September the 10th, 2022 - Fascinating anti-tank mines from back during the Second World War have been discovered on the popular Rab island in Northern Dalmatia.

As Morski writes, ever since the beginning of September 2022, the police have registered three voluntary surrenders of dangerous explosive devices by people from the areas of Crikvenica, Gorski kotar and Rijeka. Those individuals handed over one gun, a hand grenade and 31 pieces of different ammunition.

Over the aforementioned days, a German-made anti-tank mine from the Second World War was also found on Rab island. All the explosives discovered were handed in and dealt with by employees of the Rijeka Anti-Explosion Unit and will be disposed of safely and according to the strict rules of the profession.

The police would like to thank the conscientious citizens who joined the "Less weapons, fewer tragedies" campaign, which enabled the voluntary surrender of all types of weapons and explosives without any misdemeanor or criminal sanctions being imposed on anyone.

We'd also like to ask other citizens who still own unregistered explosive devices to hand them over to the police without fear of being sanctioned or punished in any way, and we particularly urge that such dangerous devices are not left out in open spaces in nature or at waste disposal sites, as this greatly endangers the safety of other people.

We'd also like to ask citizens not to touch or bring their explosive devices to the police station themselves, in order to prevent their activation and unwanted injuries, but to instead report the explosives to the police via the number 192. After that, authorised police officers will come and those explosives will then be taken safely away, the police explained.

Detailed information on the implementation of this action, as well as the handing over of weapons and other explosive devices, can be obtained by calling the free phone line 0800 88 92.

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

July the 25th, 2022 - A Rab hotel construction site has revealed no less than the remains of an impressive fourteenth century wooden vessel, which is now under archaeological investigation.

As Morski writes, archaeological supervision is being carried out by archaeologists at the excavation pit of a construction site (located in the area of ​​the former Hotel Istra, owned by the company Cilika d.o.o. from Zagreb). Wooden elements that were found to be parts of a fourteenth century ship's structure have been discovered.

The remains of the ancient wooden ship (which bears the working name RAB 1) were found in the extreme eastern corner of the cadastral parcel intended for the construction of a new hotel.

Part of the RAB 1 ship structure enters the excavation profile of the construction site, which is now secured by AB columns, as a result of which it is unfortunately partially damaged and unavailable for research.

It has since been learned from the experts that the ship's structures are located in a layer of sandy-silty material mixed with malacological remains, organic material and original sandstone rocks. In the layer above the ship, a small amount of modern ceramic fragments was found. Most of them are tableware, and the shapes are those of bowls, containers and jugs, all with different types of coating, which, according to the manner in which they're decorated, more than likely originate from the area of ​​Venetian ceramic workshops.

In the area of ​​the archaeological probes investigated across the ship, the existence of eleven ribs with associated rib extensions was determined. The ribs in the central part above the plates have a small groove in them, the so-called a drain for the passage of the sea water. On the widest part, it was established that there are ten plates that make up the boat's full formwork.

At the current stage of investigation, it has been established that the boat didn't have a keel, but only a wider central keel plate. The ribs and the rib extensions are connected to each other with wooden nails, and at the northern end of the boat, the foundation of the mast resting on two ribs has been preserved.

The length of the visible ship structure RAB 1 is about 6.5 metres, and the width is 2.2 metres, while its original length can be roughly estimated at about 8 metres in total.

Radiocarbon analysis dates the time of wood cutting for the construction of the boat to the beginning of the fourteenth century, which makes the boat discovered at this Rab hotel construction in question a unique opportunity for researching late medieval vessels on the Adriatic Sea.

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

July the 2nd, 2022 - A massive two million euros has been invested into a beautiful Rab beach which falls within the scope of one of many large hotel complexes - Valamar Padova.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the brand new sandy Rab beach at the Valamar Padova hotel and the The Beat Beach Club have now been officially opened! The value of Imperial Riviera's investment in this project in which the new Rab beach was revamped stands at more than two million euros.

With this investment, Imperial continues to invest in the development of the destination of the island of Rab as a whole and improve the quality of the tourist offer. The number of guests during the height of the summer tourist season had exceeded the beach capacities of the island of Rab, and especially the properly equipped beaches. Way back in 2012, Imperial Riviera initiated a project for the construction, expansion and improvement of the beaches in the Banjol area, which stretches from the Valamar Padova Hotel to the Padova Premium Camping Resort, according to a statement from the City of Rab's administration.

"Today, Imperial Riviera is the fifth largest tourist company in all of Croatia, and we're aware that in the great competition across the tourist market, we must ensure the continuity of investment in the quality of our facilities and content, including the beaches, which are an integral part of our overall offer. Imperial Riviera's strategic commitment within the Valamar Group is to respect the concept of sustainable development in all business segments, from protecting the natural environment to supporting local culture, lifestyle and relations with the local community. This includes taking care of the arrangement and maintenance of the beaches, which are equally enjoyed by the local population as they are by tourists, and which significantly improve the touristic competitiveness of the destination," said Vlado Mis of Imperial Riviera.

The construction and arrangement of the Rab beach in front of the Valamar Padova hotel enabled the employment of twelve new employees. The project included the filling of about 5,000 square metres of the coastal area, the construction of a breakwater, infrastructural and horticultural landscaping, a new promenade, beach facilities, a sanitary facility and equipping it with the most modern beach equipment, including canopies and sunbeds, as well as several attractions for children. With a capacity for about 700 swimmers, the new sandy Rab beach within the Valamar Padova hotel is currently the most modern and most beautifully decorated beach on the entire island.

The newly renovated beach is otherwise managed by Imperial Riviera as a concessionaire, and in addition to guests of the Valamar Padova hotel, the beach is also open to local residents and other tourists staying on the island of Rab.

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

April 12, 2022 - The 4 Islands MTB Race is a five-day mountain bike race whose primary goal is to promote mountain biking as a recreation, hobby, sport, and lifestyle.

This year differs from events in the past in that the Ironman group bought the Kvarner race and presented the "4 Islands MTB race" as part of their Epic series. Thus, Croatia and Kvarner will stand alongside Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Wales, Andorra, and South Africa. The additional value of this event is the promotion of the Croatian islands of Krk, Rab, Cres, and Lošinj as cycling destinations and improving cycling tourism as an alternative form of tourism in Croatia.

Vedran Metelko

In five days, the cyclists will cover 270 kilometers of trails and over 5,000 meters of total altitude. The race takes place every day on a different island, which is a demanding logistics and an unforgettable experience for competitors and companions. It gathers about 600 competitors from more than thirty countries worldwide, and thanks to the professional and intensive organization, participants can enjoy events in a family environment and concentrate only on their competition.

Ivan Sardi

Thanks to the top initiative of the hosts and their pleasant welcome, hard work of the organizing team, and excellent cooperation with partners, the synergy of sports and off-season tourism is achieved in Croatia, which is at its peak, and returning competitors have recognized this for several years. The race is held at the beginning of the cycling season, so it is conceptually arranged to extend the tourist season and open the cycling season of training and outdoor racing after winter.

Ivan Sardi

It is possible to compete in several categories, thus enabling fair participation of competitors of different age groups and combinations. Furthermore, racing side by side with the professionals of this sport is something that makes this race and cycling itself exceptional. It is an amateur race side by side with professionals that allow the interaction of amateurs and lovers of the sport and their idols.

The project organizer, Tomislav Zobec, revealed that the vision of the project is to position the 4 Islands MTB stage race as one of the most recognizable stage mountain bike races in the world and achieve a sustainable project for the company and the local community.

"We want to promote mountain biking and provide users with a unique cycling experience in unique locations and become a race with the world's strongest names in the sport."

"We are delighted to participate in such an event because this is another opportunity to position ourselves as an important destination for cycling tourism. Both Baška and the island of Krk and the whole of Croatia are still insufficiently discovered pearls for tourists looking for adrenaline, rest, and great experiences of the destination. We have just all of that, and that is why we are big supporters of such events, and I hope that there will be more and more of them. It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of this beautiful and truly inspiring story," said Ivana Topic, the Baška Tourist Board director.

Ivan Sardi

It is important to emphasize that the trails on all four islands are cleaned and prepared every year. After the race, they are enjoyed by many walkers, runners, and cyclists. Most of the trails that were or are part of the race today are part of the island's tourist offer.

The race takes place from April 19 to 23, 2022. 

Baška, 19.4.2022.

STAGE 1: Krk, 20.4.2022.

STAGE 2: Rab, 21.04.2022.

STAGE 3: Cres, 22.04.2022.

STAGE 4: Lošinj, 23.04.2022.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 23, 2021 - Croatian sustainable cultural tourism destinations have been awarded at the 14th International Cultural Tourism Conference held in Athens. 

As part of the 14th International Cultural Tourism Conference in Europe, organized by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), an award ceremony for the best European destinations for sustainable cultural tourism was held in Athens on October 21, 2021, reports HRTurizam.

The awards have been presented since 2014 to create a platform to exchange experiences and knowledge and promote networking among destinations. The competition is open to all tourist destinations across Europe, and this year's theme was related to the regeneration of European tourism through culture, heritage, and creativity. Therefore, the competition was open to tourist destinations across Europe to showcase their results in sustainable cultural tourism in seven categories.

Among the winners in all categories were representatives of various culturally valuable projects from all over Europe; The Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Germany, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Latvia, and Croatia, with four representatives as best practices of sustainable cultural tourism.

In the Archaeological Sites and Museums as Cultural Tourism Attractions category, 1st place was won by the Krapina Neanderthals Museum and the Hušnjakovo site. The 2nd place in the same category was won by the Lošinj camp Nerezinac project.

The awards were given in five other categories, among which Walking Tourism and Slow Travel - Synergies with Cultural Tourism should be highlighted. The first place went to Rab Archeological races - open-air museum, a project nominated by the Lopar Cultural Center. In the Cultural and Creative Industries category, 3rd place was won by the Chocolate Museum in Zagreb.

"I am extremely honored that the Nerezinac camp is recognized as one of the best examples of sustainable cultural tourism, and I would like to thank everyone who participated in renovating and constructing the interpretation center of the maritime heritage of the island of Lošinj. This year, Croatia has distinguished itself as a leader in cultural tourism with four award-winning projects, and this is further proof that through culture and heritage creatively and innovatively can develop year-round sustainable tourism," said Dalibor Cvitkovic, director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, who accepted the award in Athens together with the author of the project, Ferdinand Zorović.

Nerezinac is a valuable example of traditional shipbuilding. Since 2010 it has been included in the list of protected cultural assets of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia. It was restored with the cooperation of many experts from various institutions to local masters, following the example of the Lošinj camps from the end of the 19th century.

Three of the winning projects from Germany and Romania were submitted by members of the ETC, the German National Tourist Board, and the Romanian Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism.

The German National Tourist Board launched a digital social media campaign called Feel Good to promote Germany with reliable and diverse sustainable tourism products. The campaign has direct synergy with cultural tourism due to topics such as local tradition and regional products (arts, exhibitions, handicrafts, regional food, urban gardening, organic restaurants) and the involvement of the local population. Also, visitors were inspired by the use of public transport and various slow travel options such as hiking and biking.

The marketing campaign #WanderlustGermany of the German National Tourist Board addressed nature and active travelers, emphasizing cycling and hiking that are just around the corner from the main cultural attractions or even next to them.

Following the stagnation in global tourism caused by the coronavirus pandemic, studies have found that customers consider the risk of COVID-19 to be a tiny nature-oriented vacation and individual forms of vacation. Accordingly, the campaign focused on a diverse range of products with well-thought-out hygiene and safety concepts and first-class service. Furthermore, through the targeted use of digital communication measures and events in local markets with great potential, the campaign focused on targeted impulses for a fresh start to incoming tourism in Germany.

The Romanian Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism has created a voluntary system for the recognition of national cultural tourist routes, developed by tourism organizations and local public bodies. The initiative stems from the recognition of local potential in promoting historical and archaeological heritage and religious or gastronomic traditions in Romania.

The cultural-tourist route of wooden churches in Romania and the Republic of Moldova is a transnational network that connects villages, towns, counties, districts in which local communities have built their churches over the centuries. It is a remarkable journey into history and local legends.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 20, 2021 - Mali Lošinj, Rab, Zadar, Šibenik, Supetar, and Dubrovnik will receive modern high-speed medical boats in the next two years, finally establishing an emergency maritime medical service in these areas.

This long-awaited project worth almost HRK 77 million is co-financed by EU Funds and will significantly increase the level of health and safety of people in the coastal area, while with all the necessary equipment in outpatient clinics at initial destinations will be performed to determine the need for emergency intervention and transportation to the nearest hospital on land, reports HRTurizam. 

The procurement of 6 fast boats with the necessary equipment to provide emergency medical care will be located in stationary ports in Mali Lošinj, Rab, Zadar, Šibenik, Supetar, and Dubrovnik. The boats will be built by the communities of bidders: Tehnomont Shipyard and ISKRA Shipyard.

Boats and related equipment will also be used for search and rescue purposes and to provide medical assistance in cases of maritime accidents and maritime disasters. Also, to prevent unnecessarily high costs of transport from the island to the mainland by fast boats, in dispensaries at the initial destinations of patient care, it will be possible to perform simple qualitative or quantitative medical-biochemical tests using automatic biochemical analyzers to determine the necessity of emergency intervention of transport to the nearest emergency medical institution/hospital on land.

For this purpose, the project will provide 12 automatic biochemical blood analyzers that will be distributed in 12 branches of the Institute of Emergency Medicine - Blato on Korcula, Korcula, Lastovo and Mljet in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Cres, Mali Losinj, and Rab in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Jelsa on Hvar, Supetar, Šolta and Vis in the Split-Dalmatia County and Preko in the Zadar County.

While this is great news, HRTurizam writes that it is also necessary to provide helicopter services on the islands and the coast and that it is the civilizational reach of the 21st century where we must provide all island residents with quality health care, and thus for the safety of tourists as a serious tourist destination.

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

ZAGREB, 2 Sept 2021 - Two agreements, worth a total of HRK 55.5 million, were signed in Rab on Thursday to upgrade port infrastructure in this town on the northern Adriatic island of the same name and in the nearby mainland town of Senj.

The first agreement concerns the award of a grant for the reconstruction of the wharf in Rab, while the second one relates to the construction of a new ramp in Senj's Stinica ferry port.

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Nataša Tramišak, and local government officials.

The Stinica project is very important for providing a transport connection to Rab, as well as between Lika-Senj and Primorje-Gorski Kotar Counties, Tramišak said.

The investment in Rab is part of a large investment project by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure through which nearly HRK 2 billion has so far been invested in small coastal and island ports. 85% of funding for all the projects comes from the EU's Cohesion Fund and the rest from the Ministry's budget.

For more on politics, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June the 1st, 2021 - As part of a local Rab archaeology project called Rab Archaeological (T)races, which will be held from the 14th to the 17th of June, the island's tourist guides are set to be offered free extra education in order to boost their knowledge and as such their service.

As Morski writes, the free educational and training sessions for tourist, mountain and cycling guides operating in the area of ​​the island of Rab is set to be held as the aforementioned Rab archaeology project is set to happen. As part of that, all interested tourist and cultural workers can also freely apply for the course in order to refresh their memories or boost their existing knowledge of this topic on the island.

This free training and additional education option doesn't replace the licenses required for guided tours of Rab's trails and sites, and it will be led by archaeologists Dr. sc. Ana Konestra from the Institute of Archeology and Ranko Starac, the curator of the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka.

Due to the limited number of participants in this training sessions, licensed guides will have priority in the application process. Those who are interested in getting on this free training course can apply no later than June the 10th via: 099 / 814-0712 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Rab Archaeological (T)races project has arranged three educational hiking and biking trails covering a total length of 40 kilometres, where archaeological, sacral and ethno heritage hidden in untouched landscapes all over the island of Rab will be presented at 33 different locations, and an interactive mobile application (app) has been created precisely for this project that can be used for individuals exploring the island themselves or as an aid for organised guides.

For more, make sure to follow our lifestyle page. For all you need to know about Croatia's many islands and how to pick the right one for your holiday, make sure to check out our dedicated section.

March 29, 2021 - It'll be a busy week with Valamar hotels opening in Porec, Krk, Rabac, Rab, Makarska, and Dubrovnik before Easter!

Index.hr reports that just before Easter, the Valamar Riviera Hotel Group plans to open three hotels in Porec, two on Krk and one each in Rabac, Rab, Makarska, and Dubrovnik, and will also operate two camps, on Krk and Rab. For the spring holiday, Valamar expects domestic guests, just as they had during winter. 

Valamar Riviera is the largest hotel group in Croatia, which manages 36 hotels and 15 camps in Istria (Porec, Rabac), Krk, Rab, and Hvar, and in Makarska and Dubrovnik, most of which open in May. Valamar also manages a hotel in Obertauern, Austria.

"In our northern destinations in the upcoming tourist season, we expect the most guests from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Poland, and in the southern locations, guests from Great Britain, France, Germany, and Croatia. During this winter, there were mostly domestic guests in the open facilities of Valamar, and we expect them during the Easter holidays, mostly in the arrangement of weekend stays," said Valamar. 

Regarding tourist demand, they note that this year, similar to last year, higher demand is recorded by car destinations and camping resorts, with the expectation of intensified last-minute booking. Simultaneously, prices are said to be "dynamically determined through a 'revenue management' system according to Valamar's usual business practice."

"In all facilities and in 2021, the V Health & Safety program is applied following safety standards in Croatia and the recommendations of international health organizations, which in addition to high health, safety, and environmental standards, guarantees the improvement of cleaning protocols. Guests are provided with 24-hour support in case they need health care," said Valamar.

Valamar has also developed a package of measures through which it organizes all necessary health services for guests during their holidays, which includes the organization of antigen and PCR testing within the accommodation facility, as well as covering the costs of extended stay for people with COVID-19 and everyone included in their reservation.

Without giving exact figures, they point out that for this season, they are opening a "significant number of seasonal jobs," for which they offer a minimum net income of HRK 5,000 for the monthly fund of hours, accommodation, hot meals, and other benefits.

By the way, Valamar reached 7,000 employees in the record 2019 in the peak summer season, while according to the data from the business report for 2020, there were about 4,000 in the summer of 2020.

At the beginning of April 2020, Valamar launched the "Pause, Restart" program to preserve all jobs, which was extended until 31 March 2022 with the support of social partners. Under this program, all Valamar employees sent on standby without the obligation to work were provided with a salary compensation in the amount of 60 percent, but not less than 4,250 net kuna, with the support of the government's to preserve jobs in the affected industries.

Among the news for this tourist season is the launch of the lifestyle brand [Places] following the trend in the international hotel industry for lifestyle hotels that are aimed at creating a unique experience with authentic service, which emphasizes the most valuable in the destination and contributes to nature conservation and environmental sustainability.

Such hotels attract modern travelers, primarily "millennials" and young professionals. The first hotel under this brand is Hvar PlacesHotel in Stari Grad on the island (former hotel Lavanda from Helios Faros, which is in partnership with a pension fund PBZ Croatia osiguranje taken over in 2019).

They are investing around 53 million kuna in the hotel's renovation, and according to current plans, it will open in mid-May.

This is where guests from the markets of Great Britain, the USA, Germany, and Austria, but also Croatia, are most expected.

Hvar as a destination is "positioned in the market segments of younger, relaxed, and at the same time, experientially and environmentally aware people," said Valamar Riviera Vice President for Sales and Marketing Davor Brenko.

"We have high expectations from the new brand in the future, and in the next period, we plan to open several more such hotels," Brenko announced.

For the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia, CLICK HERE.

March 21, 2021 – "If people realize that their future is their responsibility, not the government's, then everything is possible. We have many successful individuals as examples. If they can, then it is possible," says economy student Dorian in Rab, currently studying in Portugal, about opportunities in Croatia. This is his story.

With many young people emigrating from Croatia, what keeps those who decided to stay (at least for now)?

The emigration of young people from Croatia in search of better business opportunities and living standards, unfortunately, is a well-known story. Each of us young people in Croatia knows at least a few people from their environment who, at one point, said that enough was enough and decided to seek happiness somewhere abroad.

According to official Eurostat data, from 2015 to 2019, Croatia's population decreased by 4.26 inhabitants per 1,000 citizens only thanks to emigration. Therefore, the Croatian emigration rate is the second-worst in the European Union (after Lithuania).

These data indicate that economic prosperity influences population decisions to emigrate. Besides, due to the exodus of the young and working population, there is an additional reduction in GDP per capita that closes the cycle of poverty and decline in Croatia.

However, there are many who are aware of the poor position of young people in Croatia but still do not want to give up and decide to stay in Croatia. We're wondering what do those young people, recent graduates, think about this whole situation and what are their reasons for staying in Croatia.

We continue our series with Dorian from the island of Rab.

First of all, please introduce yourself. What are you studying/what did you study? Do you have a job currently? 

My name is Dorian Antešić. I am studying Finance and Banking at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Rijeka. I am currently on exchange study in Coimbra, Portugal, to write my master's, so I do not have a job, but I am working on my podcast. Its name is "Pričajmo o novcu" (Let's talk about money), and it is the first Croatian podcast specialized in finance and economics topics. It is a hobby project that I enjoy recording while I research for my thesis. I like to speak with intelligent people, so it is a perfect way to communicate with comprehension.

What is it like being a student/recent graduate in Croatia during this coronavirus time?

It is very uncertain considering that we do not know what will be open in the future. Businesses are cautious with expenditure and investments. Social life is not rich, so it is getting boring after more than one year of restrictions.

Rab island

What are your experiences searching for a job in your profession in Croatia?

I did not yet search for a job in Croatia, considering my profession. My focus is currently on the international scene. I want to travel the world a bit. Therefore, since I am studying abroad, it seems reasonable that I continue the travel and develop my career. In earlier years, I mainly worked during summer to focus on my faculty obligations and my projects during other seasons.

What do you think of the Croatian Government's efforts to provide opportunities for graduates?

Actually, I did not research what possibilities are offered by the Government. I was focused on my own effort to find jobs and/or internships.

Many young people your age decide to emigrate from Croatia to find a better job opportunity and/or life standard. What do you think about it?

I am one of them but not necessary for those reasons. I want to travel the world, experience different cultures. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I lived this way for the past five years of my study. I studied abroad twice, first in Prague and now in Coimbra. Also, I was part of international youth organizations since the beginning of faculty. I like that lifestyle, and I want to continue to live like that for some time.

I am also not a determinist. I do not want to say that I will live abroad or only in Croatia. We will see what the future brings. If I work and live abroad, it doesn't mean that I will stay there forever. In the end, I am an individualist. I do not care about countries. The goal is to have a good life for my loved ones and me, whether in Croatia, the EU, or Africa. :)

In your opinion, what would encourage young people to stay in Croatia?

Better economy. Just that. No "government benefits," no "family benefits." That is just bullshit :). The only thing that will encourage young people to stay in Croatia is the same or better opportunities than in the rest of the EU. If they see that they can have a better life with their skills outside of Croatia, they will go there. The world is globalized. Young people live internationally through the internet. We speak with foreigners almost every day through social media. Borders don't play that big thing nowadays.  

Have you ever considered moving out of Croatia and why?

I did. I am focused on building my career. I love business, economics, and the crypto industry, and I very much see myself working there. In Croatia, not many companies are building the crypto world or investment funds that are supporting them. I am interested primarily in investing in crypto, which plays a big part in my job search. 

As a recent graduate, what is your impression of the education system in Croatia? What do you think is good about it and what could be better?

The Croatian education system is, in my opinion, of good quality, but it can be much, much better with no significant financial investments. For my profession, we should teach more about technical skills like Excel and programming. They are an essential part of working life, but we still write and calculate mostly on paper through both Bachelor's and Master's level. I know that is the same thing with other professions like sociology, where I have a good friend. Data analysis is an integral part of many professions, but we focus on them minimally.

Based on your own experience, can you say that everything is possible in Croatia if you work hard, work on yourself, are educated and ambitious?

I think yes. If people realize that their future is their responsibility, not the government's, everything is possible. We have many successful individuals as examples. If they can, then it is possible.

If you could change only one thing in Croatia, what would it be, and why do you think it's important?

To become a capitalist country.

People are too dependent on the government, financially and mentally. When people trade freely with personal responsibility, they create value for themselves and the whole society. Currently, Croatian people want government intervention in every aspect of life, from business to education. They think that government is there to solve their problems which is mostly the other way around – the Government creates issues, and people are there to deal with them. People should focus on creating value for others.

As a young Croatian, what are you most proud of in Croatia?

I am also very proud of our tech business successes that we see lately. It is showing people that world success is possible, and we should strive for excellence.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Croatia, and will it be a better or worse place for your children?

I am optimistic about Croatia's future because I am optimistic about the future of the whole world. People are smart, and they will always find solutions to problems. Always.

Rab island

Are you a student or recent graduate who would like to contribute your voice and experiences to this series? If yes, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject "Graduate."

To read more from the Croatian Graduate Perspective series, follow TCN's dedicated page.