The Croatian government has announced plans to introduce a new construction law in 2024 aimed at simplifying building processes and tightening controls on unauthorized developments. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction, and State Assets, Branko Bačić, presented the proposal in Parliament, emphasizing that the reforms will streamline procedures for family homes and larger residential projects.
The new law will overhaul the process of issuing construction permits, shifting criteria for notifying involved parties and allowing greater clarity for developers. Bačić also confirmed that the law will permit the legalization of buildings constructed before June 21, 2011, provided they meet certain criteria. "We want to make it clear that no unauthorized buildings constructed after that date will be legalized," he stated.
Empowering Local Authorities to Curb Illegal Construction
With fewer than 70 construction inspectors nationwide, the government plans to delegate enforcement powers to local communal wardens, who number over 880. Wardens will have the authority to halt illegal construction, issue fines, and report violations to the courts. This move aims to address unauthorized building more quickly and effectively.
Bačić assured critics that communal wardens would focus on verifying permits and project documentation, tasks he described as straightforward. Daily site visits and heavy fines are expected to deter illegal construction, while local government budgets will benefit from increased penalties.
Offenses involving cultural heritage sites or protected areas will incur both misdemeanor and criminal charges, Bačić noted. The proposed law includes penalties for all parties involved in unauthorized construction, from investors to contractors.
The government will also propose new laws on spatial planning and energy renewal, signaling a broader push for modernization in Croatia’s construction sector.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković Announces Presidential Election Date and Key Updates
Croatia will go to vote in Presidential elections between Chritmas and the New Year.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has announced that the government will decide on Thursday to call the presidential election, which will take place on Sunday, December 29.
Regarding the presidential election, Plenković reassured citizens: "As I said, the election will not be held on Christmas or Boxing Day, so everyone can plan their activities accordingly."
Iconic Adriatic Hotel in Lapad Bay Makes Way for a New Luxury Landmark
The demolition of the Adriatic Hotel in Lapad Bay began this morning as announced. Heavy machinery has been at work since early morning, clearing the way for a new modern structure under the Maestral hotel group.
The new four-star hotel will feature 140 luxury accommodations, offering views of the sea and the reefs or the Petka park forest. The planned building will span five floors, with a height of up to 21.99 meters. It will include a spacious terrace and a private garage.
A Vision of Modern Luxury
The new Adriatic Hotel will boast a modern restaurant with a large terrace offering a gourmet dining experience, a shopping promenade, a beach, and a variety of additional amenities. One of its standout features will be a spectacular rooftop infinity pool with a sun deck and facilities, along with an exclusive rooftop bar providing a gourmet menu and stunning views of the Adriatic blue and the Elafiti Islands.
Two years ago, Maestral announced its ambitious investment plans to elevate its hotels to the highest category. This project is part of a larger strategy that includes the renovation of the four-star Hotel Uvala, which will feature 51 upgraded accommodations, a refreshed interior, a wellness and spa center, and other modern amenities.
The total investment for the reconstruction of the Adriatic Hotel and the adaptation of Hotel Uvala is estimated at 150 million kuna, as reported previously by Maestral.
Dubrovnik Sees 10% Increase in Visitor Arrivals in 2024
According to data from the eVisitor system, nearly 1,600 guests are currently staying in Dubrovnik, which is a 17 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
The largest number of visitors are from Germany, the USA, France, the UK, and Croatia.
Since the beginning of the year, Dubrovnik has recorded 1,324,000 tourist arrivals and 4,204,000 overnight stays, which is a 10 percent improvement compared to the same period in 2023.
Dubrovnik's Sonic Festival Nominated for Best New Regional Festival at the Ambassador Awards
Dubrovnik's own Sonic Festival has been nominated for Best New Regional Festival at the prestigious Ambassador Awards, which celebrate excellence in the electronic music scene across Croatia and the wider region. This exciting recognition highlights the festival's rapid rise and impact in the world of music, further solidifying Dubrovnik's position as a key cultural destination.
As the festival continues to grow in popularity, the nomination offers a chance to showcase the city's vibrant music scene on a larger stage. Supporters of the event are encouraged to cast their votes and show their love for both the festival and Dubrovnik by following the link provided. VOTE HERE
Stay tuned as the Sonic Festival aims for even greater success!
Jadrolinija Sets New Records: Over 12 Million Passengers and 3.5 Million Vehicles in 2024
Since the beginning of the year, Jadrolinija ferries have transported over 12 million passengers and more than 3.5 million vehicles, representing a 2% increase in passengers and a 4% increase in vehicles compared to the same period last year. The company highlighted on Tuesday that these figures mark record-breaking traffic levels.
The record was achieved in both passenger and vehicle transport, with growth evident across all sailing areas. The Zadar region stood out with a 4% increase in passengers and an 8% rise in vehicles. Overall, the most significant growth trend was seen in vehicle transport along the entire coast, according to Jadrolinija.
International Routes Surge
Particularly notable was the increase in international routes, where passenger numbers grew by 24% and vehicles by 29% compared to the same period in 2023. These results underline the success of the fleet's flagship vessel, Dalmacija, which began operating on international routes in spring 2024.
Looking ahead, Jadrolinija anticipates continued growth and further development of services on international routes in the coming year.
The company also noted that its fleet of 59 vessels operated on 37 local and three international routes in 2024. Jadrolinija credited its seafarers for their hard work and dedication, which have been instrumental in achieving these outstanding results despite the pressures of handling such high traffic volumes.
Dubrovnik’s Winter Saturdays Offer a Taste of Tradition and Culture
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board is embracing the quieter winter months with a series of events designed to showcase the city’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The "Saturday Winter Morning in the City" initiative, which began in early November, is set to run until March 29, 2025. The program promises to draw both locals and tourists with a combination of themed walking tours and folklore performances, set against the stunning backdrop of Dubrovnik’s Old City.
Every Saturday, visitors can join guided tours of the city at 9:30 AM in English and 12:30 PM in Croatian, departing from the Pile Tourist Information Centre. Themed tours will explore the city’s fascinating cosmopolitan past, highlighting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Dubrovnik over the centuries.
Following the tour, at 11:30 AM, attendees are invited to enjoy a folklore performance in front of the Church of St. Blaise. These performances will bring a touch of festive cheer to the city’s winter mornings, though they will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
As places are limited, participants are urged to secure their spot by registering in advance via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at +38520312011. Registration must be completed by 5 PM on the preceding Friday.
For further details on specific themed tours and updates on the program, follow the Dubrovnik Tourist Board on social media.
Shaping Tomorrow: rAIse ‘Reimagine the Future’ Event Explored AI's Role in Innovation and feminine Entrepreneurship
The prestigious Rixos Premium Hotel in stunning Dubrovnik hosted last weekend rAIse: Reimagine the Future 2024, a groundbreaking event bringing together international women and men entrepreneurs from various fields, to showcase the future of AI and entrepreneurship. The event featured bold, unconventional voices from around the world, highlighting how women are reshaping industries and breaking barriers in AI. The event was organized in cooperation with OFA UGIR Romania and sponsored by Sunvin Group India.
The first edition of the conference brought speakers and participants from 7 countries (Croatia, Romania, Austria, Germany, Russian Federation, UAE, USA), and brought to light the news regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in different sectors. It was, creative, insightful and it brought to our attention all the possibilities on how we could use the AI.
The whole conference was an inspiring and a thought-provoking one, exploring the transformative power of AI and what it means for our present and our future. The guests discovered many new technologies, apps and possibile ways that will shape our world in the years to come.
Throughout the day, the speakers, incredible experts in different sectors, brought their perspective and experience using the AI in their businesses, such as: events, healthcare sector, sports, automotives, luxury brands & fashion, film industry, public services, personal development, coaching, marketing, politics & ethics and beyond.
This conference presented a new definition of what’s possible and set new standards for how we live and work.
rAIse was not just about technological advancements; it is about empowering entrepreneurs and providing a platform for women to share their experiences, collaborate, and inspire others.
The online presence at the event was satisfying while the audience in the room was less but top qualified and very chique.
Mrs. Amalia Georgescu Vice President of The Organization of Women Entrepreneurs within the Industrialist Organization of Romania and Honorary Consul of the Neederlands was the outstanding and truly fashionable moderator of rAIse.
Welcome remarks were held by Ana Marija Pilato Krile (Dubrovnik Development Agency – DURA). Brief insights into Dubrovnik’s Smart City initiatives and the role of EU projects in driving local development.
Highlight Speakers
- Mirela Petrovic, Founder of mAI way, presented on digital avatars and voice cloning, offering a glimpse into the future of digital identity and practical tools for creating a digital twin, revolutionizing personal branding and content creation.
- Katharina Arnold, CEO at Katharina Arnold – Elegance, Fashion, Events together with Swen Arnold were a fascinating Duo which discusses "AI and Elegance", exploring how AI can assist in aesthetic decisions while emphasizing that the human elements of elegance remain indispensable.
- Olga Panzhina ICF-certified Business & Team Coach and Growth Strategy Consultant with 20+ years of experience in international FMCG and consulting and Member of Chamber for Economic and Cultural Cooperation between Romania and Russia presented a high profile theme "Finding Your Why: A Mindful Approach to AI Integration in Business"
- Stephanie Meisl, media artist and co-founder of D#AVANTGARDE, discussed her AI-NFT project "Schiele's Ghost" and explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, art, and blockchain technology in reshaping the future of digital creativity.
- Lukša Malohodžić, CEO of Rewind Dubrovnik, explored how AI is revolutionizing the tourism industry by enhancing customer experiences and optimizing operations.
- Sara Dyson, Founder of Expat in Croatia, focusd on empathy as a business model in a world increasingly dominated by AI, revealing how human connection can be a powerful competitive advantage.
- Snježana M. Lohninger, CFO of Porsche Inter Auto, shared insights on how to prepare organizations for the digital transformation, focusing on leadership, technology adoption, and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Igor Neljak, Film Director & Producer, addressd the ethical implications of AI in creative industries. His talk explored the balance between innovation and responsibility, urging the need for AI to support, rather than replace, human storytelling.
- Antonija Bosanac, Senior Coach at Relationship Hero, explored how AI integrates with somatic practices to enhance both physical and mental well-being for women in her session “AI & Somatic Tools for Optimal Women's Health”
In the online presence live from Africa was featured Mrs Tena Stepic, Luxury Estate Manager / Chief of Staff for UHNW / Real Estate Investor
Over the past decade, she has managed luxury estates, mega yachts, and private aircraft for UHNW clients and royal families worldwide. Her topic highlighted AI & Luxury.
Amasing futuristic outfit design by: https://marysten.ro/ Mary Sten by Mariana Stan, Romania
During the conference we had a fashion of the Future presented as a special moment. These houte couture dresses are part of a larger colletion with many more dresses, the ”Yin&Yang 2024 Collection” -signed by Mary Sten Bridal- explaining the balance between good and bad, the equal existence on light and darkness in our lives and the beauty of what we are as human beings, perfect divine creations.
Model New Comer of the Year Carina Holban, trained by the famous Larisa Blidariu opened the fashion show.
Creating a bridge between present and future digital creations Esther Canata, showcased her exhibition WOMANinCOLOR, a mixed medium portrait series celebrating diversity and the divine feminine archtypes.
Daria Green from inspirational digital art presented the story of Mavia, the desert Queen, highlighting the amazing Arabic AI art. AI Digital Art was also showcased by Deine AI Artistin, Sarah Wech, Germany.
Warm thanks you to Flower’s Fantasy for the beautiful flower arrangement and Ines Dubrovnik Event for the professional and luxurious support.
HORTI IDEARUM LABORATORIUM, Walls like bridges®️ D U B R O V N I K offered creative pencils goodies.
Thanks to Tourism Board Dubrovnik the speakers were invited to enjoy with a specialized guide the fascinating Lumi Art, Light Festival in Dubrovnik fortress as a round up to the AI conference.
Tutto Bene PIZZERIA Dubrovnik sponsored delicious food and tasty vibes as late night dinner
2025 raise Vision is planned in the digital nomad city of Croatia, Zadar, at the spectacular IADERA by Falkensteiner Hotel.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Monica Ioanitescu Founder, NGO Femina
Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mobile: + 385 91 6223304
About NGO Femina - NGO Femina is dedicated to advancing diversity in technology and entrepreneurship by amplifying underrepresented voices in AI and providing opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
For donations and being part of NGOs Femina projects click here:
Web: femina.eu.com
Croatia's Minimum Wage to Rise in 2025, but Still Trails EU Leaders
In Croatia, the minimum monthly salary will increase again in 2025. It will amount to €970 gross, meaning workers will receive around €760 net—€80 more than before, reports HRT. This year, the gross minimum wage is €840, which is significantly lower than the minimum salary in other European countries.
In Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the minimum monthly salary exceeds €2,000, but Croatia is ahead of several countries, including Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. For example, the minimum gross salary in Romania in 2024 is €743, in Hungary €699 and in Bulgaria €477. And at the other end of the scale in the Netherlands it is €2,183 and in Luxembourg €2,571.
Approximately 95,000 workers in Croatia receive the minimum wage, many of whom are employed in labor-intensive industries such as the textile industry. In recent years, this sector has faced a significant decline in revenue due to rising costs and reduced demand.
Ivan Rakitić Spends Sunny Days in Dubrovnik with Family and Friends
Current Hajduk Split player and former Croatian national team member, Ivan Rakitić, spent some time in Dubrovnik and enjoyed the warmer November weather in the south of Croatia.
He enjoyed the company of his family and godparents, and the photos were shared on Instagram by his wife, Raquel Mauri.
The Voice of Dubrovnik
