AGP Executive Report

Croatia–Bosnia Border Deal: Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a new border crossings agreement in Sarajevo, expanding the number of top-category crossings (from two to five, with six during a transition) and increasing international road crossings for passenger and freight traffic from 14 to 17, aiming to speed up movement of people and goods and boost trade. World Cup Politics & Security: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup ramps up, England’s opening match against Croatia in Dallas is drawing attention to venue rules and crowd management, with strict clear-bag limits and bans on items like insulated bottles. Croatia’s World Cup Push: Croatia enters the tournament with Luka Modrić expected to recover from cheekbone surgery in time, while the team leans on defenders Josko Gvardiol and Luka Vuskovic as part of a continuity-and-transition plan. Regional Sports Spotlight: In Slovenia, BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana showcased Balkan MMA depth, with Pavel Dailidko defending his heavyweight title and Mohamed Said Maalem winning a light heavyweight world championship. EU Nature Finance: IUCN launched an EU-funded project to explore “nature credits” and nature markets in Croatia, the Netherlands, and Poland, to help national authorities assess whether private finance can support biodiversity restoration.

Croatia–BiH Border Deal: BiH Council of Ministers chair Borjana Krišto and Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković signed an agreement upgrading border-crossing categories, adding more crossings with BIP status (Svilaj, Izačić, Kamensko, Bijača, Gradiška) and aiming to speed movement of people and goods. EU Transport Policy: Bulgaria’s transport minister Georgi Peev pushed for a “balanced” EU decarbonisation approach, arguing green rules should rely on incentives and infrastructure readiness rather than rigid zero-emission targets that burden small firms. Autonomous Vehicles in Europe: Seventeen EU transport ministers backed a cross-border declaration to expand large-scale autonomous vehicle testing, with Croatia among the signatories. World Cup Logistics & Croatia Presence: Croatia’s national team is using Alexandria (Virginia) as its World Cup base, with local events and training at a high school. Croatian Economy Angle: Croatian Post resumed US goods shipments after changes to US customs rules removed the de minimis exemption, using a pre-pay system with ZONOS for duties and taxes. Sports Spotlight: Man City says it’s “feeling positive” about extending Croatian defender Joško Gvardiol’s contract.

Croatia World Cup Build-Up: Croatia closed its final warm-up with a 2-1 win over Slovenia in Varaždin, with Luka Modrić scoring early in the second half and Mario Pašalić sealing it in stoppage time after a defensive slip helped Slovenia equalise. Croatia now head to the tournament on a high note, with the opener against England in Dallas on June 17. Public Safety in the Host Country: A mass shooting in Kansas City, less than four miles from England’s World Cup base at Swope Soccer Village, left nine people injured; police said injuries were non-life-threatening and no suspects were in custody. EU Politics & Enlargement: At the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković backed Montenegro’s progress while pointing to remaining bilateral issues; Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić said he expects movement on its EU path. Tech & Mobility: Self-driving taxi trials are set to expand across Europe, with Croatia already hosting an early test involving Pony.ai, Uber and Rimac-backed partners.

EU Pay Transparency: New EU rules on pay transparency and limits on asking applicants about prior earnings took effect Sunday, but Croatia is still finalising the legislative changes needed to fully implement the directive. Rail Modernisation: Croatia signed a €13m contract (EIB-backed) to reconstruct the Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica railway line, aiming to improve regional passenger links to Zagreb and boost public transport competitiveness in north-west Croatia. World Cup Politics & Croatia’s Place: With the 48-team World Cup starting June 11, Croatia’s Group L rivals are in focus—England, Ghana and Panama—while Croatia’s match schedule includes a Croatia vs. Ghana game in Philadelphia on June 27. Tourism & Connectivity: Ryanair launched a seasonal Zadar–Marseille route, adding another direct link between Croatia’s Adriatic coast and southern France to support summer travel demand. Local Sport Memory: Šibenik marked the anniversary of basketball legend Dražen Petrović’s death with wreath-laying and a youth tournament celebrating his legacy.

EU Compliance Watch: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against Croatia and 12 other EU states over missing penalties under the ReFuelEU Aviation rules, starting with formal notice letters after the December 31, 2024 deadline was missed. Croatia Economy & Labour: New data suggests Croatia’s foreign-worker boom may be slowing, with fewer newly issued work permits than last year—raising questions for tourism and construction that have relied heavily on imported labour. World Cup Politics & Preparation: England began its North America build-up with a 1-0 warm-up win over New Zealand, with Harry Kane scoring his 79th international goal, while teams across the region fine-tune squads ahead of the June 11 kickoff. Croatia in the Spotlight: Zagreb is also watching the demolition of the historic Vjesnik tower, a symbolic moment for the city’s media legacy.

Croatia’s Farm Support Boost: Croatia has launched a new €47m package of CAP-linked financial instruments to help farmers, food processors and rural communities access loans and credits, including principal write-offs of up to 50%—a first-in-the-EU approach under the 2023–2027 plan. World Cup Politics in the Region: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković will sign with Bosnia’s Council of Ministers chair Borjana Krišto an agreement on border crossings in Sarajevo on June 8, aimed at smoother crossings and a more efficient control system. Croatia’s Government-Backed Football: Plenković visited the Croatian national team in Rijeka to back the squad ahead of the World Cup, stressing government support and the federation’s future camp plans. EU Labor Rules Pressure: A new EU-wide pay transparency deadline is being missed by many member states, with Croatia named among those without a legislative draft or timeline yet. Bosnia Peace Deal Uncertainty: The U.S. warns it may reconsider its role in Bosnia after the Peace Implementation Council failed to agree on a new High Representative following Christian Schmidt’s resignation.

Maine Senate Race: Democratic challenger Graham Platner rallied in Bar Harbor, doubling down on “politically motivated” denials as fresh scrutiny over allegations from ex-partners and a Nazi-linked tattoo continues to swirl around his bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins. World Cup Prep (Croatia’s Group): Ghana’s Black Stars confirmed squad numbers for the 2026 World Cup, with England, Croatia and Panama in Group L—kickoff for Ghana vs Panama on June 17, then England on June 23. EU Enlargement Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster, more credible enlargement talks at a Western Balkans summit, with Montenegro framed as a key test case. Croatia Governance & Delivery: A look at why major public projects in Croatia drag on—planning, permits, procurement, financing, and compliance all add up to long delays. International Diplomacy: Israel said it will open an embassy in Slovenia after a new right-wing government took office, and noted a prior flight ban incident that sent an Israeli jet to Croatia. Security & Crime: Europol-backed action targeting illegal sports streaming networks led to 29 arrests and the takedown of nine crime groups. EU Climate Policy: Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan was approved to fund home energy upgrades, transport support, and charging infrastructure for the clean transition.

EU Enlargement Push: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told a western Balkans summit in Montenegro that the EU must speed up enlargement vetting, saying progress should follow reforms “faster and more credible” once countries deliver. Croatia & Adriatic Tourism: Croatia’s HTZ reported strong Dubrovnik nautical tourism in May, with arrivals up 2% and overnight stays up 3%, while the Ston Salt Festival marked its 10th anniversary with a longer June–September programme spotlighting Pelješac’s salt heritage. Croatia’s Heritage Spotlight: The 30th anniversary of the Augusteum discovery near Metković highlights how the Archaeological Museum Narona preserves a rare in-situ Roman site and aims to return to pre-pandemic visitor levels. World Cup Heat Safety: A BBC report says England will use palm-cooling tech and FIFA has added hydration breaks, as climate researchers warn many 2026 venues could exceed dangerous temperatures. Maine Politics (US): Graham Platner’s Senate campaign faces fresh scrutiny after women described unsettling behavior in a New York Times profile, while he denies the allegations.

Bosnia Peace Talks Stall: The PIC steering board in Sarajevo failed to agree on a successor to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s High Representative after Christian Schmidt’s resignation, with negotiations set to continue through June. EU Enlargement & Investment: At an EU-Moldova conference in Chișinău, the EU and partners pledged up to €641m for Moldova across energy, digital infrastructure, education and sustainable agriculture. EU Migration Implementation: Home affairs ministers reviewed the asylum and migration pact ahead of its 12 June start, including progress on the new Eurodac system. Croatia-Linked Diplomacy: Israel announced it will open its first permanent embassy in Ljubljana, following Slovenia’s new right-leaning government. Croatia Economy & Tourism Pressure: Albania’s deputy PM defended a €4bn luxury resort project, citing jobs and tourism standards, while Croatia coverage highlights tourism growth alongside rising local costs and regulatory friction. World Cup Logistics & Rules: FIFA banned reusable water bottles at the tournament, citing safety concerns in extreme heat.

EU Enforcement Watch: The European Commission launched a June infringement package, sending a reasoned opinion to Spain over incorrect transposition of the Seveso III Directive, while also closing 59 cases where problems were fixed. Regional Politics & Integration: Romania pushed its OECD accession goal at the OECD ministerial council in Paris, saying 24 of 25 chapters are already closed. Croatia in the EU Neighborhood: Hungary’s PM Peter Magyar floated expanding V4 cooperation by inviting additional partners, naming Austria, Slovenia, Romania and Croatia. Croatia & the World Cup Build-Up: Croatia’s national team preparations are linked to the tournament’s wider logistics, including Croatia’s base-camp choice in Alexandria, Virginia, as fans and host cities ramp up for the 48-team kickoff. Security & Organized Crime: Europol backed an anti-piracy operation that led to 29 arrests and dismantled nine crime groups behind illegal streaming of sports and TV content, with Croatia among participating countries.

Croatia–EU Governance & Administration: Croatia has started rolling out a new Central Population Register, replacing the traditional census approach with a continuously updated digital database accessible via e-Građani, aiming to cut red tape and improve how public funds and services are planned. Economic Policy & Tourism Politics: The government’s new anti-inflation package is drawing sharp anger from tourism landlords, as businesses warn it could raise costs and complicate the summer accommodation market just as demand peaks. Local Government & Veterans Memory: Župa Dubrovačka has launched a public consultation to create a dedicated memorial room for local Homeland War veterans, with a target completion by year-end. International Aviation & Regional Tensions: Slovenia refused an Israeli aircraft landing in Ljubljana, forcing diversion to Zagreb, with Israeli officials calling it a political breach of EU aviation rules. World Cup as a Political Economy Driver: Dubrovnik approved extended late-night opening hours for restaurants and bars during Croatia’s group matches, balancing fan demand with order and noise rules. Croatia’s Macro Backdrop: New data suggests Croatia’s economy is still growing but slowing, with tourism no longer able to carry growth alone.

Bosnia Power Shift: Croatia’s political line on Bosnia is sharpening after Christian Schmidt’s resignation, with the Peace Implementation Council set to pick a new high representative in Sarajevo—candidates reportedly include Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi, France’s René Troccaz, and others, while Croatia-backed legal circles also throw support behind Roman Zavrsek. Schengen Pressure: The European Commission urged nine Schengen states—including Slovenia—to phase out internal border checks, warning that prolonged controls could undermine the passport-free zone. Croatia in the Spotlight via Aviation: Israir says a flight from Tel Aviv to Ljubljana was denied landing in Slovenia and diverted to Zagreb, alleging political motives and EU aviation-agreement violations. World Cup Build-Up (Ghana): Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 tournament continue after a 1-1 draw with Wales; former forward Augustine Arhinful criticized goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s communication and Thomas Partey’s fitness, while Carlos Queiroz reiterated the goal of reaching the knockout stage. Croatia Football Talent: Luka Vuskovic is reportedly pushing for a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid rather than returning to Tottenham after his breakout season on loan at Hamburger SV. Tourism & Travel: Dubrovnik welcomed a new Ryanair seasonal route from Budapest, adding another direct link for the summer 2026 season.

Croatia–Belgium World Cup build-up: Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in Rijeka as Youri Tielemans scored before halftime and Romelu Lukaku added a late second, giving the Red Devils a confidence boost ahead of their tournament opener. Ghana–Wales warm-up: Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales in Cardiff after Caleb Yirenkyi scored on debut and Lewis Koumas equalised in stoppage time, leaving Ghana winless in four. England squad controversy: England named a 26-man World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel that sparked backlash over high-profile omissions and surprising call-ups, with the team starting preparations in Florida. Local governance & tourism pressure: Dubrovnik and Split are tightening rules ahead of peak season—Dubrovnik with higher on-the-spot fines for disorder in the Old Town, and Split moving toward restrictions on late-night alcohol sales. Migration trend: Croatia saw more people return from Germany than leave for the third straight year, though officials warn it’s still far from enough to fix demographic pressures. EU policy: The European Commission is deploying a record wildfire response force, including hundreds of firefighters and aircraft, as summer risks rise.

Croatian Tourism & Economy: The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) opened a new representative office in Berlin to deepen its push in Germany, Croatia’s biggest tourism market, with German visitors making up over 20% of overnight stays and more travel shifting into pre- and post-season. Public Finance & Prices: Croatia’s inflation rose 5.2% in May year-on-year, with energy prices up 16.9% and services up 7.9%, underscoring pressure from energy shocks and “overheating” demand. Island Connectivity: The government approved two new year-round fast catamaran routes linking Dalmatian islands with the mainland—Postira–Pučišća–Omiš–Split and Žirje–Kaprije–Šibenik—to improve daily mobility and regional development. Sports & Diplomacy-by-Proxy: Croatia’s World Cup preparations are framed by concern over captain Luka Modrić’s fitness after cheekbone surgery, while Croatia’s warm-up vs Belgium is set for Rijeka ahead of the England opener. Culture: Split’s Mediterranean Film Festival (11–20 June) will screen a record 112 films from 39 countries, with the largest number of Croatian premieres to date.

World Cup Politics & Croatia’s Role: Croatia has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić among the veterans, and a warm-up plan that starts with Belgium in Rijeka before further preparation ahead of the group opener. Ghana vs. Croatia Group-L Focus: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says the government secured 1,000 tickets in advance for Black Stars supporters and rejects claims of illegal resale, promising transparency and checks. Squad Shock in Ghana Camp: Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed Alexander Djiku is ruled out after failing a late fitness test, with Derrick Luckassen called up as replacement. Croatia–Belgium Friendly: Croatia’s first World Cup warm-up is set for Tuesday against Belgium, with coach Zlatko Dalić signaling a tactical plan for the tournament opener.

Zagreb Infrastructure: The City of Zagreb has launched a design competition for the Jarunski Bridge over the Sava, a major western-city project that would be the first Sava crossing there in 45 years and the third in Zagreb with a tram line, aiming to cut congestion and improve public transport links. EU Border Dispute: Serbia’s EU integration minister Nemanja Starović says Croatia could block Serbia’s EU path over Danube border disputes, arguing Croatia seeks control of more than 11,000 hectares on the left bank. World Cup Politics in Practice: Ghana’s GFA says the Wales friendly on June 2 is a key benchmark for coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of Group L with England and Croatia, while defender Alexander Djiku is reported set to miss the final squad due to injury; Ghana also confirms $100,000 appearance fees for Black Stars players. Croatia in the EU Legal Spotlight: The European Commission has opened infringement steps against Croatia (and 19 others) over delayed transposition of rules on green claims and sustainability labels. Croatia Football Export: Arsenal defender Josh Nichols is set to move to Croatian club NK Kustošija, continuing the pipeline of dual-eligible players into Croatia’s leagues.