AGP Executive Report

Croatia & Arts/Entertainment: Simply Red in Pula: The band will bring its “Summer Funk ’27” tour to Pula Arena on 24 July 2027, turning the Roman landmark into a big open-air singalong with hits like “Fairground” and “Money’s Too Tight.” Music & Culture in Dubrovnik: Women’s Bank Walk returns to the Stradun this Sunday for its 12th edition, with live music and a charity route supporting women’s education and economic independence. Klapa on Mljet: Klapa Subrenum performs a free Dalmatian music evening on Mljet this Friday. Tech & Media: United Group launches EON 3.0—an AI-driven TV and entertainment platform rolling out across Slovenia, Bulgaria, Greece, and soon Croatia and the region. Sports (Croatia-linked): Europa League note: Hapoel Be’er Sheva held Dinamo Zagreb to 0-0 in Europa League action, keeping the Croatian side in the mix. Local Sports Facilities: Čibača pitch upgrade: repairs and safety improvements are underway at the Čibača football ground, with a bigger main-pitch turf project planned next.

Simply Red in Pula: The band led by Mick Hucknall has announced a Croatia stop at Pula Arena on 24 July 2027 as part of the “Summer Funk ’27” European and UK tour, with songs like “Fairground” and “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” set for the Roman amphitheatre setting. Dubrovnik Charity Walk: The Women’s Bank Walk returns to the Stradun this Sunday for its 12th edition, raising funds to support women’s education and economic independence, with music and speeches before the route. Klapa on Mljet: Traditional klapa group Klapa Subrenum performs for free on Mljet this Friday at 8 p.m. in front of the Church of St. Paul. Croatian Football Campus: Croatia’s government approved a 50-year free right to build on a Stobreč site for Hajduk’s new Split training campus, with construction expected to finish in five years. Dubrovnik Park Reopens: Gradac Park in Dubrovnik has reopened after its first full restoration since 1898, including new trees, paths, lighting and a refurbished playground. Rastoke Mill Days: Rastoke near Slunj hosts “Dani mlina” on 19 September with heritage workshops, food, music and family activities.

Dubrovnik Restoration: Gradac Park, Dubrovnik’s oldest major public park (opened in 1898), has reopened after its first full restoration in 128 years, with 439 trees preserved, 401 replanted, plus renewed paths, fountain, lighting, and a refurbished playground. Tech & Start-ups: Forty.5 Ventures launched a $30m fund backing early-stage tech from Serbia and the region, targeting AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and consumer creator/entertainment infrastructure. EU Culture & Policy: The European Parliament backed a cardiovascular prevention plan, while EPP lawmakers flagged concerns over the separate “Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan” approach. Croatia–Russia Security: Croatia summoned Russia’s ambassador in Zagreb over security threat concerns tied to Moscow, as Russia rejected the claims as provocation. Sports (Europa League): Celtic kick off their Europa League campaign vs Ferencvaros at Celtic Park (Croatian referee Patrik Kolarić; VAR Mario Zebec). Music & Pop Culture: A$AP Rocky’s DON’T BE DUMB World Tour sold out across the UK and Europe, with Croatia dates on the run. Local Entertainment Tech: Google will block online gambling ads targeting Croatia from Oct 7, revoking existing certifications for such promotions.

EU Culture & Tech: The European Commission backed the first AI Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) co-designed by 19 Member States, with Croatia among them, aiming to build decentralised AI services and boost Europe’s digital sovereignty. Croatia Travel & Hospitality: Dubrovnik’s Villa Argentina has reopened after a major renovation, now part of The Leading Hotels of the World and offering 109 rooms/suites plus restored 1967 mosaic artwork. Croatia Arts & Inclusion: Zagreb’s long-awaited Autism Centre project is finally moving forward after 20+ years, with a €35m build planned for Oporovec and support for around 200 children. Croatia Heritage: Erdödy Kerestinec Castle in Sveta Nedelja has reopened after nearly a decade and about €13m in restoration, set to become a new cultural venue. Music & Pop Culture: A$AP Rocky’s DON’T BE DUMB World Tour sold out across the UK and Europe, with Croatia dates on the run. Entertainment & Media: Google will ban online gambling ads targeting Croatia from October 7. Sports (Local Interest): England will get just 100 away tickets for the Nations League trip to Croatia on Oct. 3 in Rijeka. Film & TV: Nominations are out for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards 2026, with Croatian titles among the contenders. Sports (Global Buzz): “Max vs 100” hits Silverstone as Verstappen takes on 100 karting rivals.

Croatian Culture & Heritage: Erdödy Kerestinec Castle in Sveta Nedelja has reopened after nearly a decade and a €13m restoration, with a new cultural venue and a library set to serve local residents. Zagreb Arts & Inclusion: After 20+ years of delays, Zagreb’s new Autism Centre in Oporovec is finally underway—€35m total, planned for about 200 children, with music and art therapy spaces plus aquatic therapy. Wellness Tourism: Bjelovar’s €42m Wellovar thermal spa project is in its final stretch, with system checks underway and a hoped-for opening around Sept. 29. Film & TV (Adriatic): Nominations are out for the 2026 Adriatic Film and TV Awards, with regional titles like God Will Not Help and Wind, Talk to Me leading the pack. Music & Pop Culture: PinkPantheress is highlighted as a global streaming force, with Warner Records citing 8.3bn+ catalogue streams and a second UK gold-certified album. Sports (Local Interest): Croatia’s national team unveiled new adidas kits featuring Glagolitic script and lace-inspired design ahead of Nations League matches. Guinness for Kids: Šibenik set a Guinness World Record with an outdoor Dalmatian-dog exhibition featuring 2,300+ children’s artworks.

Adriatic Film & TV Awards 2026: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards have announced their 2026 nominees, with Yugo Florida leading the film race with six nods and God Will Not Help and Wind, Talk to Me close behind; TV nominations are topped by Black Sun and The Hollow. Winners are set to be chosen by the Adriatic Region Film and TV Academy. Cirque du Soleil in Zagreb: OVO returns to Arena Zagreb for four shows in June 2027, refreshed with new acts, costumes and music, built around the insect world. Guinness in Šibenik: Šibenik set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest Dalmatian dog exhibition, featuring 2,300+ children’s artworks, open until Sept. 21. Croatia tourism & culture tech: Korčula launched a mobile app to help visitors find attractions and events faster, with location-based info and notifications. Croatian sport & travel infrastructure: A new electro-diesel train between Split and Zagreb is now fully operational, and Croatia’s hiking network is set for upgrades across hundreds of kilometres. Friendly Fire expands: The gaming café brand opened new locations in Rijeka, Vienna, and Limassol as part of its global rollout.

Croatia Tourism & Tech: Korčula Tourist Board is rolling out a new Android/iOS mobile app (in testing) to help visitors find attractions, services and events fast, with location-based info and optional notifications. Rail & Mobility: The first hybrid electro-diesel train on the Split–Zagreb route is now fully operational, bringing Wi‑Fi, power sockets, accessibility features and bicycle space, with six trains planned by year-end. Culture & Heritage: Erdödy Castle in Kerestinec reopens after a €13m+ restoration, now set to host a heritage collection, library expansion, music school, exhibitions and events. Food & Festivals: Dubrovnik’s Good Food Festival returns Oct 5–18 with celebrity chefs, street food, workshops and live music, while Ston prepares a Beer & Walk & Taste event plus the Ston Wall Marathon on Sept 19–20. Sports (Croatia in focus): Dinamo Zagreb starts its Europa League campaign vs Hapoel Be’er Sheva; and Newcastle are reportedly weighing a €60m release-clause move for Croatia midfielder Luka Sučić. Streaming (Croatia): Apple TV launches in Croatia at €9.99/month with a 7-day free trial, including Ted Lasso and Severance.

Croatian Culture & Heritage: Erdödy Castle in Kerestinec has reopened after a €13 million Renaissance-Baroque restoration, now set to host a heritage collection, library spaces, a music school, exhibitions, and room for concerts and performances. Streaming & Media: Apple TV officially launches in Croatia at €9.99/month (or €79/year) with a 7-day free trial, bringing local viewers titles like Ted Lasso, Severance, CODA and F1. Film & Pop Culture: “Alpha Gang,” a gonzo sci-fi comedy shot in Croatia, gets a standout review at the Toronto Film Festival, with the Zellner brothers’ chaotic alien premise and star-studded cast front and center. Dubrovnik Food & Music: The 13th Dubrovnik Good Food Festival runs Oct 5–18 with celebrity chefs, street food nights, workshops, and live music across the city and nearby areas. Sports on Croatian TV: Nagravision says RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia deployed anti-piracy tech to securely distribute 2026 F1 content. Local Events: Zagreb’s Green River Festival returns with music, film, art and traditional Slavonian fiš by the Sava. Travel & Safety: Wildfires on Brač forced evacuations of 200+ people as flames threatened villages and tourist areas.

Wildfire Watch (Brač): A large wildfire on Croatia’s island of Brac spread toward Milna overnight, triggering evacuations of more than 200 people (with reports of up to ~700), as firefighters battled strong winds to protect homes and tourist areas; no serious injuries were reported, though a 76-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition. Sport & Culture (Imotski): A 3.5-metre bronze statue honoring legendary Croatian boxer Mate Parlov was unveiled at Gospin Dolac City Stadium in Imotski, celebrating his Olympic and world champion legacy. TV & Pop Culture: AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 wraps with Negan and Maggie facing a shared war in Manhattan, setting up a hopeful new direction. Media Tech (Croatia/CEE): A1 Group renewed its multi-transponder deal with Eutelsat for RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia, supporting secure satellite TV distribution across the region. Music/Entertainment: Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares says bassist Tony Campos recorded all bass tracks for the band’s upcoming album, marking a new era for the lineup. On This Day (Space): Sept. 14 marks the USSR’s Luna 2 landing on the moon in 1959.

Culture & Heritage: Ston Salt Festival’s 10th anniversary wrapped with an international symposium on how Adriatic saltworks can be conserved and valorised for a sustainable future, bringing together heritage experts, academics, and local authorities. Arts in Dubrovnik: Gradac Park in Dubrovnik reopens Sept 16 after its first full renovation in 120 years, with an evening of music and performances by local youth bands. Music & Community: An American choir concert is set for Sept 16 at Dubrovnik’s historic Franciscan Monastery—free admission, part of the city’s September cultural programme. Sport (Croatian ties): Boxing legend George Chuvalo has died at 89; the Canadian heavyweight of Croatian immigrant roots was famed for never being knocked down professionally. Travel & Lifestyle: A new wave of tourism coverage spotlights Croatia’s growing visitor numbers and new tourism infrastructure, while a Dubrovnik cruise-and-coast review leans into the Adriatic experience. Breaking News (Brač wildfires): Wildfires on Brač forced evacuations near Milna, with hundreds moved to safety as firefighters battled fast-moving flames.

Wildfire Watch: A major blaze on Croatia’s island of Brač has forced the evacuation of 200+ people near Milna as winds push flames toward villages and tourist areas. Tennis Buzz: US Open 2026 winner Elena Rybakina keeps her dating life private, but the spotlight stays on speculation around Croatian coach Stefano Vukov. Sports Drama (Derby Day): Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford, with the clash framed by three key on-pitch battles that could swing the 2026-27 Manchester derby. Music & Science: Physicist Brian Cox brings his “Emergence” live show to Sofia, blending science, music and big stage visuals on a European run that also includes Zagreb. Croatia Culture: Dubrovnik’s Gradac Park reopens Sept 16 after a 120-year renovation, with new paths, lighting and hundreds of trees, plus an evening of performances. Local Arts: An American choir concert is set for Sept 16 at Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery, free for visitors. Entertainment & Lifestyle: A new Museum of Illusions attraction is planned for Birmingham, expanding the interactive edutainment concept that began in Zagreb. Sports (Combat Sports): Boxing world mourns Canadian legend George Chuvalo, who died at 89.

US Open Tennis: Elena Rybakina is through to the 2026 US Open final and, by reaching the semis, has secured the new WTA world No. 1 spot—plus a look at who’s in her player box, from coach Stefano Vukov to her sister Anna. Dubrovnik Culture: Gradac Park in Dubrovnik is set to reopen Sept 16 after its first full renovation in 120 years, with music and young local bands kicking off the celebrations. Free Music in Dubrovnik: An American choir will perform a free concert at the Franciscan Monastery on Sept 16 at 8 p.m., part of the city’s September cultural programme. Luxury & Lifestyle: A 77.7-metre superyacht, Amalya, has dropped anchor in Župa Bay—reportedly costing €1.1 million per week to charter. Croatian TV: HRT’s new sitcom-style series “How to Survive in Croatia” follows an American resident (Cody McClain Brown) as he explains everyday Croatian habits, from coffee culture to propuh and family dynamics. Local Arts & Festivals: Vinkovačke Jeseni opens in Vinkovci with a hometown spotlight on Jakov Jozinović, while Green Rock Fest kicks off in Ruse with Bulgarian and Italian acts. Sports Spotlight: BRAVE CF 108 lands in Pula Arena as Croatia hosts the promotion’s latest milestone event.

Football Spotlight: Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford with the derby likely hinging on a few key matchups, led by Erling Haaland’s red-hot form and the defensive responsibility expected from Harry Maguire. Croatian TV & Culture: HRT is rolling out a new sitcom-style series, How to Survive in Croatia, starring an American who’s lived in the country for 15 years and breaks down everyday habits—from coffee culture to “propuh” (draughts). Local Entertainment & Leisure: Birmingham is set to open a new Museum of Illusions site next to Primark, bringing the interactive edutainment concept (already popular in Zagreb) to the UK. Croatia in the Spotlight: Croatia’s tourism keeps climbing—August topped 5 million arrivals, pushing the country past 5 million arrivals for the month and setting new records. Sports in Croatia: BRAVE CF 108 in Pula marked a major milestone for MMA’s growth in Croatia, with historic expansion and standout fights. Safety News: A school attack in Zagreb left two injured, with police arresting the attacker shortly after.

Croatian TV & culture: HRT launches a new sitcom-style series, Kako preživjeti u Hrvatskoj, starring American expat Cody McClain Brown, who breaks down everyday Croatian habits—from coffee culture and “propuh” fears to visiting etiquette and mother-in-law dynamics. MMA in Croatia: BRAVE CF 108 hit Pula Arena with three big milestones, including Croatia becoming the 18th European country to host the promotion and BRAVE pushing MMA forward with digital-first presentation. Sports spotlight: Luka Modrić confirms he’ll keep playing for Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at 41, while Como’s Champions League debut brought a Croatian moment as Martin Baturina scored in a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. Local entertainment & travel: Croatia’s tourism keeps climbing—August topped 5 million arrivals—while A1 Hrvatska refreshed its “One for all” mobile and fixed packages. Global arts: Sometimes Sadness, Sometimes Rebellion won the GdA Director’s Award at the Giornate degli Autori in Venice.

Croatian Tourism Boom: Croatia hit a new August high, topping 5 million arrivals in a single month and reaching 17.5 million arrivals and 90.5 million overnight stays in the first eight months of 2026. Road Toll Update: Croatian Motorways says the new Crolibertas toll system won’t miss its legal deadline, despite procurement appeals that could complicate timelines. Sports Spotlight (Football): Como made a dream Champions League debut, beating RB Leipzig 4-1, with Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina scoring Como’s first-ever European goal. Local Culture & Art: Clear Lake’s first annual art show (Sept. 26–27) brings area artists together for a colorful weekend of originals, prints, and community creativity. Entertainment & Film: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees are out, with “DJ Ahmet” leading the pack and Croatia-linked regional titles in the mix. Tech/Health: Nightingale Health and Genom are rolling out a blood-based risk test across Croatia’s clinics and labs, aiming to flag chronic disease risk earlier.

Cinema & TV: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards (AFA) nominees are out, with “DJ Ahmet” leading the film race (7 nods) ahead of “Yugo Florida” (6) and “God Will Not Help,” “Mother,” and “Wind, Talk to Me” (5 each). Winners will be decided by the academy’s 800+ members and announced Oct. 24 in Porto Montenegro. Arts in Croatia: Dubrovnik’s Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery brings back “Pictures at an Exhibition”—a piano recital that pairs Croatian art with music, running Saturdays from Sept. 12. Smart home & lifestyle: ADI and Control4’s C4Yourself 2026 returns in October, with Croatia listed among countries hosting dealer showcases for professionally installed smart systems. Sports (Croatia): Dinamo Zagreb gave 18-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Fuzy Taylor his first-team debut in the Croatia Cup, winning 4-0 vs Bedem. Health: Nightingale Health and Genom launch a blood-based risk test in Croatia, aiming to flag long-term risks for five chronic conditions. Tourism: Croatia logged 17.5M arrivals and 90.5M overnight stays in the first eight months of 2026.