Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.
Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com
A massive rock broke off above the main road into Dubrovnik this morning and fell onto a van, according to reports from drivers in the "Radar Control" group. The passengers in the van were injured, and traffic on the highway has been completely halted. Emergency services are on-site, and Dubrovnik police have confirmed that one person has lost their life, while others have sustained injuries. The road closure has also caused traffic congestion on alternative routes through Brgat and Komolac, reports Dubrovacki Vjesnik.
This morning, at around 7:30 AM, on the D-8 state road above Dubrovnik, a vehicle with Dubrovnik registration plates traveling from Župa Dubrovačka towards Dubrovnik overturned onto its roof under still undetermined circumstances.
One person tragically died at the scene, while another was transported to Dubrovnik Hospital for medical treatment due to sustained injuries.
The road remains completely closed, and traffic is being redirected via Komolac and Brgat.
An investigation at the scene will be led by the Deputy State Attorney.
The Office of the President of Croatia has sent the official program for the inauguration ceremony of President Zoran Milanović to the media.
The program includes only two time slots with brief descriptions of the events. It states that Milanović, accompanied by his wife, Sanja Musić Milanović, will arrive at 12:00, followed by their entry into the ceremonial hall of the Office of the President at 12:05. The sequence of events is outlined as follows:
12:00 – Arrival of President Zoran Milanović and his wife, Sanja Musić Milanović, and inspection of the ceremonial guard of the Honor Guard Battalion, and salute from the battalion commander.
12:05 – Entry of President Milanović and his wife into the Ceremonial Hall of the Office of the President of Croatia.
The ceremony will conclude following these performances.
On Monday evening, the Mayor of Mostar, Mario Kordić, officially handed over the title of European Wine Capital to Osijek-Baranja County Prefect, Mato Lukić, during a ceremony in Mostar.
The European Network of Wine Cities (RECEVIN) awarded Osijek-Baranja County the prestigious title of Dionisio European Wine Capital for 2025, a significant recognition for the region, reports N1.
Prefect Lukić emphasized the importance of this achievement, highlighting the county's four renowned wine-growing regions—Baranja, Erdut, Đakovo, and Feričanci—as the foundation of its tourism development.
"This title is a major boost for our continental tourism and a valuable promotional asset. We are honored to hold the distinction in 2025," Lukić stated.
Osijek-Baranja County has also gained recognition as the most hospitable region in Croatia and ranked among the world's top ten most welcoming regions last year.
During the ceremony, the county showcased its rich wine and gastronomy scene, reinforcing the reasons behind its selection for this prestigious title.
Mayor Kordić highlighted the strong cooperation between Mostar and Osijek-Baranja County, particularly in international projects. "We support each other in cross-border initiatives, and Croatian expertise is invaluable in trilateral projects," he said.
Since 2012, RECEVIN has awarded the European Wine City and Dionisio European Wine Capital titles to recognize cities and regions that excel in supporting and promoting wine culture across Europe.
It’s the 17th of February, and while most of northern Europe—and even northern Croatia—is shivering under grey clouds or blanketed in snow, Dubrovnik is, refusing to play along. Today, the Pearl of the Adriatic bathed in glorious sunshine, offering a striking contrast to the winter gloom gripping much of the continent.
To capture the moment, we took to Srđ, the mountain overlooking the city, where the views were nothing short of spectacular. With the sun illuminating the terracotta rooftops and the deep blue Adriatic stretching endlessly into the horizon, it was yet another reminder that Dubrovnik in winter is something special. No crowds, no rush—just the city, the sea, and a sky so blue it almost looked artificial.
From Louisville, Kentucky, to the sun-drenched shores of Dubrovnik, Juliette Tafel’s journey is one of adventure, adaptation, and a deep love for Croatia. What started as a vacation turned into a lifelong commitment—both to the country and to a new way of life.
Over the past decade, she has embraced the Dalmatian lifestyle, built a career in language education, and navigated the cultural contrasts between the U.S. and her adopted home. Juliette shares her experiences of life in Konavle, the joys and challenges of cultural integration, and the surprising ways Croatia has changed her outlook on the world.
Juliette in Kupari - Photo - Mark Thomas
Can you tell me more about your life in Dubrovnik? How did you end up here?
I actually came ten years ago to Dubrovnik for the first time as a tourist. It was love at first sight; it is the most beautiful country that I have ever visited. Croatia just seems to have everything, the mountains the crystal clear sea and then when you throw into the mix the history and the architecture, I just fell in love. And then I was lucky enough to meet someone here, and fell in love all over again. The lifestyle is for sure one of the reasons why I have been here for ten years.
The slower pace of life really suits me. One word I follow is “pomalo” and I have learned to slow down and appreciate each day and live in the moment. I actually live in Konavle and the “speed” of life there is perfect.
How do you find the cultural differences between the US and Croatia? What has been the most surprising or challenging for you?
When I now go back to the States I experience some reverse culture shocks now. People there seem to be thinking and talking ten steps in advance, and I am now used to being and living in the now. I am also now more used to the lighter Mediterranean diet, and going back to the US with all extra-large portions, free refills and coffee-to-go culture I find myself wishing for a “ispod peka” meal. I never knew that something so simple could taste so good. Of course, it took me some time to get used to the bureaucracy here, the seemingly endless piles of papers and forms and stamps.
You can’t underestimate the safety and security here as well.
Can you tell something more about the language centre where you work? How do you find the children's level of English?
I actually worked for a year as an English teacher in Vietnam. It was basically a gap year after finishing university. I graduated from the University of Georgia where I studied business. I wasn’t really sure on my life path so decided to go travelling for some time and teach at the same time. I quickly found myself in that profession, obviously as I am still doing it today. At the community centre in Kupari I focus on teaching children from kindergarten level to eighth grade.
"It is so satisfying to see children's faces when they learn" - Photo - Mark Thomas
I actually taught English for six years in the city’s kindergartens. I was travelling around to all of the kindergartens in Dubrovnik teaching and I had so much fun but I always dreamed of the day when I could have a space of my own. I have to say that generally the level of the children’s English is great. Of course, teaching such a wide range of age groups means that levels vary, but it is so satisfying to see children’s faces when they learn a new word or sentence and then get to practise it on me.
As far as possible I try and speak as much in English as possible during the lessons. I currently work three days a week in the community centre in Kupari and then one day a week in Čilipi. And I also graduated from the University of Southampton in the UK with an MA in English Language Teaching.
And talking about languages, how is your Croatian?
I am learning. I would say that I am at an intermediate level. I understand a lot more than I can say, I speak and make loads of mistakes, but that is just part of the process. It certainly is a challenging language. I took lessons for three or four years and I enjoyed that, so maybe when I find time I’ll take that up again. It has also showed me what it is like to be on the other side of lessons, from a teacher to a student.
Photo - Mark Thomas
How often do you go back to the US?
I was born and grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. The summer flights direct from Dubrovnik to the US are a real bonus. I usually try to go back at least once a year, both to catch up with friends and family as well as to stock up on supplies for my English classes. I always ask my nieces and nephews what their favourite games are and then bring them back so that the children in my classes here can play them. It’s always a chance to stock up on the sweet and spicy Henry Bains sauce that Kentucky is well known for. Shopping, well more precisely clothes shopping, here tends to be a little expensive so back in the US I always enjoy some binge shopping.
What are some of your favourite places to visit in the region? And what experiences would you recommend to friends and family?
Of course living in Čilipi I love the beaches in Konavle, they are less crowded and more secluded. And then when friends or family come to visit I do a Konavle Day where I take them to Monković for peka, they are always surprised to eat lunch next to a river and even under a bridge. Pasjača beach is always a hit with my family.
Are there any local Croatian traditions or festivals that you've particularly enjoyed or found fascinating?
The festivities of St. Blaise would be a highlight on the annual calendar. And the festive season is a blast. My favourite New Year was when they had Parni Valjak. In fact, I am really into the Croatian music scene, it helps me learn Croatian at the same time, I often sing in the car, I love Oliver, Gibonni and Petar Graso.
The Ministry of Demography and Migration has announced a public call worth 200,000 euros, inviting non-profit organizations and individuals to apply for financial support for projects of interest to returnees and immigrants from the Croatian diaspora.
Applications can be submitted over the next month, until March 17.
The Ministry is ready to financially support projects related to cooperation with the Croatian diaspora aimed at encouraging return, as well as projects in culture, education, employment, economy, and sports that promote return and integration of the Croatian diaspora. Projects that facilitate the transfer of knowledge from Croatian immigrants and their descendants to Croatia will also be supported.
The minimum amount that can be applied for and contracted per project is 700 euros, while the maximum is 20,000 euros.
A detailed list of conditions for applying to the public call is available on the Ministry of Demography and Migration's website.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković is on an official visit to Egypt. This morning, he laid wreaths at the El Shatt cemetery. In Cairo, he will be joined by a business delegation, and a Business Forum for Egyptian and Croatian entrepreneurs will be held.
The Prime Minister also stated that Egypt is interested in establishing a direct cargo route between Alexandria and Rijeka, reports HRT.
"This is an opportunity to sign agreements with Egyptian counterparts. One of them is a memorandum concerning cooperation between the Port of Rijeka and Egyptian partners. There is also a cultural agreement and an investment agreement. We want to increase the current trade exchange, which stands at around €150 million, by enabling Croatian companies—nearly twenty of which will attend the business forum tomorrow—to enter and position themselves in the Egyptian market," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
Photo - Vlada.hr
"The most important thing is Egypt's plan to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza. The current Egyptian Prime Minister was previously the Minister of Construction and Housing, meaning he has firsthand experience and knowledge on how to help rebuild Gaza. I am sure this will be one of the key topics tomorrow, as we seek to understand the regional perspective on solving this major issue, alongside Russia's aggression against Ukraine," added the Prime Minister.
The Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure has approved funding for the construction of the Perna Port, a public port in the Municipality of Orebić.
The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Port Authority has been granted €19.542 million from the Operational Program for Competitiveness and Cohesion.
Perna Port is one of the key infrastructure projects in the county. Along with the Orebić bypass—currently in the public procurement phase for selecting a contractor—its completion will address a crucial traffic issue in the Orebić area and significantly improve connectivity between the island of Korčula and the Pelješac Peninsula.