Clock Change in 2025: Why Do We Still Do It and When Does It Happen?
The debate over changing the clocks happens every year: why do we still do it, what’s the point, and most importantly—when do we move the clocks?
Just like previous years, 2025 will be no different, as we’ll be adjusting our clocks both in spring and autumn.
Although there has been a lot of discussion about abolishing clock changes, the current schedule still requires us to shift the time twice a year.
When Do We Change the Clocks in 2025?
- Daylight Saving Time: On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:00 AM, the clocks will move forward one hour to 3:00 AM, meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep.
- Standard Time: On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 3:00 AM, the clocks will go back one hour to 2:00 AM, giving us an extra hour of sleep.
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time
The idea of adjusting the clocks was first humorously suggested by American polymath Benjamin Franklin in 1784. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that governments seriously considered it.
Germany and Austria-Hungary (including Croatia, which was part of the empire at the time) were the first to implement daylight saving time during World War I, from 1916 to 1918. It was later used in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Independent State of Croatia before being discontinued. The practice resumed in 1983 and has remained in place ever since, with EU-wide regulations introduced in 1996.
Will Daylight Saving Time Be Abolished?
The EU proposed ending seasonal clock changes in 2018, but member states have yet to reach an agreement. As per current EU regulations, daylight saving time is set to continue until at least 2026.
Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has reaffirmed Croatia’s A- rating with a positive outlook, the Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday.
In its analysis published on Monday night, S&P highlighted Croatia’s ongoing reforms and strong economic growth as key factors in maintaining steady income growth.
The agency projects that Croatia’s economy will grow at an average rate of 2.9% between 2025 and 2028, driven by strong tourism, investment, and recovering external demand.
S&P also noted that moderate fiscal consolidation will help reduce the budget deficit to around 2% of GDP by 2028, down from an estimated 2.6% in 2024.
As a result, the country’s general government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline to approximately 51% by 2028, compared to 68% in 2022.
According to S&P, capital account inflows—primarily EU grants—and stable foreign direct investment will cover current account deficits, supporting ongoing debt reduction through 2028.
At the end of last week, Fitch Ratings also reaffirmed Croatia’s A- rating with a stable outlook, citing fiscal discipline and strong economic growth while noting the country's small economy remains vulnerable to external shocks.
Flydubai Sees Passenger Surge on Zagreb Route
Flydubai’s Zagreb service soared in 2024, with over 20,000 extra passengers taking to the skies compared to the previous year – a whopping 33% increase!
The airline welcomed 83,475 travellers on the route, thanks to a boost of 34,580 extra seats between the two cities, reports EX-YU Aviation.
Despite the rise in numbers, the average cabin load factor dipped slightly, dropping from 76% in 2023 to 71.7% last year.
Housing Prices in Croatia Expected to Keep Rising, but at a Slower Pace
Market conditions indicate that housing prices in Croatia will continue to rise this year, though at a milder pace than in previous years, according to experts speaking at the RE:D real estate conference on Wednesday, reports N1.
Ongoing Price Growth in the Housing Market
Vedrana Likan from Colliers stated that recent data points to a sustained upward trend in housing prices, particularly in new developments, and that market conditions do not currently suggest a reversal of this trend.
"We expect housing prices to show a tendency for slight growth," Likan noted.
A Slowing Market
Despite rising prices, the market has slowed, as evidenced by a decline in transaction numbers. Affordability remains a major issue across the European Union, including Croatia.
Likan highlighted that the Croatian government, as the owner of a significant amount of real estate—especially land suitable for new housing developments—should recognize its role and responsibility in addressing the affordability crisis.
State-Owned Land as a Key Solution
She emphasized the urgent need for the government to activate its real estate assets. While the state does not necessarily need to act as a developer, it should acknowledge that the large land areas it owns present a valuable investment opportunity.
"The government could participate as a partner, seller, concessionaire, or grantor of building rights—there are several possible models," Likan suggested.
Decline in Commercial Real Estate Investments
Likan also reported that in 2024, Croatia saw a sharp 65% decline in commercial real estate investment volume compared to the previous year, dropping to approximately €240 million. This includes office buildings, hotels, logistics spaces, and shopping centers that generate revenue.
Given trends in the global and European markets, a downturn was expected, but the decline was more severe than anticipated. However, she expressed optimism, noting that investment volumes in other Central and Southeastern European countries grew by around 70%, which could indicate a positive shift for Croatia in the near future.
Limited Office Space Availability Driving Up Prices
Croatia is currently experiencing historically low office space availability, with only about 2% of office properties vacant. This scarcity is pushing rental prices higher.
Barriers to new office developments include high land prices, unresolved property-legal issues, high construction costs, labor shortages, expensive materials, and costly financing options.
Is There Enough Supply to Meet Demand?
Likan pointed out that demand across all commercial real estate segments is so high that it remains uncertain whether current and upcoming developments will be enough to meet market needs.
Potential for 32,000 New Apartments in Zagreb
Boro Vujović, director of the real estate agency Opereta, echoed the sentiment that, given inflation and demand outpacing supply, a drop in housing prices is unlikely. Instead, prices are expected to remain stable or increase slightly compared to last year.
Due to high demand and limited new construction, even older apartments are being sold at "perhaps unjustifiably high prices," Vujović noted.
He also pointed out that planned changes to Zagreb’s General Urban Plan (GUP) will likely lead to reduced construction potential and higher costs per square meter. "The new GUP will impose stricter regulations on buildability and building height, making development even more challenging and expensive, which could further drive up prices," he explained.
Estimates suggest that government- and city-owned land in central Zagreb could accommodate the construction of around 32,000 new apartments. However, this would require political will to make the land available for development.
For instance, activating the large Gredelj site in central Zagreb could enable the construction of a significant number of housing units. Vujović emphasized the advantages of developing in central locations, as opposed to the periphery, where infrastructure costs are higher and traffic congestion is an issue.
Ryanair will switch to 100% digital boarding passes starting November 3. Originally set for May, the airline has now extended the deadline, giving passengers more time to adjust.
Currently, 80% of Ryanair travelers already use digital boarding passes, but with 200 million passengers per year, that still leaves 40 million relying on printed passes.
In a statement, the airline said: "Ryanair passengers will no longer download and print a physical paper boarding pass but will instead use the digital boarding pass generated in their myRyanair app during check-in."
Looking ahead, Ryanair expects to eliminate most airport check-in fees by November 2025, as all passengers will be required to check in online or via the app.
For those without smartphones, the airline suggests seeking assistance from a friend or family member.
Plenković on Trump-Putin Talks: "Rewarding Aggression with Territory Is Unacceptable"
A session of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Presidency was held today, after which Prime Minister Andrej Plenković gave a statement to the media and commented on current political issues.
Plenković commented on the conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump: “We will see what was discussed. Trump sees himself as a peacemaker, someone capable of stopping wars. He is now projecting that role of the U.S. onto Ukraine and the Middle East. It seems most important to him to demonstrate that he is the one who secured peace. However, if a ceasefire and peace process result in rewarding Russian aggression with Ukrainian territory, that would be a terrible outcome and will never be the policy of our government.”
A White House official stated that the phone conversation between President Trump and Putin lasted about an hour and a half, according to the official, though the exact time of its conclusion was not specified.
Dubrovnik’s Linđo Ensemble Partners with Poland’s Mazowsze for Historic Cultural Exchange
Deputy Mayor Jelka Tepšić and Head of the Department for Culture, Heritage, and Tourism, Julijana Antić Brautović, recently visited the Polish region of Mazowsze to attend the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Linđo Folklore Ensemble and one of Poland’s two national ensembles, Mazowsze.
Mazowsze, the oldest and largest Polish national ensemble, is renowned for its highly successful world tours. The group has not performed in Croatia for the past 70 years, but thanks to this collaboration, Dubrovnik audiences will have the opportunity to experience their performance in June.
The agreement was signed during Linđo’s tour, which included three concerts by the Dubrovnik folklore ensemble. Additionally, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board hosted a promotional event where Deputy Mayor Tepšić presented Dubrovnik’s sustainable tourism development project.
The Dubrovnik delegation also held a working meeting with Croatia’s Ambassador to Poland, His Excellency Tomislav Vidošević. As part of the embassy’s initiatives, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra will perform for Polish audiences in May. Discussions also touched on potential cooperation within the Dubrovnik Jazz Outbreak festival.
This marks Linđo’s first tour in its 60th anniversary year, while the upcoming concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra in Lublin will be their first international performance in celebration of their 100th anniversary.
Travelling to Croatia Made Easy and Enjoyable
Imagine yourself basking in the Mediterranean sunshine, with the scent of pine trees filling the air. Picture exploring ancient walled cities, where history whispers from every stone.
A land of stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture – Croatia beckons.
Stunning Croatian coastline - Photo - Canva
With a little preparation, you can unlock the wonders of this Adriatic gem and create memories that will last a lifetime. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring your Croatian adventure is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Finding Affordable Flights to Croatia
Start your search early, ideally several months before your intended departure. Use flight comparison websites to see options from various airlines at a glance. Consider flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as these often feature lower fares than weekend flights. Being flexible with your travel dates, even by a few days, can sometimes unlock significant savings.
Zadar - Photo - Canva
Look at flying into different Croatian airports. While Dubrovnik and Split are popular, Zadar or Pula might offer cheap holidays. Setting up price alerts on these websites will notify you when prices for your chosen route drop. This proactive approach increases your chances of snagging a better deal and leaves you with more money to spend on enjoying Croatia itself, perhaps on a delicious seafood dinner or a boat trip to a hidden cove.
Must-See Destinations in Croatia
Dubrovnik, with its iconic city walls, offers a step back in time, allowing you to wander through history. Split, home to Diocletian's Palace, a living Roman monument, pulsates with modern life within ancient confines.
For nature lovers, Plitvice Lakes National Park presents a breathtaking landscape of cascading waterfalls and vibrant turquoise lakes; allow a full day to explore its trails. Hvar Island, renowned for its lavender fields, charming towns and lively nightlife, provides a taste of island life.
Plitvice Lakes - Photo - Canva
Consider visiting Istria, a peninsula known for its truffle hunting, picturesque hilltop towns like Motovun, and its Roman amphitheatre in Pula.
Navigating Croatian Transport: Trains Buses and Ferries
Croatia has a decent network of intercity buses, which often represent a cost-effective way to travel between towns and cities. You can usually purchase tickets at bus stations or online. The train network, while not as extensive as the bus system, connects some major cities, offering a comfortable journey.
For reaching the numerous islands, ferries and catamarans are essential. Jadrolinija is the main ferry operator, and it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Consider the duration and frequency of services when planning an island-hopping adventure.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit Croatia
The peak summer months of July and August offer the warmest weather, ideal for swimming and sunbathing; however, they also bring larger crowds and higher prices. The shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) present a sweet spot. During these months, you'll experience pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, as well as typically more affordable accommodation and flights. The weather remains generally good for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities. Visiting outside of the main tourist rush allows for a more relaxed pace and a more authentic experience of Croatian life.
HNB Releases Limited Edition "King Tomislav" Gold and Silver Coins
The Croatian National Bank (HNB) is issuing gold and silver numismatic coins titled "King Tomislav," featuring commemorative motifs representing the Croatian ruler. The gold coins will be available in denominations of 10, 100, and 200 euros, while the silver coins will be issued in 4 and 6-euro denominations, the HNB announced.
The designer of the "King Tomislav" gold and silver coins is Nikola Vudrag, a university graduate in sculpture. The numismatic coins will go on sale on March 20, 2025, except for the 6-euro silver coin, which will be available in May.
The coins will be sold by the Croatian Mint, with an expected initial price of around €11,000 for the 200-euro gold coin, approximately €3,280 for the 100-euro gold coin, and around €220 for the 10-euro gold coin. The 6-euro silver coin is expected to cost around €239.99 (including VAT), while the 4-euro silver coin will be priced at approximately €79.99 (including VAT). The final sale price will depend on the market prices of gold and silver at the time of purchase.
The 200-euro gold coin will be issued in a limited quantity of 100 pieces, the 100-euro gold coin in 300 pieces, and the 10-euro gold coin in 1,000 pieces. The 6-euro silver coin will have a limited edition of 500 pieces, while the 4-euro silver coin will be issued in 2,000 pieces.
Interested buyers can find ordering and purchasing details for the "King Tomislav" coins on the Croatian Mint's official website, the HNB stated.
From Talk to Action: Dubrovnik’s Bold Approach to Affordable Housing
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković participated in the Smart Cities conference held in Zagreb, where he presented Dubrovnik as the first city in Croatia to successfully implement its own affordable housing model.
Although the issue of affordable housing was only sporadically discussed for years, it has now become one of the key political topics. However, while others debated, the City of Dubrovnik took action—systematically working on the Dubrovačka Stanogradnja program. Through this model, the city has so far provided housing for 91 families, either by allocating apartments with affordable rent or through a one-time financial aid of €30,000 for purchasing a home.
In addition, Dubrovnik has strategically planned for the future development of affordable housing. By constructing the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge – Pobrežje road and acquiring 70,000 m² of land in Pobrežje, the city has secured space for new residential zones. This model is fully aligned with the Croatian Government’s program and the initiative led by Deputy Prime Minister Branko Bačić, which allows for the rapid rezoning of city- and municipality-owned land from agricultural use to affordable housing zones.
Furthermore, the City of Dubrovnik has a ready-to-go project for the construction of youth housing in Solitudo, which will be implemented through the Croatian Government’s program, giving 50 young families the opportunity for affordable housing in their hometown.
By participating in the Smart Cities conference, Dubrovnik once again positioned itself as a leader in tackling the challenges of modern urban environments, demonstrating that responsible planning and strategic investment can make a city a role model for others in Croatia.
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