visitors to Croatian shores from across the world. There's now a brand new Makarska 5 star facility on offer, as well. As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, in the presence of more than 300 guests, the very first Makarska 5 star facility - Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel - was officially opened. This new hotel is otherwise a large greenfield investment worth more than 50 million euros, providing 200 new…

July the 6th, 2022 - The Croatian nautical tourism sector is absolutely booming and represents an extremely strong branch of the country's most lucrative earner - tourism. The sector enjoyed an excellent pre-season, and it looks as if the very height of the summer season is going to be a great one as well. As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Croatia is the first on many lists, and that can be either good or bad. It's the record holder for people leaving the homes of their parents and becoming independent last, but it's also very often the first when it comes to…

July the 6th, 2022 - The Golden Key awards (Croatian: Zlatni kljuc) are awarded to the best Croatian exporters each year, and this year, with continued challenges owing to the war in Ukraine which broke out following Russian invasion back in February this year, things continue to be demanding for businesses. As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the Golden Key awards for the best of Croatia's largest exporters went to Koncar - Distribution and special transformers, the best of the medium Croatian exporters is Dok-Ing, and the Q agency has been declared the best of the small and micro Croatian exporters for this…

July the 6th, 2022 - There have been an impressive 227% more overnight stays realised in Dubrovnik-Neretva County so far in 2022 than during the same period back in 2021. As Morski writes, after two uncertain pandemic-dominated years filled with numerous epidemiological restrictions, lockdowns and last minute rule introductions, tourism has well and truly returned to the Croatian coast with better results than many could have ever initially expected. Down in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, tourism companies and employees are busy rubbing their hands with satisfaction because their results in the first half of the year are an enomous 227% better than…