For the second year in a row, Croatia has been named the safest country in Europe for walking alone at night, according to The World of Statistics portal. Out of 41 European nations ranked for safety after dark, Croatia claimed the top spot, reinforcing its reputation as a secure and welcoming destination.

Slovenia, Iceland, Georgia, and Switzerland follow Croatia in the top five, with Czechia (6th), Denmark (7th), Estonia (8th), Finland (9th), and the Netherlands (10th) rounding out the top ten. Among regional neighbors, Montenegro ranks 11th, Serbia 15th, North Macedonia 17th, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 26th.

At the other end of the spectrum, France was ranked the least safe country for walking alone at night, followed by Belarus, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Other major European nations such as Italy (34th), Germany (29th), and Spain (21st) also ranked lower on the safety index.

With Croatia leading the way in personal safety, the latest ranking further cements its status as not just a popular tourist hotspot but also one of the most secure places to live and visit in Europe.

Safety walking alone during night in Europe (from more safe to less safe):

1. Croatia ????????
2. Slovenia ????????
3. Iceland ????????
4. Georgia ????????
5. Switzerland ????????
6. Czech Republic ????????
7. Denmark ????????
8. Estonia ????????
9. Finland ????????
10. Netherlands ????????
11. Montenegro ????????
12. Austria ????????…

— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) February 11, 2025

In many European countries, pension incomes are significantly lower than earnings from employment before retirement. As a result, many older individuals struggle to maintain their standard of living after retiring, reports N1. 

Almost one in six retirees in the European Union (EU) is at risk of poverty, with the rate increasing from 12% in 2013 to 15.5% in 2023, according to Euronews.

How Do Pensions Compare to Pre-Retirement Earnings Across Europe?

Which countries provide the highest share of earnings after retirement, and which offer the lowest?

New Eurostat data compares the median pension income of individuals aged 65–74 with the median earnings of those aged 50–59, excluding other social benefits. This provides insight into pension adequacy across Europe.

In 2023, the overall replacement ratio in the EU stood at 58%, meaning that someone who earned €100 between the ages of 50 and 59 would receive €58 in pension income between 65 and 74. However, this ratio varied significantly across the EU, from 35% in Croatia to 78% in Greece.

Spain (77%) and Italy (75%) followed Greece at the top of the list, while Portugal also exceeded the EU average with 61%.

At the bottom of the ranking, Croatia had the lowest replacement ratio at just 35%, followed by Lithuania (36%) and Ireland (39%). For comparison, Montenegro had a ratio of 38%, Slovenia 44%, and Serbia 46%.

Southern European countries tend to have the highest pension incomes relative to pre-retirement earnings, while Eastern and Baltic nations generally have the lowest ratios.

Gender Pension Gap

The replacement ratio also varies by gender. In the EU, men (60%) received three percentage points more than women (57%).

"Inequalities in pension income, poverty in old age, and pension coverage persist, despite the narrowing gender gap in average pensions," states the European Commission and Social Protection Committee’s Pension Adequacy Report.

Which Countries Offer the Highest Pensions?

Pension amounts vary significantly across Europe. Euronews analyzed figures from 2021, showing that the average monthly gross old-age pension per recipient ranged from €226 in Bulgaria to €2,575 in Luxembourg, with an EU average of €1,294.

Croatia was far below the EU average, with a pension of €388 at the time. While pensions have since increased, the current average pension in Croatia is around €630.

Zagreb Airport kicked off the year with impressive growth, handling 280,542 passengers in January—an increase of 12.4 percent compared to the same month last year. This surge saw nearly 31,000 more travelers pass through its terminals. Aircraft movements also rose to 3,642, marking a 2.5 percent uptick.

A key factor in the strong start to the year was the World Handball Championship, which brought an influx of visitors to the Croatian capital. The tournament likely contributed to the higher passenger numbers, boosting travel demand during January.

Looking ahead, the airport aims to surpass 4.7 million passengers in 2025, targeting an annual growth rate of around 10 percent, according to a statement to EX-YU Aviation News. February is also expected to bring further gains, supported by a 4.9 percent rise in scheduled seat capacity.

To mark 115 years since the introduction of the Dubrovnik tram and 55 years since its discontinuation, the Dubrovnik Museums will organize an exhibition titled "The History of the Dubrovnik Tram" in mid-2025.

The exhibition is curated by Tonko Marunčić, Jan Marko Novalija, and Dino Lokas.

Citizens who own materials related to the Dubrovnik tram—such as uniforms, photographs, tram parts, documents, films, etc.—are invited to lend them to the museum to enrich the exhibition.

Materials can be delivered in person to the Cultural-Historical Museum at the Rector’s Palace, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. For additional information, please call +385 20 321 452 or mobile +385 99 4685 629, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Intervention Firefighting Unit (IVP) in Dubrovnik marked its 25th anniversary yesterday, celebrating years of service with a ceremony attended by key figures, including Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković and local officials.

Over the years, IVP Dubrovnik has grown from humble beginnings, responding to hundreds of emergencies, from major fires to rescue operations during natural disasters like the Gunja flood and Petrinja earthquake. Commander Nikša Miletić highlighted the unit’s progress, emphasizing teamwork and commitment.

The anniversary event included the presentation of awards to outstanding members, including posthumous honors for former firefighters Ivo Kralj and Nikola Klečko. The celebration concluded with a live rescue demonstration, showcasing the unit’s expertise in high-altitude rescues.

IVP Dubrovnik’s 25-year legacy is a testament to the dedication and bravery of its firefighters, who continue to safeguard lives and respond to emergencies across Croatia.

Derby matches bring a special kind of passion and rivalry, and for many fans, there’s no better feeling than defeating their biggest opponent.

On Wednesday, the clash between Liverpool and Everton once again proved just how thrilling local derbies can be—a controversial late goal led to a dramatic finish that saw as many as four red cards being handed out, reports N1. 

The United Kingdom is home to several epic derbies, such as Manchester City vs. Manchester United, Arsenal vs. Tottenham, and Celtic vs. Rangers, while globally, we have clashes like Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan, Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, and Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray.

But how do these derbies rank against each other? Football magazine FourFourTwo has compiled a list of the greatest rivalries, with the rule that each club could have only one biggest rival. This means, for example, that Liverpool vs. Manchester United was chosen over the Liverpool vs. Everton derby.

Croatia is no exception when it comes to intense football rivalries. The Eternal Derby between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split is the most heated clash in Croatian football, dividing the country along historical and regional lines. The passion, history, and electric atmosphere make it one of the biggest derbies in the region. The epic Croatian football derby was ranked in 27th position on the list.

And the top ten football derbies according to FourTwoFour were - 

10. Al Ahly – Zamalek (Egypt)
One of Africa's most intense rivalries, the Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek divides Egyptian football fans. Their matches are often heated, both on and off the pitch.

9. Borussia Dortmund – Schalke (Germany)
The Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke is one of the most passionate rivalries in the Bundesliga, bringing together two clubs with deep football traditions in the Ruhr region.

8. Grêmio – Internacional (Brazil)
The Grenal derby is one of the fiercest in South America, pitting Porto Alegre's biggest clubs, Grêmio and Internacional, against each other in matches filled with emotion and drama.

7. Liverpool – Manchester United (England)
A historic clash between two of England's biggest clubs, this rivalry extends beyond football, as both cities have competed in economic and cultural terms for over a century.

6. Fenerbahçe – Galatasaray (Turkey)
The Intercontinental Derby sees Istanbul's two biggest clubs, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, go head-to-head in one of Europe's most intense and heated rivalries.

5. Lazio – Roma (Italy)
The Derby della Capitale is more than just a football match—it’s a cultural and political clash between the fans of Rome’s two biggest teams, Lazio and Roma.

4. Nacional – Peñarol (Uruguay)
The Uruguayan Clásico between Nacional and Peñarol is one of South America's longest-standing rivalries, dating back more than a century.

3. Celtic – Rangers (Scotland)
The Old Firm Derby is about more than football; it represents deep-seated religious, political, and social divides between the two clubs’ fan bases.

2. Barcelona – Real Madrid (Spain)
El Clásico is one of the most-watched football matches in the world, featuring Spain’s biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, in a battle that often has political undertones.

1. Boca Juniors – River Plate (Argentina)
The Superclásico is the pinnacle of football rivalries, where Boca Juniors and River Plate face off in electrifying matches that capture the passion and chaos of Argentine football.

As part of the Festivities of St. Blaise and Dubrovnik City Day, the Dubrovnik Brass Band had the pleasure of hosting their dear friends from Vis City Music, with whom they share a long-standing friendship. They performed a solo concert at Cinema Sloboda on Saturday, February 1st. The first meeting between the music ensembles of Vis and Dubrovnik dates back to 1893, during the unveiling ceremony of the Ivan Gundulić monument in Dubrovnik. A century later, in 1993, Vis City Music participated in the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Dubrovnik Brass Band. This year’s visit was a return exchange after Dubrovnik City Music traveled to Vis in May last year to perform at the opening ceremony of the Šime Poduje City and School Sports Hall.

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On Candlemas, despite the rain, the Dubrovnik Brass Band participated in the opening of the Festivities, playing marches during the flag-bearers' gathering and in front of St. Blaise's Church, as well as performing the Hymn of St. Blaise during the raising of the Patron’s Banner.

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On the main day of the Festivites, both Dubrovnik and Vis Brass bands participated in the event, beginning with the morning reveille, accompanying the flag bearers to Ploče and Pile, and raising the banners at Pile Gate. During the break before the procession, members of the Fahnenschwiger Blaskapelle Orchestra from Lekindorf, Austria joined in the Dubrovnik City Music hall. They also performed during the Festivities procession.

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On Sunday, February 9th, Dubrovnik Brass Band took part in the closing of the Festivities, playing during the morning gathering of the banners in front of St. Blaise's Church and before the Holy Mass at Gorica of St. Blaise. After Mass, they joined the procession from Gorica to the church, playing marches along the way. During the lowering of St. Blaise’s banner and the raising of the national flag, they performed both the Patron’s Hymn and the Croatian National Anthem.

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

"For our members, participating in the Festivities of St. Blaise is a great honor. The performances for Candlemas, the Feast itself, and the closing ceremony are among the most demanding annual engagements for Dubrovnik Brass Band—but also some of the most anticipated, looked forward to each year with joy and excitement," stated the Dubrovnik Brass Band. 

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the beautiful setting of Klub Lazareti in Dubrovnik, a charity concert by the band Silente was held, with all ticket sales proceeds dedicated to the renovation of the Children’s Home Maslina.

Through ticket sales and donations, a total of €18,664 was raised. The entire amount will be donated to the Children's Home Maslina for this purpose.

This initiative continues the efforts of the Rotary Club Dubrovnik to improve the living conditions of the children at Maslina. Last year, Dubrovnik Rotarians raised funds to replace 200 square metres of flooring in the home’s communal areas. This year, the funds will be directed towards the renovation, refurbishment, and equipping of the deteriorated sanitary facilities in the children's section of the home.

"The Rotary Club Dubrovnik expresses deep gratitude to all citizens, partners, and friends who supported this noble cause. Special thanks go to the band Silente for their outstanding concert, incredible energy, and selfless decision to waive their performance fee. We also extend our thanks to our project partners: Klub Lazareti, Fotostar Dubrovnik, VSP Video, Digital Print Pogon, and Eventim. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Sanitat Dubrovnik, and HDS ZAMP, which waived its copyright fee for this event, with the corresponding funds also being donated to the Children’s Home Maslina. Finally, we thank everyone who participated in this wonderful evening—your contributions have helped create better conditions for the children at Maslina," stated Rotary Club Dubrovnik.