November 8, 2021 - The 15th round of the Croatian First League was held from November 5 to 7, 2021. This round saw the debut of Hajduk's new coach, while Lokomotiva shocked Dinamo and Rijeka moved into first place. Here is our HNL round 15 recap. 

Slaven Belupo v. Gorica (1:2)

Slaven Belupo and Gorica opened the 15th round on Friday, November 5, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

Lausic put Belupo in the lead in the 43rd minute before Kalik equalized two minutes later for 1:1 at the half. Kalik scored his second goal of the match in the 62nd minute for 1:2, which was the final score. 

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 10 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 21. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (3:0)

Osijek and Istra met at City Garden Stadium on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in front of 1,177 fans. 

Osijek's first goal came from Zaper in the 5th minute. Topcagic made it 2:0 in the 59th before Fiolic scored for 3:0 in the 75th. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 30 points (and one game less), while Istra is in 8th with 15 (and one game less). 

Hajduk v. Hr. Dragovoljac (2:0)

Hajduk and Dragovoljac met on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Poljud in front of 3,240 fans. 

Ljubicic scored Hajduk's first goal in the 29th minute for 1:0 at the half. A Vulikic own goal sent in by Hajduk's Sahiti made it 2:0. It was also the debut of new Hajduk coach Valdas Dambrauskas. 

Hajduk is currently in 4th place with 24 points (and one game less), while Dragovoljac is in last place with 7. 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (1:0)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo met in Zagreb at Kranjčevićeva Street Stadium on Sunday, November 7, 2021. 

The match's only goal came in the 8th minute when Maric scored for the Lokomotiva lead and ultimate win. However, Petkovic missed a penalty for Dinamo in the 38th minute, and VAR called back a Dinamo goal scored by Peric in the 91st. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 21 points, while Dinamo is in 3rd with 27 (and two games less). 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (0:1)

Sibenik and Rijeka closed out the 15th round on Sunday, November 7, 2021, in Sibenik. 

After VAR called a goal offside for Rijeka in the 8th minute, Smolcic scored for 0:1 in the 1st minute of stoppage time before the ref called for halftime. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 15 points, while Rijeka is in 1st place with 30 (and one game less). 

You can see the HNL standings HERE.

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

ZAGREB, 7 Nov 2021 - In 2020, enterprises in the Osijek, Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb urban agglomerations netted HRK 16.2 billion in profits, or 77% of the profits of all enterprises in Croatia, according to an analysis by the Financial Agency.

The agglomerations were established in 2015 and 2016 under a decision of the Regional Development and EU Funds Ministry.

In 2020, the biggest consolidated net profit was generated by enterprises in the Zagreb urban agglomeration (HRK 14.3 billion), followed by Osijek (HRK 804.1 million), Split (HRK 631.6m), and Rijeka (HRK 399.8m).

Of the 139,009 enterprises which submitted annual financial statements for last year, 79,229 were based in the four urban agglomerations, up 1.8% in 2019. Most were in Zagreb (55,282) and least in Osijek (4,476)

Of the 947,874 persons employed in enterprises in 2020, 566,310 were employed in the four agglomerations, the most in Zagreb, 430,965, or 7.8 employees per enterprise on average, and the least in Osijek, 30,930, or 6,9 employees per enterprise on average.

Last year, enterprises in the four agglomerations made HRK 512.3 billion in total revenue, down 5.5% in 2019, and accounted for 68.9% of the total revenue of all enterprises in Croatia (HRK 743.8 bn).

Their profit totaled HRK 32.5 billion, down 4.4% in 2019, while total losses went up by 45.4% to HRK 16.3 billion.

In 2020, the highest average net monthly salary in enterprises in the four urban agglomerations was in Zagreb, HRK 6,796, 5.2% more than the average in all four and 13.8% more than the average in all enterprises in Croatia, which was HRK 5,971.

The lowest net monthly salary was registered in the Osijek urban agglomeration (HRK 5,155).

(€1 = HRK 7.5)

For more, check out our business section.

ZAGREB, 5 Nov 2021 - An agreement on a concession to develop and commercially use the Zagreb Deep Sea container terminal in the Port of Rijeka, estimated at HRK 20 billion (€2.7 billion), with the concession fee fixed at €2 million annually for a period of 50 years, was signed in Rijeka on Friday.

The agreement was signed by Rijeka Port Authority head Denis Vukorepa, the director of the international terminal operator APM Terminals, Morten Engelstoft, and Energia Naturalis Grupa Management Board chair Pavao Vujnovac on behalf of the concession holder ENNA Logic of Croatia.

The concession holders undertake to build the necessary infrastructure and fully equip the Zagreb Deep Sea container terminal, including building another 280 metres of pier and its equipment, and they also guarantee container turnover of one million units in the first two years of the terminal's operation.

Phase 1 of the Zagreb Deep Sea terminal, with 400 metres of pier and a sea depth of 20 metres, was completed as part of the Rijeka Gateway project in May 2019. The public opening of bids for a concession to operate the terminal was held in May 2021, and an offer by APM Terminals and ENNA Logic was assessed as valid, after which the Rijeka Port Authority Management Board in June decided to award the concession to operate the terminal to the consortium of the two companies.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who attended today's signing of the agreement, said it successfully wrapped up long-lasting efforts regarding the Rijeka Gateway project.

"The agreement will create conditions for the Rijeka Port to take the role of the leading cargo port in the northern Adriatic, thus becoming the most important point of entry to Central and Southeast Europe," said Plenković.

The terminal means an opportunity for economic development and is important also because of strategic autonomy, Plenković said, adding that the government would continue investing in infrastructure projects, notably those that bring long-term economic benefits.

Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Oleg Butković said the agreement would make the Port of Rijeka the most important intermodal centre in the northern Adriatic.

Once the Zagreb Deep Sea terminal starts operating in 2025, the container turnover in the Port of Rijeka will reach one million units, and by 2028 it will reach 1.5 million units, Butković said, noting that with that, Rijeka would overtake the Slovenian port of Koper.

Construction work on the D-403 road, which is to connect the terminal with the Rijeka ring road, is proceeding well, he said, adding that another important project is the construction of a lowland railway from Rijeka towards Croatia's interior and expressing hope it would be completed in about ten years.

Rijeka Port Authority director Vukorepa, APM Terminals executive director Engelstoft and Energia Naturalis president Vujnovac underlined the importance of the Rijeka Gateway project for the development of Rijeka and Croatia, with Vujnovac noting that along with the lowland railway, the Rijeka Gateway project was the most important national project connecting Rijeka and the country's interior.

It will secure the flow of large quantities of cargo thus enabling economic growth, he said, adding that it would make Rijeka an important spot on port maps.

For more on business, CLICK HERE.

November 2, 2021 - The 14th round of the Croatian First League was played from October 30 to November 1, 2021. Only four matches were played in this round, as the Rijeka-Osijek derby at Rujevica had been postponed due to Covid-19 in the Osijek squad. Here's our HNL round 14 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Šibenik (1:1)

Dragovoljac and Šibenik opened the 14th round at NŠC Stjepan Spajić Stadium on Friday, October 30, 2021, in front of 98 spectators. 

Viduka scored the first goal of the match for Dragovolac in the 23rd minute, followed by a double-yellow for Bagadur 4 minutes later, forcing Dragovoljac to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Jakoliš scored a penalty for Šibenik one minute later for the final 1:1. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 7 points, while Šibenik is in 7th with 15. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (0:2)

Gorica and Dinamo met on Friday, October 30, 2021, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,293 spectators. 

Petković scored a penalty for Dinamo for the 0:1 lead in the 31st minute. Andrić equalized 6 minutes later for 0:2 Dinamo, which was the final score of the match. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 18 points, while Dinamo has moved to first place with 27 points (and two games less).

Slaven Belupo v. Hajduk (3:2)

Slaven Belupo and Hajduk met on Sunday, October 31, 2021, in Koprivnica in front of 1,613 spectators. 

Lausic scored the opening goal of the match in the 2nd minute for 1:0 Belupo. Krstanovic equalized in the 34th for 2:0 at the half. Livaja scored in the 66th to bring Hajduk to 2:1, though Mlinaric made it 3:1 in the 83rd. Biuk gave Hajduk their last hope with a goal in the 86th minute for 3:2, which was the final score. 

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 10 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 21 (and one game less). Hajduk coach Jens Gustafsson was sacked on Monday. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (2:1)

Istra and Lokomotiva closed out the 14th round on Monday, November 1, 2021, in Pula. 

Bande scored the match's opening goal for 1:0 Istra, though Dabro equalized in the 15th for 1:1. Istra was awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute, which Drena Beljo scored for 2:1 and the final score. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 15 points (and one game less), while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 18. 

Rijeka v Osijek (Postponed)

Due to five Covid-19 cases in the Osijek team, the Croatian Football Federation postponed the 14th round match between Rijeka and Osijek and scheduled it instead for December 8 at 5 pm.

Since the virus had also infected several players on Osijek II, they could not play their match against Inter Zaprešić. 

Before the national team break on November 6, Osijek should host Istria in 1961, but even that match is questionable. 

Before the 14th round, Rijeka and Osijek were the two leading teams of the Croatian First League with 27 points from 13 games. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

October 30, 2021 - An extremely rare bird, the northern bald ibis, landed in Grobničko Polje near Rijeka. It immediately aroused the interest of scientists and the media because this species became extinct in Croatia in the 18th century.

Her name is Nova, reports Morski.hr.

"Yesterday afternoon, by chance, I saw a strange bird on the telephone pole, and I thought it was a heron. Then, early in the morning, several photographers came in front of my house," said Dorijan Curać. 

He said he found out which bird it was online and was delighted that this rare individual had come to his area.

"Then I came back and filmed it from about 2 meters and let it quietly peck at the insects. I also registered it on the Animal tracker application," he added.

 The Waldrappteam organization's Facebook page, which highlights the protection of this bird, mentions that Nova flew to the Adriatic coast and across the sea to Croatia, from where it is expected to fly further south. They also say that the bird has deviated from its usual route and should realize it is wrong. Unfortunately, they also remind that in 2019 they had a similar situation, where a flock of protected birds that arrived over the Croatian sky was illegally killed. That is why they ask all those who see this bird share this news so that many people can be informed.

This rare bird normally resides in semi-desert or rocky areas, often near watercourses. It is an endangered species and can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. It is up to 80 centimeters long. Its body is covered with black feathers that, in the sun, have a copper-green and purple glow, a red beak, and red skin on her body, except for the top of her head. When it hatches, it has feathers on its head, and then when it grows, those feathers fall off, and the bird remains 'bald.' Hence the name bald ibis.

It nested in the Pula area and then became extinct in Croatia and Europe due to habitat loss and hunting. However, it is found in many historical sources and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs as "akh" - a symbol of the human soul. As early as 1504, it was declared one of the first protected bird species in Austria, which unfortunately did not save it from extinction, writes the Biom Association.

This species became extinct in Croatia in the 18th century, and the last birds nested in the Pula area. The same fate befell this bird throughout Europe, and habitat loss and hunting are considered the main reasons for its extinction. At the beginning of the 21st century, the world's population of bald ibis was reduced to only 200-250 individuals, which survived in North Africa and the Middle East.

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

October 29, 2021 - If you are looking for something fun to do on Halloween, and also a great opportunity to exercise, then this Saturday's Halloween Night Ride organized by the Kostrena Tourist Board is the ideal plan for you!

Join the night recreational cycling tour of Kostrena, which will be marked by the popular Halloween. The organizers will not intimidate you, but the night scene and the shadow of the new moon are an ideal stage for a witch dance, this time on bicycles.

According to Turističke Priče, the Tourist Board of Kostrena Municipality in cooperation with the leading promoters of cycling tourism, Promotiv travel outdoor, this Saturday, October 30, 2021, starting at 6 pm, take you on Halloween Night Ride along the moonlit Kostrena to the "terrible" Roman ruins.

Kostrena Tourist Board (Facebook)

After the start in the parking lot in Šetalište kostrenskih pomoraca Street, across the recognizable Kostrena symbol - anchor, where the sighs of sailors can be heard on stormy nights, at least according to the legend, it moves through the terrible forest Žuknica towards Paveki. It continues to Urinje and Sveta Barbara, after which it begins to ascend towards the Sopalj lookout point, next to which are the remains of the prehistoric fort of the same name, which preserves many secrets of the ancient past, and perhaps the occasional Roman spirit ?! After the break, we start the descent towards Kostrena to TZO Kostrena, where you will be greeted by refreshments in the form of cakes and mulled wine, as well as the appropriate scenery.

The ride will be adapted to the conditions and technical requirements of night driving. Disguise yourself as a witch and elves, put on a spider's web, put on a pumpkin-shaped helmet, or simply wear sports clothes.

The tour is intended for recreational athletes with moderate physical condition who can master moderately demanding natural terrain and a length of up to 15 kilometers with a total ascent of about 300 meters.

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

October 29, 2021 - The Croatian Cup quarterfinal draw was held today, revealing some exciting meetings on December 1. 

When Rijeka and Oriolik play the remaining round of 16 match next month, we will know the final list of Croatian Cup quarterfinalists. However, the matchups have been revealed today in a draw for the quarterfinal games on December 1, reports Gol.hr.

The biggest news is that Dinamo has been drawn against Oriolik / Rijeka. Therefore, Dinamo will play at home, most likely against Rijeka, which will be a real treat after the intense championship matches between these two clubs this season.

Twice this season, Dinamo and Rijeka played 3:3, which makes this Cup meeting even more special. But, of course, Dinamo and Rijeka will meet only if Oriolik does not pull an upset. 

Dinamo and Hajduk also play at Maksimir that weekend in the Croatian championship, meaning that the HNL match could easily be postponed for some time in the spring.

Hajduk and Lokomotiva will meet once again in Zagreb. The match is scheduled for December 1, and it will be the 19th consecutive Cup match that Hajduk will play against Lokomotiva away.

In addition to the 2018 final match that was played in Vinkovci, this means that Hajduk did not play a total of 20 Cup games at Poljud stadium.

Hajduk played its last home game in the Cup five and a half years ago, or in March 2016 in the semifinal match against Dinamo.

It should also be said that Hajduk could not even host until the round of 16 due to the rules because the hosts are always lower-ranked clubs. As for the quarterfinal draw, this is now the seventh time in a row that it has gone to the away team. 

Quarterfinal matches (December 1):

Dinamo - Oriolik/Rijeka

Lokomotiva – Hajduk

Osijek - Slaven Belupo

Gorica - Istra 1961

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

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

October 28, 2021 - The city of Rijeka will fund free menstrual products for Rijeka schoolgirls from next semester! 

Free menstrual products will be available to students in Rijeka elementary schools founded by the City of Rijeka from the next semester, Deputy Mayor Sandra Krpan announced on Wednesday, reports Index.hr.

The city administration has earmarked HRK 200,000 from the city budget for this next year.

Deputy Mayor Goran Palčevski pointed out that introducing hygiene supplies in schools is a step towards the planned introduction of health education in elementary schools in Rijeka.

The project was inspired by the success of Civic Education, with the Rijeka model being adopted in many other areas in Croatia, he said.

Palčevski stated that by the end of the current term, the city authorities plan to prepare a health education program and then introduce it in schools in the second term.

The introduction of free menstrual products in schools was prompted by the city government's research by the PaRiter association, which showed that some girls do not have access to hygiene supplies.

The program coordinator for women's rights and reproductive justice in the PaRiter association, Marinella Matejčić, warned that the problem is the lack of hygienic conditions in schools, such as garbage cans, but also hot water and soap in some schools.

PaRiter also confirmed on Facebook that the City has decided to introduce free sanitary pads for girls.

"Now at 10 am, the City of Rijeka is announcing important news - it will introduce free menstrual products in all elementary schools in the city! We are incredibly proud that our research #AuntPeriod has received such proactive reactions.

However, we still hope that the Croatian government will soon understand the unambiguous messages to the public and reduce the menstrual tax to #5 percent, to reduce social inequality, remove sexism from the law, and show that they are ready to give up misogynistic levies," the PaRiter Association, an association for human rights and civic participation, posted on Facebook. 

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

October 17, 2021 - The 12th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 15 to 17, 2021. This round featured the thrilling 3:3 derby between Rijeka and Dinamo, while Šibenik upset Hajduk 2:0. Here is our HNL round 12 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Lokomotiva (2:2)

Dragovoljac and Lokomotiva opened the 12th round on Friday, October 15, 2021, in front of 83 spectators. 

Kulenovic scored the first goal of the match for the Lokomotiva lead in the 9th minute. Kacavenda made it 0:2 in the 17th. An own goal by Mersinaj gave Dragovoljac hope in the 30th minute at 1:2 before Lukic equalized in the 58th for 2:2, which was the final score. 

Pasaricek was shown a red card in the 78th minute, forcing Dragovoljac to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 10 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 15. 

Gorica v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Gorica and Istra met on Saturday, October 16, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

Mlinar scored an own goal in the 12th minute for 1:0 Gorica. Bande didn't equalize until the 53rd for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 17 points, while Istra is in 8th with 11. 

Rijeka v. Dinamo (3:3)

Rijeka and Dinamo met on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

Drmic and Velkovski made it 3:0 for Rijeka already at halftime with goals in the 7th, 38th, and 41st minutes. Dinamo woke up in the second half as Petkovic scored a penalty for 3:1 in the 58th minute, another penalty less than 10 minutes later, and Adric scored the equalizer for 3:3 in the 82nd minute which was the final score. 

Rijeka is currently in 1st place with 24 points and one game less, while Dinamo is in 3rd with 23 and two games less. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (0:2)

Belupo and Osijek met on Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Hiros scored for 0:1 Osijek in the 22nd minute, before Nejasmic made it 0:2 just before the halftime whistle. 

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 6 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 24. 

Sibenik v. Hajduk (2:0)

Sibenik and Hajduk closed out the 12th round on Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Sibenik. 

Mina scored the first goal for 1:0 Sibenik in the 25th minute. A penalty for Curic made it 2:0, which was the final score. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 13 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 20 and one game less.

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.

October 12, 2021 - The project that seeks to revitalize and boost social, economic, and tourist development not only in the Municipality of Viškovo but throughout the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county, began with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Halubaj Bell Tower House.

In the Municipality of Viškovo, the first phase of the project, which will give new impetus to the social, tourist, and economic development of Viškovo, but also of the entire Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, began with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Halubaj Bell Tower House, reports HrTurizam.

The house of the Halubaj bell ringer will have multiple purposes: an exhibition/presentation part with a permanent exhibition of the ethnographic collection of bell ringers, educational workshops, a program of entertainment and experiences, a souvenir shop, and a catering space. The realization of this project will enable tourists to participate in various activities and events related to the customs of bell ringers throughout the year.

Halubaj bell ringers are the guardians of the tradition, customs, and identity of Halubje and the Kastav region, and the "Annual carnival procession of bell ringers from the Kastav region" is a unique cultural asset that in 2009 UNESCO included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind. Two years earlier, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia declared the Halubaj bell ringers an intangible cultural asset.

Photo: Goran Kovacic/PIXSELL

“The house will be a place where we will proudly present the customs of our bell ringers. It will be the seat of the bell ringers from where we will motivate the new generations to make their first bell ringing steps. Thank you to all the bell ringers and their families who have kept these customs alive for centuries", said Damir Host, President of the Halubaj Bell Ringers Association.

The special feature of the House of Halubaj Bell Ringer is manifested in a unique occasion in which not only the tradition of the Bell Ringer but also four intangible cultural heritage recognized on a world level will be presented in one place.

Namely, the Municipality of Viškovo is an area where four goods inscribed by UNESCO in the intangible cultural heritage of mankind are paired in a special way: Annual carnival procession of bell ringers from the Kastav region, its coast, islands, and part of the hinterland.

The construction of the Halubaj Bell Tower House is part of the integrated project "Connect with Heritage" in which cities and municipalities, which make up the Urban Agglomeration of Rijeka, through the ITU mechanism (Integrated Territorial Investments) are awarded 36.3 million kuna of EU grants. For the construction of the House of Halubaj Bell Ringer, from the Urban Agglomeration of Rijeka, Viškovo was allocated slightly less than eight million kuna, while the total value of the project is almost 37 million kuna.

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