Since the introduction of Dubrovnik’s Special Traffic Regulation Zone around the historic Old City, vehicles with Bosnian license plates—often belonging to seasonal workers—have largely vanished from the area. These workers typically arrive in the city each morning and try to park as close as possible to their workplaces.

Even before the new zone was implemented, parking in this part of the city was reserved for residents and holders of a Preferential Parking Permit (PPK) for Zone II. Seasonal workers would usually park in nearby streets without paid parking, often leaving residents without available spots during the summer months.

Now, with the new zone fully operational and fines being issued to unauthorized vehicles, those same cars have relocated to other areas of Dubrovnik—and even to the neighboring municipality of Župa Dubrovačka.

In places like Srebreno and Kupari, residents are now struggling to find available parking, as many seasonal workers are leaving their cars there. The situation has been made worse by the demolition of the former VU Kupari hotel complex, where parking is no longer possible due to ongoing construction.

However, local officials are careful not to blame the workers entirely. “Let’s be honest—without them, it would be difficult for the Dubrovnik region to handle the tourist season,” said Marko Miloslavić, the newly elected mayor of Župa Dubrovačka. “We’re aware of the issue. This morning we met with the head of the Traffic Police to discuss road safety and parking management. We’re working on restoring order,” he added.

Real Madrid have confirmed that club captain Luka Modrić will leave the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup later this month, drawing a close to a glittering 13-year spell that delivered a record 28 trophies and cemented the Croatian as the most decorated player in the club’s history.

The 39-year-old midfielder received an emotional send-off at the Santiago Bernabéu in May but asked that no transfer be announced until he had played his last tournament in Madrid colours, out of respect for the club.

Italian outlets now report that Modrić has reached a verbal agreement with AC Milan on a one-year contract worth around €4 million, with an option for a further season. He will undergo medical tests and sign officially once Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign concludes.

Milan’s new sporting director Igli Tare has already hailed Modrić as the “cornerstone” of the Rossoneri’s rebuild under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is expected to deploy the veteran as a deep-lying regista and on-field leader of a squad that will be without European football next term.

Modrić’s decision to swap the Champions League stage for a revitalisation project at San Siro highlights the playmaker’s appetite for a fresh challenge rather than glamour—one final chapter for one of Europe’s greatest modern careers.

The newly introduced traffic regulation around Dubrovnik’s historic Old City appears—for now—to have eased the infamous summer traffic jams. Yet, one major choke point still persists.

Many believe that the City of Dubrovnik implemented the new rules in response to the overwhelming number of taxis on the streets—estimated at around 5,000—and the traffic chaos they often cause.

However, a particularly busy intersection remains problematic. The area in front of the Old City at Pile Gate, especially the bus lanes and stop, continues to be, as one local described it, "terrorised" by taxi drivers. The spot is frequently blocked, making it nearly impossible for buses to pass or pick up passengers.

One reader even sent us a photo showing three taxis obstructing a bus full of passengers.

With most of the city running more smoothly under the new regime, the question now is: will the next move by the City of Dubrovnik be to tackle this last major bottleneck?

Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, emphasized the need for a unified EU strategy to ensure long-term resilience, competitiveness, and environmental responsibility in the tourism sector during an informal meeting of EU tourism ministers in Warsaw.

The meeting focused on shaping the future European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and sharing best practices across member states. Glavina underlined that Croatia now prioritizes sustainable development over sheer growth in tourism. “Croatia supports the creation of a comprehensive EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism to keep Europe competitive, inclusive, and a high-quality global destination,” he said.

He noted Croatia’s progress, including a legal framework for systematic data collection, which enables impact measurement and strategic planning. Responsibilities have also been decentralized to empower local and regional authorities.

“Croatia is the only country where all major destinations calculate carrying capacities to guide tourism development,” Glavina added. He also highlighted Croatia’s pioneering work on a Sustainable Tourism Satellite Account, measuring not only tourism’s economic contribution but also its impact on the environment, heritage, and residents’ quality of life.

During the Warsaw visit, Glavina also met with EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to discuss the possibility of establishing a dedicated EU budget line for tourism under the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Franjo Tuđman Airport is gearing up for one of its busiest summer months on record, with airlines scheduling 629,229 seats on flights to and from the Croatian capital in July. The figure marks a 15.4 percent increase on the same month last year, cementing Zagreb’s position as the second-busiest capital-city gateway in the former Yugoslavia after Belgrade, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

National carrier Croatia Airlines will be the airport’s largest operator, accounting for 35.6 percent of all available capacity. The Star Alliance member plans to launch five new routes in early July—bolstering links to Amsterdam, Berlin, Manchester, Tirana and Yerevan—and, in the process, will raise its seat offering in Zagreb by 25.1 percent year-over-year. 

Low-cost rival Ryanair follows with a 30.2 percent share of seats. The Irish airline, which opened a Zagreb base in late 2021, continues its steady expansion: its capacity will rise by 15.5 percent compared with July 2024. The carrier now flies to more than 30 destinations from the Croatian capital, making it the largest budget airline at the airport. 

With summer holidays approaching, Franjo Tuđman Airport is advising passengers to arrive early, use online check-in where possible and consider public transport links to avoid peak-season traffic around the terminal.

A paraglider crashed on Tuesday afternoon near the peak of Mala Kontija on the Pelješac Peninsula, and the pilot, who sustained serious injuries, was transported by Croatian Air Force helicopter to Split University Hospital, the Dubrovnik County 112 Centre reported on Tuesday.

The accident was reported at 1:17 PM by a Slovenian national, and all relevant emergency services were notified.

"At the request of the head of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), a helicopter was dispatched for the rescue operation. The individual sustained serious bodily injuries. The pilot was airlifted by the Croatian Air Force to the University Hospital in Split, where they will receive medical care," stated the Civil Protection Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior.

According to the newly released 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), Croatia has been ranked as the 19th safest country in the world, placing it among the top 20 most peaceful nations globally.

At the top of the list once again is Iceland, which has held the title of the world's safest country for an astonishing 17 consecutive years. Ireland and New Zealand follow in second and third place, respectively.

The Global Peace Index, compiled annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), evaluates 99.7% of the world’s population using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. These data points are sourced from respected international organizations and measure peace across three core domains:

• The level of societal safety and security

• The extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict

• The degree of militarization

Croatia’s strong ranking reflects the country’s political stability, low crime rate, and relatively peaceful social climate — factors that continue to make it an attractive destination not only for residents but also for millions of international tourists.

Top 20 Safest Countries in the World – GPI 2025:

1. Iceland

2. Ireland

3. New Zealand

4. Austria

5. Switzerland (tied)

6. Singapore

7. Portugal

8. Denmark

9. Slovenia

10. Finland

11. Czech Republic

12. Japan

13. Malaysia

14. Canada

15. Netherlands

16. Belgium

17. Hungary

18. Australia

19. Croatia

20. Germany

With this ranking, Croatia surpasses several larger and more developed nations, reinforcing its growing global reputation as not just a beautiful destination — but a safe and peaceful one as well.

The latest results from the GPI serve as a reminder that safety remains one of Croatia's most valuable assets — both for its citizens and the global community that chooses to visit or invest in the country.

The University of Dubrovnik has earned a major academic milestone, securing a place among the top 5% of universities worldwide, according to the newly released 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

Placed in the 1000–1500 bracket out of more than 30,000 higher education institutions globally, the University’s ranking reflects its growing international reputation and its increasing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"This result is a clear indicator of our expanding academic influence and the strong role we play in addressing global challenges through education and research," the University said in a public statement.

Among the standout achievements, the University of Dubrovnik achieved its best-ever global ranking — 52nd place — in the category of ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’, underlining its impact on employability, skills development, and economic advancement.

Other impressive results include:

• A ranking within the top 401–600 institutions in both ‘Life Below Water’ and ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’, areas that reflect the University’s deep connection with marine studies and its commitment to sustainable development and innovation.

• Placement among the top 800 universities in the category of ‘Zero Hunger’, recognising efforts in research, education, and partnerships related to food sustainability.

• Notable performance in ‘No Poverty’ and ‘Gender Equality’, confirming the University’s dedication to promoting inclusive academic environments and equal opportunities for all students and staff.

These results reaffirm the University of Dubrovnik’s strategic focus on quality education, environmental awareness, and social responsibility — positioning the institution as a leader among Croatia’s younger universities and a rising force on the international academic stage.

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