AGP Executive Report

Water Monitoring Tech: Croatia’s Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute is rolling out satellite-based monitoring for rivers, lakes and seas, pairing space observations with field measurements to spot pollution and eutrophication earlier—starting with a Drava River pilot after a major wastewater plant upgrade. EV Charging Push: The European Investment Bank is teaming up with Ireland to speed up public EV charging, aiming for a charger within reach of every community using procurement and financing templates for local authorities. Energy & Climate Economics: SolarPower Europe says solar has saved Europe €12.8bn since the Iran-war oil shock began, averaging €136m per day, with calls for more storage and faster financing. Croatia Jobs & Wages: Croatia’s average net salary hit €1,621 (+9%), but pay growth and levels vary sharply by sector—IT leads, while agriculture lags. Tourism Momentum: Croatia’s tourism board reports strong 2026 momentum, boosted by new US routes and a focus on value-for-money and safety. Road Safety Data: Greece’s road deaths fell to the lowest since 1963, yet a survey still flags risky driving habits like heavy phone use and fatigue. World Cup Tech/Rules: FIFA bans reusable water bottles at the 2026 tournament, a move critics say could endanger fans in extreme heat.

EU Accession Talks: All EU member states agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine on the first cluster, aiming to pull Kyiv out of the “grey zone” ahead of the June 18 European Council summit—though associate-membership ideas are still a political flashpoint. Croatian Water Tech: Croatia’s Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute is rolling out a satellite + field monitoring system with SeaCras to spot pollution and eutrophication in rivers, lakes and seas earlier, starting with a Drava pilot after major wastewater upgrades. EV Charging Push: The European Investment Bank is partnering with Ireland’s transport ministry and ZEVI to speed up a nationwide public EV charging network, using EU-backed implementation tools for local authorities. Digital Finance Access: Noviraf is expanding fully online consumer lending across all Croatian regions to reduce the urban-rural gap in credit access. Croatia Jobs & Pay: Croatia’s average net salary rose to €1,621, but the gap stays wide—IT leads (€1,904) while agriculture grows slowest. World Cup Safety Debate: FIFA bans reusable water bottles at the 2026 World Cup, arguing fans could throw them, while critics warn heat risk and higher bottled-water costs. Tourism Update: HTZ says 2026 is off to a strong start, with growth from Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary and especially the U.S. after new direct flights.

Croatia–China Green Ties: Croatia’s ambassador in Beijing says cooperation is expanding around sustainability and clean energy, pointing to projects like the Pelješac Bridge as proof that “green development” can be built into major infrastructure. Energy Deal Watch: In Azerbaijan, SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed a long-term Absheron gas supply deal to Turkey—33bn cubic metres over 15 years from 2029—aimed at unlocking full-scale development decisions in 2026. EU Policy Push: The European Commission adopted the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, steering member states toward competitiveness, skills, resilience, housing fixes and fiscal sustainability. Schengen Move: Brussels urged nine Schengen countries to phase out internal border checks, arguing temporary controls shouldn’t become permanent. Wildfire Readiness: The EU is deploying a record wildfire response under the Civil Protection Mechanism: 777 firefighters, 22 aircraft and five helicopters pre-positioned across high-risk regions. Tech & Security (Slovenia): Slovenia’s national cyber response center (SI-CERT) handles about 6,000 incidents a year, using a multi-line triage system for fraud, ransomware and phishing reports. Croatia Tech/Research: A new study on the Močići mithraeum suggests Mithraic worship in Roman Croatia was shaped by local landscapes—linking rituals to caves, springs and karst geology. World Cup Tech Angle: England players are using WHOOP recovery devices during training in the US, while scientists warn heat could slow matches and affect performance.

Croatia Rail Upgrade: Indian firm Afcons wins Croatia’s biggest rail project, reconstructing the Dugo Selo–Novska line and adding a second track, with EU co-funding and modernized signalling aimed at up to 160 km/h. EU Border Policy: The European Commission urges nine Schengen countries to wind down internal border checks, warning that prolonged controls could undermine passport-free travel. World Cup Tech & Data: FIFA’s 2026 tournament leans harder into AI and enhanced tracking—sensor-equipped balls, more cameras, and better support for offside and handball decisions. Sports Science for Fans: Scientists warn heat could slow World Cup matches, with most games likely to face performance-impairing temperatures. Public Safety & Logistics: Philadelphia details security and emergency plans for World Cup matches, including training exercises and citywide coordination. Wildfire Preparedness: The EU launches its largest-ever wildfire response, pre-positioning 777 firefighters plus aircraft and helicopters, supported by satellite mapping and risk forecasting. Local Tech & Cyber: Slovenia’s SI-CERT reports handling about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, using a multi-track triage system for fraud, ransomware, and phishing. Naval Industry: Navantia signs MoUs with Croatian partners for the navy corvette program, focusing on local industrial participation and job creation.

Robotaxis in Europe: Uber and WeRide are pushing into Madrid with a commercial robotaxi pilot bookable via the Uber app, starting with safety operators and scaling progressively, while Munich is also set for a robotaxi test with Autobrains and Nvidia’s DRIVE Hyperion pending German regulators. Croatian industry & defense tech: Navantia signed MoUs with Croatian partners Nortes Blue and Uljanik Brodogradnja for the navy corvette program, aiming to build local know-how and jobs through design, engineering and shipbuilding synergies. Cybersecurity operations: Slovenia’s SI-CERT (ARNES) says it handles about 6,000 cyber incidents a year, using a three-line triage system to streamline fraud, ransomware and phishing handling. AI at the World Cup: FIFA’s 2026 tournament will lean harder on AI and enhanced tracking—ball sensors, more cameras, and improved offside and handball decision support. Wildfire readiness: The EU deployed a record wildfire response under the Civil Protection Mechanism, pre-positioning 777 firefighters plus aircraft and helicopters, with Copernicus and EU forecasting support. Food waste tech: European startups are turning surplus and by-products into affordable food, feed and fertilisers, with AI-enabled kitchen tracking and upcycling moving from niche to mainstream.

Robotaxis in Europe: Uber and WeRide are pushing robotaxi pilots further into the EU, with Madrid getting a commercial service planned via the Uber app (safety operators first, then scaling toward fully driverless). Germany robotaxi test: Uber is also set to launch in Munich with Autobrains and Nvidia’s DRIVE Hyperion, pending German regulator approval—another sign Europe’s autonomy market is moving from trials to real deployments. Central banking and stablecoins: Fed Minneapolis chief Neel Kashkari said stablecoins’ lasting uses are limited to crypto trading, cross-border remittances, and illicit finance, while Bank of England policymaker Megan Greene argued tokenised deposits may outcompete stablecoins. Croatia tech & tourism: Croatia’s national tourist board opened a Berlin office to strengthen ties with Germany’s biggest visitor market. Health research in Croatia: A €1.19M multinational RESOLVE initiative (including Croatia) is exploring stem-cell extracellular particles to reset chronic neuropathic pain by targeting persistent neural inflammation. Aviation operations: United Airlines reported Newark (EWR) hit its best-ever on-time performance in April and May after earlier FAA and staffing disruptions were addressed.

Croatia in Germany: The Croatian National Tourist Board opened a new Berlin representative office to strengthen ties with Germany’s biggest visitor market, aiming to cover the whole country beyond Munich and build on growing pre- and post-season travel. Urban Tech & Mobility: Zagreb launched a design competition for the Jarunski Bridge over the Sava, planned as a major western-city link with tram, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Defence Funding (EU): Cyprus signed the loan agreement to access EU SAFE programme funds, joining Croatia and other member states in financing high-tech defence procurement. Health Research: A €1.19M international project (RESOLVE) will test stem-cell extracellular particles as a new approach to reset chronic neuropathic pain by targeting underlying inflammation. Energy Storage in SEE: A regional panel at Belgrade Energy Forum focused on how battery energy storage systems can earn from both arbitrage and grid services as regulation and financing models catch up. Digital Money Debate: Bank of England economist Megan Greene argued tokenized deposits could outgrow stablecoins, while Fed’s Christopher Waller defended stablecoins and criticized CBDCs. World Cup Tech & Culture: FIFA-ready upgrades and fan-facing tech are in focus as the tournament nears, alongside stories on training grounds, matchday gear, and the push for clearer stadium access.

AI in Travel: Croatia’s ferry giant Jadrolinija rolled out “Barba AI,” an AI-powered assistant that handled thousands of enquiries in its first days, aiming to speed up trip planning and support during peak summer demand. Urban Tech & Mobility: Zagreb launched a design competition for the Jarunski Bridge over the Sava—about 625m long—with lanes, a tram line, and dedicated cycling and pedestrian routes to ease congestion and improve links between Trešnjevka and Novi Zagreb. Energy Storage in the Region: At Belgrade Energy Forum 2026, experts discussed why battery energy storage systems are moving from “optional” to essential for grid reliability in Southeastern Europe, stressing the need for aligned rules and clear revenue models. Digital Finance Debate: In Croatia, central bank officials sparred over stablecoins vs tokenized deposits—an argument that stablecoins may lose ground as banks push toward digital deposit products. Science & Health (Croatia link): A long-running Zagreb-origin research story highlights how ideas from a University of Zagreb lecture evolved into decades of work influencing modern drug regulation debates.

World Cup 2026 Line-Up: The full 48-team field is now set, with Croatia among the qualified sides as the expanded tournament kicks off June 11 across Canada, Mexico and the US. England Camp & Coaching: Thomas Tuchel says England has “full belief” it can go far, with the squad heading to a US warm-weather camp and warm-up matches before settling into its tournament base. Croatian Tech for Travel: Jadrolinija is rolling out “Barba AI,” an AI-powered assistant to handle passenger questions and speed up ticketing and trip planning ahead of peak summer demand. Stablecoins vs CBDCs: US Fed Governor Christopher Waller, speaking in Croatia, backed stablecoins with clearer rules while criticizing CBDCs as an unnecessary solution. Croatian Urban Design Debate: A Croatian engineering voice argues “matchbox” architecture is driven less by taste and more by economics, regulations, and investor timelines. Water Microplastics Research: A Croatia-wide study tracks how microplastics move from sources through treatment and distribution networks to drinking water. Defence Procurement Funding: Croatia is among the first EU states to sign SAFE loan agreements for joint defence spending, with Poland already receiving an initial payment.

AI in Travel: Jadrolinija rolled out “Barba AI,” an AI-powered assistant on its website, handling thousands of enquiries in its first ten days to speed up trip planning and ticket support ahead of summer. Water & Health: A Croatia-wide study tracked how microplastics move from water sources through treatment and distribution networks, showing how treatment can significantly reduce levels by the time water reaches taps. Climate Resilience: Stockholm topped the COOLCITY Index as Europe’s most climate-resilient capital, with strong green infrastructure and better flood and heat management. Public Infrastructure: Varaždin signed a deal for a ~€16M recreational pool complex using solar panels, solar thermal collectors and heat pumps, aiming to expand family-friendly aquatic facilities. Defence Procurement (EU): Poland became the first country to receive SAFE defence loan funding, with Croatia among the early signatories—part of a broader push to speed up joint procurement. Underwater Safety: A roundup highlights how dangerous underwater caves can be, including recent fatalities and past incidents in the Adriatic. Media & Telecom: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network from United Group, with regulatory approvals expected later in 2026.

Smoking Cessation in Croatia: A Zagreb conference highlights that nearly 40% of Croatian adults smoke, with experts pointing to gaps in structured quitting support, weak regulation, and limited recognition of nicotine addiction in healthcare; a new family-doctor project is training clinicians and a study is tracking breath carbon monoxide levels. Water Tech: Research on Croatia’s water systems maps how microplastics move from sources through treatment and into distribution networks, showing how treatment can sharply cut levels in drinking water. EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission starts infringement steps against many EU states, including Croatia, over delayed or incomplete transposition of rules on green claims and sustainability labels, plus updated health-sector training requirements. Defence Funding (SAFE): Croatia is among the first EU countries to sign SAFE loan agreements for defence projects, as the Commission pushes faster procurement and resilience. Robotaxis in China: Pony.ai raises its 2026 robotaxi fleet target to 3,500 after strong Q1 revenue growth, even as China tightens scrutiny after outages elsewhere. Local Infrastructure: Varaždin signs a €16m contract for a new energy-efficient recreational pool complex with solar tech and heat pumps. Media Deal: Alpac Capital reaches an agreement to buy Adria News Network from United Group, pending approvals. Digital Education: Croatia moves toward digital school certificates and diplomas, while RIT Croatia in Zagreb launches a new U.S.-style cybersecurity degree.

Croatia Public Health: Croatia ranks 3rd in the EU for smoking, with almost 40% of adults lighting up, as experts in Zagreb warned that quitting support, regulation, and nicotine-addiction recognition in healthcare still need major upgrades. EU Trade & Security: The European Commission’s export-control update shows EU oversight is getting more decentralized, with Member States shaping rules around end-use and transaction context for sensitive technologies. EU Consumer Rules: Brussels has launched infringement steps against 20 EU countries, including Croatia, for not fully transposing the “green transition” consumer directive on green claims and sustainability labels. EU Health Workforce: The Commission also opened infringement procedures over delayed adoption of updated EU minimum training rules for nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, citing gaps in multiple countries including Croatia. Defence Funding (SAFE loans): Poland, Lithuania, Croatia, Romania and Belgium signed SAFE defence-loan agreements, with Poland already receiving its first payment. Media & Tech in the Balkans: Alpac Capital agreed to acquire Adria News Network from United Group, aiming to back “neutral, fact-based” journalism across the region. Sports Tech & Mobility: Pony.ai lifted its 2026 robotaxi fleet target to 3,500 after strong Q1 revenue growth, even as China tightens scrutiny after outages. Local Infrastructure: Varaždin signed a deal for a €16m energy-efficient recreational pool complex with solar and heat-pump tech.

AI Compute & Leadership: ECOBLOX reshuffles its top structure, with Theo Valich moving to group CEO of BLOX and Doug Makishima taking interim CEO to push near-term commercialization and global scaling. EU Defence Finance: The European Commission says Poland, Lithuania, Croatia, Romania and Belgium have signed SAFE defence-loan agreements (Italy excluded), with Poland receiving its first €6.6bn payment. Croatia Infrastructure: Varaždin signs a ~€16m deal for a new energy-efficient recreational pool complex, adding solar tech, heat pumps, modern water treatment, and indoor/outdoor family facilities. EU Consumer Rules: The Commission opens infringement steps against 20 EU states, including Croatia, for not fully transposing the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition. Healthcare Training Rules: Separate infringement letters target Portugal and others over updated EU minimum training requirements for nurses, dentists and pharmacists—Croatia is listed among non-notifiers. Tech & Safety in Transport: EuroTrophy says Norway’s Leopard 2A8 deliveries with Rafael’s Trophy APS are expanding the system’s baseline across multiple European countries, including Croatia. Local Digital Education: Croatia plans digital school certificates and diplomas, while RIT Croatia in Zagreb launches a new cybersecurity degree. World Cup Tech & Logistics: Croatia’s summer travel and match planning chatter continues alongside World Cup watch-party guides and device deals, including a major discount on Hisense’s 98in TV for group viewing.

Digital Education Upgrade: Croatia will start issuing digital school certificates and diplomas from the end of the 2025/2026 academic year, stored in an official register and authenticated with an eIDAS-qualified electronic seal via e-Građani. Cybersecurity Education: RIT Croatia in Zagreb is opening enrollment for a new undergraduate Cybersecurity degree starting Fall 2026, aiming to meet the growing demand for security talent. EU Rule Enforcement: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against Croatia and other EU states over delayed or incomplete transposition of consumer green-claims rules, and separately over updated minimum training requirements for nurses, dentists, and pharmacists. Food Tech for Less Waste: PerfoTec and Green Factory partner to roll out PerfoTec’s laser perforation tech for Intelligent MAP packaging across 14 Central and Eastern European markets, targeting longer freshness and reduced food waste. Croatia Mobility Tech: Croatia is pushing a fully electronic motorway toll model to replace traditional booths and cut summer queue chaos using tags, automatic recognition, and contactless payments. Ancient Discovery: Archaeologists report a rare Greek theatre mask terracotta head from a cave sanctuary on Croatia’s Pelješac peninsula, dating to the 3rd–4th century BC.

EU Rule Push: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against 20 EU countries, including Croatia, for missing deadlines to fully transpose the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, with formal notice letters giving two months to respond. Healthcare Training Update: Brussels also opened a case against Portugal and others over the failure to implement Directive (EU) 2024/782, which modernizes minimum training for nurses, dentists and pharmacists, including areas like e-health and digital technologies. Digital Education: Croatia will start issuing digital school certificates and diplomas from the end of the 2025/2026 school year, stored in an official register and authenticated under EU eIDAS rules. Cybersecurity Education: RIT Croatia in Zagreb is launching a new undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity, with classes starting in Fall 2026. EV Charging Expansion: GreenWay secured an EBRD loan to build 2,700 fast and ultra-fast public EV chargers across Poland, Slovakia and Croatia by 2028. Autonomous Driving Business: Pony.ai reported a big Q1 robotaxi revenue jump and raised its 2026 robotaxi targets and fleet size goals. Croatian Return Scheme: “Biram Hrvatsku” has brought back 1,802 people since 2022, and an upgraded version is expected later this year. Defense Tech Modernization: Croatia’s defense ministry says a major modernization push aims to make the armed forces among Europe’s strongest small armies by 2030, including drones and anti-drone tech.

Autonomous Mobility & Business: Pony.ai’s Q1 2026 results show total revenue of RMB 236M (+145% YoY) with robotaxi revenue up 395% YoY to RMB 59.12M, pushing the company to raise its 2026 robotaxi target to “more than 3.5x” 2025 and expand its fleet goal to over 3,500 vehicles across 20+ cities. Archaeology in Croatia: Excavations in Crno Jezero Cave on the Pelješac peninsula uncovered a rare terracotta head depicting a Greek theatre mask (4th–3rd century BC), adding weight to the idea of the cave as an ancient sanctuary with ritual offerings. Local Tech Tourism: A new AI-powered, self-guided Dubrovnik adventure platform is set to launch, using clues and local storytelling to route visitors through lesser-known spots beyond standard tours. EV Infrastructure: GreenWay secured EUR 35M from the EBRD to build 2,700 fast and ultra-fast public EV chargers by 2028 across Poland, Slovakia, and Croatia. Retail Tech & Lifestyle: Sephora opens its first Split store at Mall of Split, featuring digital mirrors and interactive shopping tech. Environment & Policy: Greenpeace Bulgaria staged a “TOXIC” action at Bobov Dol power plant, urging limits on coal operations and a shift toward renewables and clean grid balancing.