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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A bold new cultural initiative is turning heads in Dubrovnik this week as Mad LokalZ launches its first edition, transforming unconventional venues into vibrant hubs of artistic expression and sound.

The pilot project, which runs from June 24 to 30, is a collaborative effort between artists, entrepreneurs, and the local community, with the aim of creating a new model for showcasing local talent — one that is accessible, informal, and easily replicated across Croatia.

For its debut, Mad LokalZ features visual artist Wanda Mitrović, whose striking paintings and sculptures will be exhibited across four atypical locations in Dubrovnik — from beach bars to steampunk lounges. Accompanying her work is a specially curated soundtrack by Matt Davies, aka Mr. Dirty Hairy, a UK-born DJ with Croatian roots and a reputation for spinning eclectic vinyl sets that span funk, soul, Latin, disco, and afrobeat.

Each event pairs visual art with a distinctive musical vibe in a different social setting, inviting the public to experience culture in an immersive and relaxed way.

Mad LokalZ Event Schedule:

• June 24 | Ponat Beach Bar | 5–10 PM
  Set in a pine-shaded forest above the beach, Mitrović’s “summer relaxed” artworks will be on display as Mr. Dirty Hairy serves up a feel-good vinyl mix of funk, disco, and afro rhythms.

• June 26 | Dubrovnik Beer Company | 6–11 PM
  Mitrović’s largest-scale pieces will take over the walls of Dubrovnik’s craft brewery, accompanied by a raw, street-style soundtrack of hip-hop and Latin grooves.

• June 28 | Mr. Foster Bar | 6–11 PM
  The steampunk ambiance of this downtown cocktail bar will form a dramatic backdrop to Mitrović’s sculpture installations, with a smooth “silky soul” session spinning in the background.

• June 29 | M’arden Wine Garden | 12–5 PM
  The finale unfolds in a lush Mediterranean garden tucked inside the city walls, where jazz-infused vinyl sets meet curated art in a sun-dappled setting designed for sipping wine and soaking in creativity.

A Platform for Cultural Visibility

Organizers say the mission behind Mad LokalZ is to elevate local artistic voices like Mitrović’s, while introducing art to a wider audience in approachable, everyday settings.

“We want to take art out of the white cube and into the places where people already feel comfortable — bars, gardens, breweries,” says project coordinator Luka Marinović. “This is about breaking down barriers between art, community, and experience.”

Mad LokalZ has ambitions to become a nationwide format, providing a scalable template for future pop-up exhibitions in cities across Croatia. The project is supported by the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, which sees it as part of a broader initiative to enrich the city’s cultural offering beyond its traditional landmarks.

As Dubrovnik continues to evolve as a year-round destination, projects like Mad LokalZ are helping to reimagine how and where culture is consumed, blending heritage with innovation — and turning the city into a stage for bold new stories.

While digital payment fraud is soaring across Europe, Croatia has emerged as one of the least financially impacted countries, according to a new analysis by forex platform BrokerChooser.

The report, based on European Banking Authority data, shows that payment fraud rose by 43% in 2024, fuelled by increasingly sophisticated cyber tactics, often powered by artificial intelligence. Fraud across key payment types reached €4.3 billion in 2022, with a further €2 billion lost in just the first half of 2023.

Croatia Among Europe’s Lowest Average Losses

Croatia recorded a total of 29,373 fraud cases in the first half of 2023, leading to financial losses of €7.9 million. That places it ninth among Europe’s least financially affected nations in terms of average loss per fraud — €269 per incident.

The data shows that while card issuer fraud dominated in terms of case volume (26,051 incidents), the largest financial damage came from credit transfers, which amounted to €5.4 million, or roughly 70% of total losses in Croatia.

To put this into perspective, BrokerChooser calculated that 1,565 full-time Croatian workers earning the median net salary would be needed to recoup the country’s total fraud-related losses.

Southern Europe Sees More Fraud, But Smaller Losses

Croatia’s relatively low financial damage mirrors that of several other Southern European countries. Portugal reported the lowest average loss in Europe at just €64 per fraud case, followed by Spain (€98) and Italy (€133).

These countries saw high numbers of fraud cases — particularly Spain, with more than 1.2 million reports — but significantly lower average financial losses than the European average.

Nordic Nations Bear the Brunt

In stark contrast, Nordic countries topped the list for financial impact per fraud. Finland reported the highest average loss at €593 per incident, followed by Iceland (€545) and Norway (€488). Despite recording fewer cases than larger nations, these countries face disproportionately high monetary damage.

In Finland alone, nearly €23.6 million was lost in just six months — the equivalent of the net annual salaries of over 1,650 Finnish workers. Credit transfers were again the most damaging type, representing 87% of losses there.

Credit Transfers and Card Fraud Drive Losses

Across Europe, credit transfer fraud was the most costly, accounting for €763 million, or 64% of all reported losses. Meanwhile, card issuer fraud was the most common, with over 4.1 million cases recorded in just half a year.

The analysis highlights the financial burden by comparing losses to national income levels, showing how even a relatively small number of high-value frauds can weigh heavily on economies — especially those with smaller populations or lower average earnings.

A Call for Consumer Vigilance in Croatia and Beyond

Adam Nasli, financial expert at BrokerChooser, stressed that as AI makes fraud more convincing and frequent, both individuals and institutions must raise their guard.

“Croatia may be on the lower end in terms of financial impact, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune. Card fraud and compromised transfers are still costing millions,” Nasli said.

“Whether you’re shopping online, travelling, or investing, one exposed bank detail can undo everything. Consumers need to be more alert than ever and should choose financial service providers that prioritise security, regulation, and transparency.”

Conclusion

While Croatia has escaped the worst of Europe’s payment fraud epidemic, rising digital adoption means growing risk. As scams grow more sophisticated, the challenge will be to protect consumers without slowing down digital innovation.

For now, Croatia’s relatively low fraud losses offer some reassurance — but the trend across the continent shows that no country is completely safe from this rapidly evolving threat.

The island of Lopud is ready to roll out the red carpet once again as the 5th edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival gets underway from June 26 to 28, bringing together global film icons, emerging regional talent, and lovers of the seventh art for three days of cinematic inspiration.

Celebrating its milestone fifth year, the festival has become a creative oasis in the Adriatic, transforming the tranquil island into a dynamic hub of film dialogue, professional exchange, and open-air screenings. This year’s programme features a stellar lineup of guests, including acclaimed directors Sean Baker, Daniel Minahan, Peter Spears, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, Nebojša Slijepčević, and Diana Elbaum. Audiences and aspiring filmmakers alike will be able to take part in masterclasses, workshops, and roundtable discussions, learning directly from the best in the business.

Adding depth to the programme are renowned film experts such as music editor Suzana Perić, financial advisor Marlon Vogelgesang, and celebrated critic Mark Kermode.

Evenings will be reserved for exclusive screenings in the enchanting garden of Hotel Grand under the stars. The festival opens with a screening of “Anora” (2024), winner of five Oscars and the Palme d'Or, introduced by director Sean Baker. Day two features “Guardians of the Formula” (2023), with an appearance by director Dragan Bjelogrlić, while the festival finale will host the Croatian premiere of “On Swift Horses” (2024), presented by director Daniel Minahan and producer Peter Spears.

One of the defining values of Ponta Lopud is its dedication to supporting young filmmakers. This year, the artistic programme is entirely curated by Luna Brusselaers Sršen, a Croatian-Belgian filmmaker and longtime festival collaborator. Her proactive engagement brought many international guests on board, including Sean Baker, and helped craft a diverse, forward-thinking lineup.

“This year’s programme was built around a simple but vital question: what kind of festival does a young filmmaker truly need?” said Sršen. “Ponta Lopud exists to amplify new voices and create genuine connections between emerging talent and seasoned professionals – people who shape the present and future of cinema.”

The festival continues to break the mold of a traditional film gathering, fostering a unique atmosphere where art, mentorship, and community thrive in one of Croatia’s most scenic settings. With programming that encourages cross-generational collaboration, it has become a beacon for creative growth in the region.

Tickets for film screenings are available via Entrio, with special boat transport provided from Dubrovnik (Lapad coast near the Faculty of Economics) at 6:00 PM, and return from Lopud at midnight from Hotel Lafodia.

Ponta Lopud Film Festival is just the first of three major cultural events on the island this summer. It will be followed by the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival (August 28–30) and Ponta Lopud Book Bridge (September 18–20), creating a summer-long celebration of film, music, and literature.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob expressed joint support on Monday for NATO’s proposed increase in defence spending targets to 5% of GDP, ahead of the Alliance’s upcoming summit in The Hague.

Meeting in Črnomelj, the two leaders signed a bilateral agreement on the construction, maintenance, and management of bridges and infrastructure along their shared border, highlighting growing cooperation between the neighbouring EU states.

“We both welcome the flexibility achieved in defining the new defence targets, as it allows each country to contribute to the security and capabilities of the Alliance in its own way,” Golob said at a joint press conference.

Under the new proposal, 3.5% of the GDP would be allocated to military expenditure, while the remaining 1.5% would go toward dual-use projects serving both civilian and military purposes.

Plenković noted that Croatia is already meeting NATO’s existing 2% commitment and aims to raise its defence spending to 3% by 2030. “Reaching the 5% target may take us a few years beyond that, perhaps even until 2035, but it’s within the realm of realistic ambition,” he stated.

Concerns Over Global Security

Both leaders voiced deep concern over the deteriorating global security environment. Plenković highlighted the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East — including recent hostilities between Israel and Iran, and tensions involving Hezbollah and the Houthis.

“This is not ‘business as usual’,” said Plenković. “The instability in the Middle East threatens to drive up energy prices and trigger fresh waves of migration, with potential political and social consequences similar to those Europe faced in 2015 and 2016.”

He also warned of the growing threat of terrorist attacks worldwide, adding that such instability directly impacts the safety and well-being of European citizens.

Golob was critical of certain actions by the Israeli government, citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. “Time will tell who acts in good faith. Unfortunately, recent actions — particularly from the Israeli side — do not inspire trust,” he said, reaffirming Slovenia’s commitment to peace as the only viable solution.

Energy Cooperation: Krško Nuclear Plant

The two leaders also discussed future cooperation on nuclear energy. Golob briefed Plenković on Slovenia’s plans to build a new reactor block at the jointly operated Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

“I understand that Croatia remains interested in participating in the project, which is completely logical,” said Golob. “We want Croatia to be a partner in preparing and realising this investment.”

Plenković confirmed Croatia’s continued interest, saying, “Our position has been consistent from the beginning — we support continued cooperation, ideally under the current model, but we’re open to new discussions to ensure energy security not just for the next 5 or 10 years, but for the next 100.”

He added that if Slovenia receives the necessary support for the project, Croatia is ready to take part and remains satisfied with the partnership that has successfully managed Krško for over five decades.

The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) and the Korčula Tourist Board proudly showcased Croatia’s luxury tourism appeal at this year’s prestigious EDGE Conference (Educate, Discover, Gather, Evolve) in Las Vegas — the flagship annual event of the Travel Leaders Network, the world’s largest travel agency consortium and part of Internova Travel Group.

Over 2,000 leading travel professionals from around the world attended the conference, with Croatia receiving special spotlight status during the exclusive Luxury Forum, where nearly 300 top luxury travel advisors gathered. Leila Kreši?-Juri?, Director of the CNTB’s North America office, announced that Croatia will once again host the International Luxury Forum, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable high-end destinations.

Kor?ula, in particular, attracted strong interest from agents during one-on-one meetings and the “Destination Connection” event. Milijana Borojevi?, Director of the Kor?ula Tourist Board, highlighted the island’s unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, award-winning gastronomy, and luxurious experiences both on land and at sea. These qualities continue to position Kor?ula as a rising star in Croatia’s premium tourism sector.

The Croatian stand welcomed hundreds of visitors, with many praising the island’s authenticity, warm hospitality, and scenic allure. The strong turnout and enthusiastic response reaffirmed the growing demand from the U.S. market for exclusive travel experiences in Croatia.

Kor?ula has once again proven itself a top-tier destination for discerning travellers seeking sophistication, charm, and the magic of the Adriatic.

Dubrovnik’s summer is heating up with a vibrant lineup of cultural and musical performances throughout the city and its surroundings, courtesy of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board’s beloved series “Streets of Our City” and “Summer Events in Tourist Resorts.”

Kicking things off on Monday, June 23, the mellow sounds of Trio Laus will echo through Lapad Bay’s promenade at 10 PM. Midweek brings a double dose of Dalmatian harmony on Wednesday, June 25: Klapa Malfi will perform beachside in Štikovica at 8:30 PM, followed by a romantic “Serenade to the City” by Klapa Ragusavecchia outside Dubrovnik’s historic Rector’s Palace at 10 PM.

The week wraps up with a taste of tradition on Friday, June 27, as the Osojnik Cultural and Artistic Society brings folk dances and songs to Lapad’s seaside promenade at 10 PM.

These free, open-air events are part of Dubrovnik’s ongoing mission to blend heritage, music, and summer magic — one note at a time.