The captain of the Croatian national football team, 39-year-old Luka Modrić, is now in his 13th season wearing the Real Madrid jersey. With his contract set to expire in June this year, many are wondering whether he will stay at the Santiago Bernabéu for another season, reports tPortal. 

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Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric wants to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2026.

▪️Los Galácticos considers it positive that the 39-year-old Croatian captain will stay with the team for another 1 year. pic.twitter.com/lhydDnagpU

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) February 7, 2025

Modrić has repeatedly shown his deep commitment to Real Madrid. He has accepted pay cuts, turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, and resisted calls to join MLS in the United States.

With his dedication, work ethic, and the vital role he plays in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, Modrić has undoubtedly earned every contract renewal. Despite being 39 years old, there is no sign of decline in his performances.

Modrić is keen to stay at Real Madrid for another season, ensuring he is in top shape for the 2026 World Cup.

And it seems Real Madrid has the same idea.

At least, that’s what journalist Ekrem Konur from Caught Offside is reporting, stating that Real Madrid also wants to keep Modrić.

Fuel prices across Croatia are set to drop across the board starting from this Tuesday. 

The new prices will be:

• Eurosuper at €1.51 per liter, down two cents.
• Eurodiesel at €1.43 per liter, four cents cheaper.
• Blue diesel at €0.82 per liter, also reduced by four cents.

Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Poland recorded the highest average annual growth rates of the minimum wage in the European Union between January 2015 and January 2025, reports N1. 

These countries saw increases ranging from 14% to 10%, according to the latest Eurostat data. In contrast, the lowest average annual growth rates among EU countries were recorded in France at +2.1% and Malta at +2.9%, Euronews reports.

Within the Union, 22 out of 27 member states have a national minimum wage in place. However, minimum monthly wages vary significantly across the bloc. The only exceptions are Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, which do not have a statutory minimum wage.

Minimum Wage Over €1,500

Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France are the six countries where the minimum wage exceeds €1,500 per month. In these nations, minimum wages ranged from €1,802 in France to €2,638 in Luxembourg.

On the other hand, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Latvia, Hungary, and Bulgaria have the lowest minimum wages, all below €1,000 per month. In these countries, minimum wages ranged from €551 in Bulgaria to €970 in Croatia.

Is Salary the Only Measure of Wealth?

The Purchasing Power Standard (PPS), which measures the cost of a specific set of goods, can provide a fairer comparison since living expenses—especially housing costs—vary greatly between European countries.

Within the EU, wage disparities shrink significantly when adjusted for differences in price levels. Eurostat categorizes EU countries into three groups: those with minimum wages above 1,500 PPS, those between 1,000 and 1,500 PPS, and those below 1,000 PPS.

Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, France, and Poland fall into the highest category (above 1,500 PPS), while Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Latvia are in the lowest category (below 1,000 PPS).

However, some countries with lower absolute minimum wages can have similar purchasing power compared to wealthier nations due to lower living costs. Poland, for example, moves into the highest category when adjusted for purchasing power, suggesting that its minimum wage holds strong buying power relative to the cost of living.

Do you remember June 2017, when the international media were reporting on how Dubrovnik should be avoided due to overtourism? The prestigious New York Times has recently highlighted Dubrovnik as a city that has successfully been combating overtourism for years.

In discussing the latest measures introduced by many global destinations struggling with high visitor numbers, they pointed out that Dubrovnik, once a symbol of overtourism, is now one of the symbols of sustainable tourism. Thanks to concrete measures to regulate tourist flows and preserve the quality of life for local residents, the city has gained global recognition.

Although measures such as reducing the number of cruise ships, cutting tables and chairs in the historic center by 30%, and reducing souvenir stands by 70% were initially unpopular, they have brought numerous benefits—including less seasonality, improved quality of life for both residents and visitors, and higher revenues. The focus is on dispersing tourist traffic by developing new attractions in the pre-season and post-season and strengthening winter transportation connections.

The goal is not to increase the number of arrivals during peak season but to encourage year-round tourism that promotes longer stays and higher visitor spending. Dubrovnik has transformed from an overtouristed destination into a sustainable, year-round destination. This is confirmed not only by numerous renowned global media outlets and experts but also by results— in 2024, Dubrovnik recorded 1,397,052 arrivals and 4,555,636 overnight stays, a 9% increase compared to the previous year. Particularly noteworthy is the number of overnight stays in December, further cementing Dubrovnik’s status as Croatia’s leading year-round destination.

This year, Red Dress Day was once again marked with the aim of raising public awareness about the unique characteristics of strokes in women.

Staff from the Neurology Department of Dubrovnik General Hospital, along with colleagues involved in stroke prevention and treatment, gathered on Friday in front of the Large Onofrio’s Fountain to show their support for female patients. They then walked along Stradun, distributing informational materials, and released red balloons in front of St. Blaise’s Church.

Notably, more women than men die from strokes, and the international Red Dress Day campaign is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases, including conditions affecting the heart and brain’s blood vessels in women.

Croatia saw a rise in cruise tourism last year, with 86 foreign cruise ships making 736 visits to its seaports, according to data from the national statistical office released on Thursday. This marks a 14% increase compared to 2023, when 85 ships completed 646 journeys.

Passenger numbers also surged, reaching 1.049 million in 2024—up from approximately 869,000 the previous year. Dubrovnik remained the most popular port of call, welcoming cruise ships 513 times, followed by Split (331), Zadar (219), and Hvar (118).

The Dubrovnik Tourist Board proudly announces the launch of an exclusive marketing campaign in New York, one of the world’s most influential cities. As part of strategic promotional activities in international markets, Dubrovnik will be featured from February 3 to 16, 2025, on a prestigious digital screen in Times Square, one of the world’s most iconic advertising locations.

Displayed on an imposing screen at the northern entrance to Times Square—standing nearly 30 meters tall—a captivating 15-second video with the message “Alluring Dubrovnik, Croatia” will be broadcast. Due to its unique shape and prime location, this screen attracts the attention of millions of passersby, including Broadway theatergoers, tourists, shoppers, and business professionals working in the heart of New York City. It is estimated that during the campaign, the video will reach more than 13.7 million people.

"Dubrovnik’s presence in Times Square is a great honor and a strategically important step in strengthening our city's recognition in the American market. This campaign not only reinforces Dubrovnik’s image as a prestigious global destination but also further positions our city in the minds of potential travelers from the U.S.," said Miro Drašković, the Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

American tourists ranked second in the number of visits to Dubrovnik in 2024, with 186,869 arrivals and 513,234 overnight stays—an increase of 11% in arrivals and 10% in overnight stays compared to the previous year.

The United States is one of Dubrovnik’s key markets, and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board continues to invest in its promotion through digital campaigns, media collaborations, and participation in leading tourism fairs and business workshops. The Times Square campaign represents another step forward in enhancing Dubrovnik’s global visibility and inspiring future travel in 2025.

For generations, Croatians have left their homeland in search of better opportunities. Today, an estimated 3.2 million people either emigrated relatively recently or have Croatian ancestry. The country’s accession to the European Union in 2013 opened the floodgates for migration, with many seeking work in wealthier EU nations. But while they may have left, they certainly haven’t forgotten home, reports TPortal.

Remittances—money sent back by Croatians living abroad—are growing year by year, now making up a significant portion of the country’s economy. In 2022, transfers from the diaspora accounted for a staggering 7.34% of Croatia’s GDP, the highest proportion of any EU country.

Figures from the Croatian National Bank (HNB) illustrate the scale of these financial lifelines. In 2020, remittances totalled €3.669 billion. By 2021, that figure had exceeded €4.2 billion. In both 2022 and 2023, the total surpassed €5 billion.

In the first nine months of 2024 alone, Croatians abroad sent back €4.641 billion. The full-year figure, expected in spring, could well top €5 billion again, reinforcing Croatia’s dependence on its expatriate workforce.

Germany Leads, but Ireland’s Role is Growing

Germany remains the dominant source of remittances, with over €1 billion arriving each year. In 2020, Croatians in Germany transferred €1.647 billion home, a number that climbed to €1.767 billion in 2021 and then nearly €2 billion in 2022. By 2023, the milestone was broken, with €2.146 billion recorded. In just the first nine months of 2024, the total stood at €1.78 billion.

But Germany isn’t the only player. In recent years, Ireland has emerged as an increasingly important source of income for Croatia’s economy. In 2020, remittances from Ireland stood at €270.5 million. By 2023, that figure had more than doubled to €607.4 million. In the first three quarters of 2024, €504.2 million had already been sent, suggesting another record-breaking year.

Another surprise is the Netherlands, which has seen a significant rise in remittances. In 2020, Croatian workers there sent home just €77 million. By 2023, that number had skyrocketed to €554.5 million—a remarkable increase.

Meanwhile, Austria and Slovenia—longstanding destinations for Croatian migrant workers—continue to contribute significant sums, albeit at a steadier pace. In 2020, each country sent around €180 million in remittances. By 2023, Austria’s contribution had climbed to €436.2 million, while Slovenia’s reached €285 million.

A Country Increasingly Reliant on Its Diaspora

Over the past five years, remittances have consistently accounted for more than 7% of Croatia’s GDP, making it one of the most dependent nations on its overseas workforce. In 2022, the figure hit a record high of 7.45%.

The flow of money is a vital economic buffer, particularly in a country grappling with a shrinking workforce and rising emigration. While remittances bring much-needed financial support to families, they also raise concerns about Croatia’s long-term economic sustainability. As more skilled workers leave, the economy remains heavily reliant on those abroad to support those who stay.

For now, Croatia’s diaspora continues to provide a financial lifeline. But with remittances outpacing revenue from tourism in some years, it raises a difficult question: what happens if the money stops flowing?