The Dubrovnik-Neretva County has provided an update on the reconstruction, adaptation, and repurposing of the Kalos Special Hospital. Currently, the demolition of old structures is underway, including the old outpatient building, the older part of Kalos, the sunbathing area, the Putoks facility, and site preparation for the future construction of a new pool, roads, parking areas, and the reconstruction of the existing pool. Demolition work is also ongoing in the wing of the building designated for the future medical spa hotel.

In mid-February, the company Texo Molior, selected as the contractor, began the work. The reconstruction and repurposing project for part of the existing six-story SB Kalos building includes redesigning accommodation units to meet the standards for four-star spa tourism. The total floor area planned for reconstruction and repurposing is 3,090 square meters. The project involves demolishing all partition walls and installing new ones made of double-layered gypsum board filled with mineral wool. Bathrooms will receive waterproofing on floors and walls, suspended ceilings will be dismantled and replaced with new gypsum board ceilings, and ceramic tiles will be installed on floors and walls along with all necessary sanitary fittings.

A separate heating and cooling system with a heat pump will be installed, and hot water will be supplied from the building’s central boiler room. The thermal envelope will be insulated with mineral wool, and an external metal emergency staircase will be added. The roof of the annexed part of the building will be demolished and rebuilt with reinforced structures within the same dimensions. Additionally, an automatic sprinkler system with a sprinkler station and all necessary installations will be installed.

The project also includes outdoor complex improvements such as the reconstruction of the outdoor pool with stands, the construction of a laundry facility, a new outdoor pool with a sunbathing area and a café bar, internal roads with parking spaces, and landscaping.

Moreover, the remaining part of the hospital, which is not included in this project, will undergo an energy efficiency renovation. This investment will be financed through the Integrated Territorial Program for Islands, with funding approved at over €1.5 million.

With the growing number of foreign workers in Croatia and an increasing number of work permits being issued, the question arises whether these workers will one day be entitled to a Croatian pension. Given that Croatia has social security agreements with many countries, we’ve checked whether this includes Nepal, the Philippines, India, and others, reports N1. 

The authorities recently revealed that at the beginning of this year, over 120,000 foreign workers were employed in Croatia. Data from the Ministry of the Interior shows that last year, 206,529 permits for foreign residence and work were issued, and in the first two months of this year alone, 34,440 permits were granted, according to tportal.

Although many foreign workers come from neighboring countries within the region, an increasing number are arriving from Asia and Africa in search of a better life. The Institute for Migration Research published a study in January revealing that 19.5% of foreign workers plan to stay permanently in Croatia.

These workers mainly come from the Philippines, Nepal, India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and other countries. The study found that 55% of them plan to bring their families to Croatia.

Social Security and Pensions

As a result, the state must ensure basic rights such as health care, social security, education, and pensions. The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) keeps records of insured individuals based on their personal identification number (OIB) and the passport country code, which does not necessarily mean the person is a citizen of that country.

According to these records, the number of foreign workers registered in the Croatian pension system is rising. At the end of 2024, there were just over 18,200 Nepalese, and by the end of February this year, that number had grown to 19,600. The number of Indian passport holders in the domestic pension insurance system is approaching 11,000, with significant numbers also coming from the Philippines (10,298). Other notable countries contributing to the Croatian pension system include Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

“All working individuals are covered by compulsory insurance regardless of nationality, and all insured persons have equal rights and obligations in accordance with legal regulations,” stated the HZMO.

One of the benefits of this insurance is, ultimately, a pension. Last year, the government paid out 365 million euros in pensions to people in 52 countries worldwide.

Special Agreements

Croatia applies EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems with EU member states, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), and Switzerland. A protocol on social security coordination is in place with the UK, and international social security agreements exist with countries like Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Canada, the Canadian province of Quebec, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, South Korea, and Albania.

Interestingly, although pensions are paid to countries such as the Philippines and Thailand, the HZMO notes that Croatia does not have signed social security agreements with these or other Asian and African countries where many foreign workers originate. Whether workers from these regions will be entitled to a pension from Croatia remains uncertain. Agreements between two countries are usually negotiated and signed at the highest level, meaning that the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy is responsible for social agreements.

If and when bilateral social security agreements are made between Croatia and the countries where many foreign workers come from, these workers will be entitled to their own pensions if they meet the retirement conditions, including reaching the age of 65 and having 15 years of work experience. Workers who don’t meet the retirement conditions will receive a proportional pension based solely on the period of insurance or work history in Croatia.

In an update, Croatia's central bank, the HNB, has revised its forecasts for the economy, with inflation set to rise while growth slows. In its latest report, released Thursday, the HNB bumped up its inflation projection to 3.7% for this year, but cut its GDP growth forecast to just 3.2% – a drop of 0.2 percentage points for both.

This comes as the bank adjusts its expectations from December, where it had predicted a slightly better economic outlook. Last year, the country’s economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 3.8%, but the HNB warns that growth could slow to around 3% over the next two years, with a smaller contribution from domestic demand compared to 2024.

The central bank also pointed to the early months of 2025, predicting sluggish economic activity driven by weak consumer spending. This dip is blamed on the boycott of retail chains in January and February, which has left a dent in the economy. It looks like Croatia’s economic recovery might be facing some serious bumps ahead.

The organizers of Du Motion – Runners’ Days Dubrovnik are inviting all enthusiasts to become volunteers for this year’s edition, set to take place in Dubrovnik on April 26 and 27.

Last year, Du Motion attracted around 800 volunteers of all ages, who took on various tasks, including welcoming runners at Lazareti, securing race routes, assisting at refreshment stations, and handing out medals.

Du Motion director Alen Bošković extends an invitation: “Join us for the 9th edition of Du Motion and help create another exciting running event. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, gain experience, and build friendships. Volunteers will receive a special volunteer T-shirt, a benefits card, refreshments, and a volunteer diploma as a token of appreciation for their efforts.”

Turkish Airlines is turning up the heat on its Istanbul-Zagreb route this summer, adding even more flights than originally planned! The Star Alliance giant had already announced an increase from 18 to 21 weekly flights starting March 30, but now it’s going even bigger, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

To meet booming demand, the airline will introduce a fourth daily flight on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between July 1 and September 1, pushing the total number of weekly services to a whopping 24 flights! 

Justice, Administration, and Digital Transformation Minister Damir Habijan assured opposition MPs on Thursday that equalizing the property purchase rights of buyers from Croatia and OECD countries would not significantly impact Croatia’s real estate market.

The equalization of property purchase rights for buyers from Croatia and OECD countries is part of the amendments to the Property Ownership and Other Real Rights Act. The opposition has expressed concerns that these changes will further exacerbate the already significant issue of affordable housing, reports Hina. 

OECD Property Rights and Market Impact

Currently, 36 out of 38 OECD member states can already acquire property ownership rights in Croatia based on the principle of reciprocity. The only exceptions are Mexico and Costa Rica, said Minister Habijan.

“The data on 10,320 requests for foreign property acquisitions in Croatia from 2013 to 2024 clearly shows that we should not expect a significant increase in interest from foreign buyers,” the minister emphasized, adding that Croatia has the option to impose restrictions on certain OECD member states for a specific period.

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Out of all registered properties in the land registry, 4% (around 321,000) are linked to foreign nationals' tax numbers (OIB), while only 0.5% belong to OECD member citizens, he noted.

Opposition Concerns Over Rising Property Prices

Peđa Grbin (SDP) warned about Croatia’s housing crisis: “Instead of taking concrete action, we’re proposing something that won’t help and will actually make things worse,” he said, citing the average price per square meter in Istria at €3,800.

Miro Bulj (Most) raised concerns about foreigners purchasing property in protected natural areas, calling it a disaster. “We’re allowing the wealthiest buyers to acquire our natural resources and most protected areas,” he said.

However, Minister Habijan responded that such issues are regulated by the Nature Protection Act, not the real estate law.

Marin Miletić (Most) expressed frustration: “We’re talking about selling Croatian land. Soon, a Japanese or Australian buyer will own the house my father built in Kastav.”

Government Defends Amendments

Danijela Blažanović (HDZ) emphasized the introduction of restriction measures, which were previously not included in the law.

She also noted that real estate experts argue that economic conditions in foreign buyers' home countries are a more significant factor than administrative changes, rejecting opposition claims that property prices will rise as a direct result of this law.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board is participating for the second time in the prestigious international fair BMT – Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo in Naples, which will take place from March 13 to 15, 2025.

This highly significant business event is one of the leading platforms for meetings between professionals in the tourism industry, providing an excellent opportunity to promote the destination in the Italian market.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board will be a co-exhibitor at the Croatian National Tourist Board stand, which spans 100 m². Alongside our county, other co-exhibitors at the stand include the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, the Zagreb Tourist Board, Jadrolinija, Amatori, and the Krka and Brijuni national parks.

BMT is an exclusively business-oriented event, and its 28th edition will bring together more than 400 exhibitors and 140 buyers, with around 6,000 accredited travel agencies and 200 accredited journalists in attendance. Throughout the fair, numerous B2B meetings and panel discussions will be held, where information on current tourism trends and expectations for the 2025 season will be exchanged.

Interest from Italian tourists in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County has been continuously growing. In 2024, our county welcomed 58,221 visitors from Italy, who generated 200,682 overnight stays, marking a 29% increase in arrivals and a 30% rise in overnight stays compared to the previous year. These positive indicators confirm the importance of the Italian market and further highlight the need for a stronger presence and promotion at events like this.

By participating in BMT – Naples, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board continues to systematically promote the region as a desirable destination for Italian guests, emphasizing its rich cultural and natural heritage, exceptional gastronomic offerings, and diverse opportunities for active tourism.

Dubrovnik is installing 23 underground waste containers across six locations to improve waste collection and reduce landfill waste. The €344,258 project, co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, is led by Dimenzija Projekt and executed by Tehnogradnja.

Work is complete on six containers in Vladka Mačeka Street and three on Masarykov Put, with ongoing installation of five more between Dr. Ante Starčević and Vukovarska streets. Additional containers will be placed in Lujo Šoletić Park and Mokošica.

These containers offer a cleaner, more space-efficient solution with less odor and visual clutter, aligning with Dubrovnik’s commitment to sustainable waste management.