August 27, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb and Rosenborg played 1:1 in the second leg of the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday. Recall, Dinamo won 2:0 at Maksimir last week, thus defending their lead from the first game which secured them a spot in the Champions League group stage, reports Gol.hr.

Dinamo lived dangerously in Trondheim, played a disastrous first half, but was rescued thanks to a brilliant move and a goal by Amer Gojak 19 minutes before the final whistle. Rosenborg proved to be a tough opponent, they played well in the first half, but in the second they fell both physically and mentally, which the Croatian champion used to their advantage to advance to the prestigious European competition.

Interestingly, Dinamo has not lost in the qualifications for the European Cup for eight years, that is, since their appearance against Malmo. 

For the seventh time in the history of the club, Dinamo has advanced to the Champions League group stage. However, they have never gone further in their six appearances so far, and in their 36 games played, they have won four, drawn five and managed 27 defeats with a 22:82 goal difference.

The Champions League group stage draw will be held on Thursday at 6 pm at Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Dinamo Zagreb has already secured around 25 million euro by placing into the Champions League. 

Lineups:

ROSENBORG: Hansen - Hedenstad (Ceide, 84), Reginiussen, Hovland, Meling - Jensen, Lundemo (Trondsen, 73), Konradsen - Akintola (de Lanlay, 74), Soderlung, Adebenro

DINAMO: Livaković - Stojanović, Dilaver, Perić, Leovac - Moro - Hajrović (Gojak, 66), Ademi, Olmo (Gavranović, 90+1), Oršić (Atiemwen, 81) - Petković

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

August 24, 2019 - The 00:24 RUN will take place at Zagreb Airport next month as the first race held on the runway of a Croatian airport.

The unique 00:24 RUN night charity race at Zagreb Airport has attracted a lot of public interest, which is why it is not surprising the event sold out in record time. Nevertheless, preparations for the spectacular race, which will run 24 minutes after midnight on the night of September 29, are intensely ongoing, reports 24 Sata.

Zagreb Airport reveals they are thoroughly preparing for the upcoming racing spectacle.

“Preparations for the 00:24 race on maneuvering the surfaces of the airport are demanding and, we must say, thorough and comprehensive, given that it is a race in a protected area, or a so-called critical area of the protected area, which requires the involvement and engagement of several people, equipment and businesses that are otherwise located in this area,” says Lidia Capković Martinek, Advisor to the Director of Zagreb Airport. 

She adds that organizing such an event in the Zagreb Airport space is undoubtedly a big challenge.

“But dare we say that we are faced with demanding and challenging activities every day, so this project, which has a humanitarian purpose, is a pleasure for us. So far, about 20 people have been involved in the process of arranging, obtaining various permits and approvals, as an indispensable part of project preparation, and on the day of the race, only 100 people will be hired from the Zagreb International Airport, with additional staff of other businesses located in the airport,” notes Capković Martinek.

She also points out that the majority of airport workers will volunteer on race day to contribute directly to this humanitarian project. This is the first time that such a project has been organized at the airport, and the staff is extremely pleased to be hosting the anticipated large number of participants. 

“We, as a company, have already been involved in several humanitarian and sports activities, so we are glad that we are also engaged as hosts this time,” says Capković Martinek.

All racers will follow a designated route on the night of September 29, surrounded by civilian aircraft and military MiGs, while every step on the illuminated track will be monitored by a MUP helicopter, Zagreb Airport adds.

“We expect that all participants will adhere to the clearly defined rules of participation so that everything goes well. We are especially pleased that we will provide numerous runners with the extraordinary opportunity to run in such an attractive location and ultimately be part of a humanitarian project and, in a very concrete way, contribute to the organization of pediatric oncology at the Zagreb-Rebro Clinical Hospital Center,” concluded Capković Martinek.

The general sponsor of the race is Konzum, the partners of the project are INA, Kala and Slatinska banka, and the Croatian Air Force and the Ministry of the Interior are friends of the race.

You can keep up with all the information on the race's official website and on Facebook.

The amount raised from the race will be donated in full to the Rebro Pediatric Oncology Foundation.

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

For the first time since it closed to the public on March 28, 2017, the old passenger terminal at Zagreb Airport will be put to use once more.

Namely, Ex Yu Aviation reports that on Saturday, September 21, BHS has announced an all-night party in the old terminal, from 9 pm to 6 am, with more than 15 house music artists, multiple stages, and shuttle transportation for party-goers. 

“We are back in Zagreb, and we are back for our biggest event yet.

We are proud to announce we'll be taking over Zagreb airport's Terminal Pleso on 21st of September for what will arguably be one of the most unique events we ever held.

After numerous unique locations such as Medvedgrad Fortress, Trsat Castle, breathtaking locations on top of Medvednica mountain, museums, rooftops, atriums, parks and tennis courts, the time has come for a level up,” announced the organizer.

But this unique location is nothing new for BHS, who claims that their “main goal is to set new standards regarding the nightlife in Croatia.”

“We are offering a vast variety of something new, something never seen before  - house music on exclusive places such as museums, town halls and places that never came up.

Different venues, one vision. Passion for music, passion for party. Be a part of the vision, be a part of the change. Expect only the best, expect only the most exclusive,” reads their Facebook page.

Namely, BHS recently put on the BSH Grand Slam 2, which was the first event ever held at Tenis Centar Maksimir's central tennis court - and just last month, they held their second event at Trsat Castle in Rijeka. 

Specializing in sunset sessions, house music, and scouting the most unique locations in Croatia for a party, we have no doubt that taking over a part of Zagreb Airport may be their boldest move yet. 

Tickets for the Zagreb Sunset Sessions are on sale now for 90 kuna, or 200 kuna for the VIP business lounge. 

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

August 21, 2019 - Dinamo welcomed Rosenborg in the first round of the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday night at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. 

In front of 27,000 fans, Dinamo already took the lead in the 8th minute when Bruno Petković nailed a penalty after being taken down in the box.  In the 28th minute, the Croatian champion increased their lead to 2:0 when a long ball by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković found the boot of Mislav Oršić, who charged the Norwegian defense and ultimately nutmegged the keeper for the goal, reports Gol.hr

Dinamo had several other good opportunities, most notably missed by captain Arijan Ademi and Nikola Moro. The Norwegian club also threatened several times, but Dominik Livaković kept a clean slate. 

The return match in Trondheim is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27. The duel at Lerkendal Stadium will begin at 9 pm.

Unless they lose by three goals, Dinamo will secure a spot in Monte Carlo on August 29 (6 pm) in the tough draw for the Champions League group stage. 

In the event they lose, the Croatian champion will move to the draw of the Europa League group stage on 30 August (1 pm), a competition the club welcomed last spring and was eliminated in the round of 16 to Benfica.

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

August 21, 2019 - A new tourism project hopes to bring life to the Zagreb County countryside. 

“Visit farms around Zagreb and enjoy fine wines, local produce, and culinary workshops. Book an overnight stay in the countryside and take a break from the bustle of the city,” reads the message of the Croatian Rural Tourism Association, which, in cooperation with the Zagreb County Tourist Board and other partners, organizes the Zagreb County Rural Tourism Week with the slogan“ Let's go to the Countryside", writes Goran Rihelj of HRTurizam.

The project aims to popularize rural tourism in Zagreb County, promote overnights in the countryside, and exhibit local products.

“Since the founding of the Association, we have been committed to promoting and popularizing rural tourism and going to the countryside as an excellent motive for spending free time. With a homemade gastronomic offer, healthy living, nature and fresh air and other active tourism offers throughout the destination, Zagreb County is a great break from the city bustle, just a few kilometers from Zagreb,” said Aleksandra Kuratko, Head of the Croatian Rural Tourism Association.

URTH

As part of the project, which runs from September 2 to 8, 2019, in Zagreb County, a 30% discount on products and services will be offered to members of the Association of Rural Tourism of Croatia, such as overnights, wine tastings, sales of local products and culinary workshops of traditional Žumberak cuisine. For a list of partners involved in this great project, check out the website here.

“Rural tourism is a synergy of agriculture and tourism, which, through its multiplier effect, directly promotes stable and lasting economic growth as farmers introduce tourists to the local gastronomy, culture, and customs through the placement of their products,” said Ivana Alilović, director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, adding: "Tourism trends are changing at a high speed. Experiences are more important than ever, and people are looking for experiences that will change them and enrich their lives. I see great potential precisely in the popularization of products in rural areas and the idea of ​​staying in the countryside. Therefore, I am very proud of the project "Rural Tourism Week of Zagreb County", because in the surroundings of Zagreb, away from the daily hustle and bustle, in the peace of the greenery, our hosts of rural estates await their guests. I am sure that with the familiar hospitality and a full table of delicious specialties of the indigenous, local cuisine of Zagreb County, the expectations of both young and old will be fulfilled. Not only during the "Rural Tourism Week of Zagreb County" but throughout the year,” said Alilović.

Rihelj writes that when it comes to continental and rural tourism, there is a chronic lack of promotions and tourist offers. In this segment, although it is only the first year of the project, this is an extremely important step forward, solely because of the positioning and promotion of rural tourism in Croatia. The primary prerequisite is precisely communication and focusing on the target group. Because if we do not invite tourists to visit Croatia through promotion, they will not come. Rihelj adds that the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian National Tourism Board should be more actively involved in the development of continental tourism, as well as its promotion, since it is a totally different type of tourism than the sea, and it requires a different approach.

Zagreb County is a great weekend destination for all Zagreb residents, especially since it is just a short drive away and offers the great outdoors. And as it is the largest domestic market, this campaign and project have hit the right motive - a move away from the bustle of the city, only a few kilometers from the Croatian capital.

A list of all partners in this action, which includes 30 percent discounts, is available at www.idemoneselo.hr.

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

The 3rd Business Café International event, which gathers foreign entrepreneurs starting a business and moving to Croatia, will be held Monday, August 26, 2019 in Zagreb at 6 p.m. at the Rooftop Lateral, Strojarska 20/26.

Business Café International was established to highlight the opposite of migration trends, i.e., showing examples of entrepreneurs who moved to Croatia to start businesses. It is a joint effort to make Croatia a country that is not just great to live in, but also an attractive place for doing business. 

Kristina Ercegović, Business Café founder, with this new project continues to promote her vision of Croatia as one of the best places to live and work. 

This time a German entrepreneur employing 320 people in a small city in Croatia will be joining us together with His Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States of America.

Mr. Christian Gutgsell is the owner of two very successful companies in Pisarovina: KM Kovnica and KM Alati (KM Croatia) - high-tech metal processing and toolmaking for automotive industry employing 320 people. Why did he choose Croatia to do business, and how is it going? We are also happy to announce that Ambassador W. Robert Kohorst will be sharing his rich entrepreneurial journey before he became a diplomat. What does he think can be done to improve the business climate in Croatia?

Don't miss the opportunity to meet and connect with awesome local and foreign entrepreneurs exchanging ideas and the well-known energy and atmosphere of all Business Café events.

More info and tickets are available on www.businesscafe.info

ZAGREB, August 19, 2019 - Some of the works of the famous French photographer Brigitte Lacombe will be put on display in Zagreb's French Pavilion gallery within the Student Centre from 13 to 28 September.

The exhibition includes a total of 40 photographs that have resulted through her cooperation with influential filmmakers, the PRiredba Studio marketing agency said in a press release on Monday.

According to the official biography of this New York-based French artist, she received the Eisenstaedt Award for Travel Photography (2000), the Lifetime Achievement Award for Photography (Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, 2010), and the Lucie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Travel & Portraiture (2012).

"As a special photographer, Lacombe has worked on many film sets starting with Alan Pakula’s 'All the President’s Men' and 'Fellini’s Casanova' both in 1975, and Steven Spielberg’s 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in 1976."

She has worked on films by Martin Scorsese, Mike Nichols, Anthony Minghella, Spike Jonze, Bennett Miller, Lynne Ramsay, David Mamet, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu, Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Bernardo Bertolucci, Sydney Pollack, Sam Mendes, Michael Haneke, and others.

Her photographs have appeared in publications around the world including Vanity Fair, GQ, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and so on.

More culture news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, August 19, 2019 - Five professional associations of architects, urban planners and landscape architects have called on Zagreb City authorities to organise another round of public consultation on the proposed general city plan (GUP).

In a letter to the city administration, the associations said that they have called for amendments due to the "obvious discrepancy between the proposed GUP and the Law on Physical Planning (ZSU) as well as a series of technical irregularities and discrepancies between various part of the plan."

The architects and urban planners warned that a round of the public consultation held between 31 July and 14 August had not been announced in the physical planning IT system which is a legal requirement.

Recently, Construction Minister Predrag Štromar expressed satisfaction with the great interest of citizens in the public consultation on planned changes to the Zagreb city plan, noting that city services should now analyse the proposals submitted for likely amendment of the proposed changes and then forward the plan to the City Assembly for adoption.

On the other hand, Mayor Milan Bandić dismissed criticism that he was ignoring the opinions of experts and of a general public in connection with the planned changes of Zagreb's city plan.

More Zagreb news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, August 18, 2019 - The University of Zagreb has managed to be again among the 500 best universities in the world, according to the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), the Jutarnji List daily reported on Sunday.

Zagreb's tertiary education institution is placed in the group of universities ranked between 401st and 500th place, after having dropped from the top 500 rankings in 2017 and 2018.

The 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) was released by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy on 15 August.

"Since 2003, ARWU has been presenting the world Top 500 universities annually based on transparent methodology and objective third-party data. It has been recognized as the precursor of global university rankings and the most trustworthy one," the consultancy stated when it published the latest ranking.

This year, the best 1000 universities in the world are published, and the University of Split has made its first appearance on that list, being placed in the group between 701st place and 800th place, the daily reported.

The rankings are topped by Harvard for the 17th year.

Universities from the United States dominate this year’s Top 10 list with 8 universities among them.

"Stanford University and University of Cambridge remain to be the No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. Other Top 10 universities are MIT, Berkeley, Princeton, Oxford, Columbia, Caltech and Chicago. In Continental Europe, ETH Zurich (19th) continues to be the best ranked university, and University of Copenhagen (26th) takes the second place," says the consultancy on its website.

Shanghai Ranking Consultancy introduces itself as "a fully independent organization dedicating to research on higher education intelligence and consultation. It has been the official publisher of the Academic Ranking of World Universities since 2009."

More news and info about the University of Zagreb can be found in the Lifestyle section.

August 17, 2019 - Continuing our look at the foreign entrepreneurs trying to succeed in Croatia as so many are emigrating, meet Sara Muriuki, who swapped Nairobi for Zagreb.

Living in Croatia, I don't get to meet so many Africans, and every time I do, I invariably find myself laughing loudly at the infectious and positive outlooks by the African characters I meet. It takes me back to the times when I lived in Kenya, Rwanda and Somalia. Happy times and incredible memories for life. 

My latest encounter was a with a hilarious Kenyan lady called Sara from Nairobi, and we spent much of the afternoon laughing as we talked about life in Croatia and in the Westlands neighbourhood of Nairobi, where we had apparently been neighbours almost 20 years ago. There will be more from Sara on TCN shortly, but in the meantime, her she is, the latest foreign entrepreneur trying to make it in The Beautiful Croatia. 

1. First and foremost, why Croatia and what is it you do?

My name is Sara Muriuki, I moved to Croatia three years ago (2016) so that my son Marko could have enough time to adjust and learn the language before starting school in September 2019. It would be really hard for him in the public school without a basic knowledge or understanding of the Croatian language.

I was born and raised in Nairobi,  Kenya (lovely country). I met my Croatian husband in Nairobi where he worked for the United Nations as the security manager for the Somalia office. 

Our son was born there and when he was 3 years old we decided it would be best if he grew up in Croatia. So mother and son moved while my husband stayed in Somalia, and later on in Afghanistan, where he is now working. 

In 2016 I opened a company Ianson Trading d.o.o based in Samobor with the main aim of marketing Kenya as a tourist destination not just for Croatia but for the neighbouring countries as well. Normally we have a package for Safari to Kenya which starts in Zagreb to Nairobi via Doha for ten days. This package is regular each year from the 26th Dec to 4th Jan. Mainly because Croatians prefer to be with family in July and August at the Adriatic. Other packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of the clients.  Normally we have a few installments for the package so as to cater for the average Croatian on a tight budget.

The other product we have is furniture from Kenya all made from the amazing African Mahogany wood, very beautiful and long-lasting. 

2. Tell us about some of the differences of your expectations of running a business in Croatia and the reality.

The expectations are not the same as reality mainly because of the low wages/salaries.  This means that most people are limited in their abilities to spend on travels abroad especially out of Europe. For the furniture only a few Rich Croatians can really afford and also one needs to have a big house for the heavy furniture. 

3.  What (if any) bureaucratical issues have you encountered and how did you overcome them (i.e. any advice to the would-be entrepreneur?)

For me the biggest issue was MTU...minimum technical requirements which didn't make sense for online shopping.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs would be to first thoroughly research the market and all the paper requirements as this can waste too much time.

4.  How is your product or business perceived in the Croatian market?

Safari is highly interesting for many people and it’s very well received. Furniture is exciting and also very well appreciated but for a very small and specific niche.

5.  What were the opinions of your friends and community, were they supportive of your idea, or…?

My family and friends were very supportive of me and even went out of their way to ensure that it will be successful. 

6.  What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced in business in Croatia?

Bureaucracy is the biggest obstacle to doing business in Croatia. 

7. If you knew then, what you know now, would you have come?

Definitely, worth all the effort. 

8.  What are 3 things you love about Croatia?

-The best thing about Croatia is the social life..no pressure

-It is very small and so it’s good for life as the basic social amenities are not choking.

-The beautiful coastline.

- Baka service (I have an amazing mother-in-law who really helps out).

9.  What are 3 things you would like to see improved in the business climate in Croatia?

Reduction of the required paperwork from the government. 

Increment of quotas for foreign workers to avoid the shortages of employees.

Reduction of taxes.

10.  How is it working with Croatians in terms of a business mentality?

Most Croatians are very open-minded and open to partnering with foreigners. 

11. Advice for foreign entrepreneurs thinking of coming to Croatia?

My advice is to first make good market research for your product, and be bold enough to make the move. Fortune favours the bold.

Website is www.iansontrading.com 

Facebook : Ianson Furniture gallery 

                      Ianson African Safari

To learn more about the foreign entrepreneurs trying to make it in The Beautiful Croatia, check out the heroes we have covered already. 

Are you a foreign entrepreneur trying to make it work in Croatia and would like to promote your story? Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.