A 61-year-old Spanish driver has been fined and banned from driving in Croatia after being caught speeding at a dangerous 204 km/h on the A10 motorway.

The incident occurred on Saturday around 12:30 PM, when officers from the Metković Police Station—using an unmarked patrol vehicle spotted a car with Spanish license plates traveling well over the limit.

After applying the standard 10% tolerance for radar readings, the final recorded speed was 183 km/h on a road where the legal limit is 120 km/h—making it a 63 km/h violation.

To make matters worse, police discovered the man did not have his driver’s license with him at the time of the stop.

He was issued a fine of €690 and handed a one-month ban from using his driver's license within the Republic of Croatia.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board is participating as a co-exhibitor at the International Economic Fair in Mostar, taking place from April 8 to 12, 2025. Recognised as the most successful trade fair in Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of both exhibitors and visitor numbers, the Mostar Fair is also a key export platform for Croatian agricultural and food products.

The event brings together leading regional and international stakeholders and is part of the Association of Southeast European Fairs—a network that underlines the fair’s business credibility and relevance in its sector.

A notable feature of the fair is the World Gastronomy Days showcase, where culinary excellence is celebrated, alongside the presence of an international panel of judges who evaluate and award top wines.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva Tourist Board is presenting at the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s shared stand, where it benefits from a free information desk and meeting table. Sharing the same platform are the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, offering a unified front to promote Croatian tourism, gastronomy, and regional diversity.

Key takeaways

• They claim to love children but are never available when a friend needs help with theirs
• They aren't in their own children's lives
• No real curiosity about the child's interests
• They avoid interacting with children
• They downplay your parenting efforts

Single parents who are dating face significant challenges. Their time is limited, and juggling between work, taking care of one or more children, and a social life can be exhausting. Dating as a single parent means balancing priorities between a child and a potential partner, and introducing a child to a new partner can be an anxiety-inducing experience.

Getting to know someone before introducing them to a child is important because children look up to their parents and closely observe their actions. Parents who are selective about their dates demonstrate the importance of being cautious when it comes to building relationships. They show their children the value of self-respect and the importance of choosing caring and respectful partners.

When the love is only in theory

The decision to start dating after a divorce is highly individual, and the statistics highlight this. A 2024 survey revealed that 32.2% of respondents – the largest share – hadn't started dating at all since getting divorced. On the other hand, 22.1% had started dating as soon as their divorce was final, and they were the second-biggest respondent group. Just over a fifth waited a few months before reentering the dating scene, and 6.7% waited more than a year. This deeply personal process is further complicated by having sole custody and dealing with people whose interest in children may just be an attempt to win favor.

An obvious sign of fake energy is when someone insists they love children but aren't available when a friend or relative needs help with theirs. People may hypocritically claim to love kids even if they aren't in their own kids' lives. They refuse to help take care of children and only file an obligatory "aw" whenever someone talks about or shows them pictures of their young kids.

Look for genuine interest in your child's interests and routines

Essentially, single parents will spot fake "I love kids" energy early by observing consistency in words and actions. A genuinely interested partner will be curious about the child's interests, routines, and well-being rather than make vague statements like "I love kids." They will ask thoughtful questions and remember details. Being overly eager at first but lacking patience or genuine follow-through is a typical sign of fake enthusiasm. They might avoid interacting with the child or seem frustrated by your parental responsibilities.

Another red flag is how they handle discussions about parenting challenges. A sincere person acknowledges the realities of raising a child and is willing to adapt, while an untruthful one might downplay your efforts or make dismissive remarks. Watching their reactions to unplanned moments—like a child interrupting a conversation or bursting into tears—can also reveal their true mindset.

The other person's perspective

It's equally important to understand that people can have valid reasons to lie about loving children. It can be learned behavior because their true feelings leave a bad impression on their parents or friends. People who have struggled with such experiences face a unique dilemma: "step up" their faking game to deflect criticism or respectfully explain they'd rather not spend all of their time with children.

What one person perceives as "fake energy" could be a conscious effort on another's part to avoid a negative exchange. People who are open about choosing to remain childfree are frequently subjected to pressure to change their minds. Not liking and wanting children has been derided as "unnatural." Childfree people are normally subjected to unsolicited questioning and forced to explain or justify their decision, including on occasions like family gatherings.

Recap

• When the "love" is only in theory
• Look for genuine interest in your child's interests and routines
• Consider the other person's perspective

Croatia is gearing up to reintroduce mandatory military service, with the first group of recruits expected to begin basic training this October—pending final parliamentary approval of the new Defense and Armed Forces Service Law.

On a recent visit to the Eugen Kvaternik military training ground in Slunj, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff General Tihomir Kundid confirmed that all preparations for the return of conscription are complete.

Modern Facilities, Shorter Training

The new training programme will be significantly shorter than in the past—just 8 weeks instead of the old six-month model. Facilities have been upgraded with modern dormitories, classrooms, and canteens. Each training cycle in Slunj will accommodate 200 recruits, with plans to train 800 per generation, across five cycles annually. Training will also take place in Požega and Knin.

General Kundid described a typical day for recruits: early wake-up, physical exercise, morning and afternoon training sessions, and meals in between. "It's classic soldiering, but with updated conditions to meet today’s standards," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff General Tihomir Kundid - Photo - Vlada 

Recruits will be prepared for either active duty or to join the armed forces reserve, which is currently under capacity. One of the main goals of the programme is to strengthen Croatia’s military reserve force.

Paid Training, Job Security, and Career Benefits

Recruits will receive a monthly stipend of €1,100, which will count toward their pensionable employment record. They cannot be fired from their jobs while serving, and will also receive preference when applying for jobs in the public sector.

"This package of support gives us confidence that the project will be successful," said Minister Anušić. "I believe even more young people will apply than expected." The government is planning for at least 5,000 conscripts annually.

Those who do not wish to serve for military reasons will still be able to opt for civil service, though it will last three to four months, longer than the military alternative.

A Modern Approach to Conscription

The military is aiming to make the experience more appealing to today’s generation. Mobile phones will be allowed, with one restriction: recruits cannot record or share photos or videos of the training on social media.

Meals will offer more variety than in the past, and the overall environment is being designed to feel less rigid and more constructive. "We didn’t want to turn people away with long or harsh conditions," said General Kundid. "We believe eight weeks is enough."

Awaiting Final Parliamentary Approval

The only remaining step is legal: Parliament must approve the new laws. Minister Anušić stated that all necessary documents have been submitted to Prime Minister Plenković's office, and expects legislation to be passed by the end of the summer break, allowing training to begin in the autumn as scheduled.

He also confirmed that President Zoran Milanović has been informed of the project and has not raised any objections.

Croatia has introduced a new Law on Foreigners that brings significant changes to the procedures for employing and hosting foreign workers. The aim of these changes is to align with European standards, curb abuse, and strike a balance between employer needs and the protection of domestic workers, reports Lider

Longer Residence and Work Permits

One of the most important changes relates to the extension of residence and work permits. Foreign workers can now receive permits for up to three years—instead of just one—if the employer offers them a long-term contract. A 60-day grace period has also been introduced, during which a foreign worker may remain in Croatia after losing their job, giving them more security and a chance to find new employment.
This measure will ease workforce planning for employers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for foreign workers who previously had to renew permits annually. It’s also expected to encourage more foreign workers—especially those with two consecutive years of work experience in Croatia—to consider bringing their families to live with them.

Labor Market Test: Priority for Croatian Workers

A major change requires employers to pass a labor market test before they can hire a foreign worker. This means proving that no suitable candidate is available on the domestic market.
Employers will still list the desired qualifications, but the criteria can no longer be tailored in a way that excludes all local applicants. Job requirements must not be stricter than those for similar positions, and offered salaries cannot be lower than those paid to Croatian workers for the same roles. Offering the minimum wage just because the candidate is foreign will no longer be acceptable.

The goal is to eliminate pay discrimination between local and foreign workers and encourage employers to prioritize domestic hires, as recruiting and housing foreign workers is ultimately more costly.

Exceptions include tourism and construction, where labor shortages are severe—no market test is required in these sectors, nor for returning foreign workers previously employed by the same company.

1:12 Ratio of Domestic to Foreign Workers in Shortage Sectors

The law introduces a quota: for shortage occupations, at least 8% of workers must be Croatian, and 16% in non-shortage fields. This translates to a 1:12 ratio (one domestic worker for every 12 foreigners) in shortage sectors, and 1:6 in others.

This especially affects construction and hospitality, where large numbers of foreigners have been employed without proportional domestic staffing.
Until the system is fully operational, temporary limits apply:

• Employers with fewer than 50 domestic workers may submit up to 50 work permit requests

• Employers with 50 or more can submit up to 250 requests

Stricter Employer Requirements

To even be eligible to hire foreign workers, an employer must have employed at least one Croatian, EU, or Swiss worker full-time and on a permanent basis for at least one year prior to applying.
If the employer is a legal entity, their turnover must be at least €10,000 per month over the past six months. For sole proprietors, this rises to €15,000 per month.
Seasonal sole proprietors must have employed a domestic worker last season and reached €15,000 turnover during the season, not monthly.

Employers must also:

• Have no history of illegal employment

• Have no outstanding tax debts

• Use legal employment contracts

They cannot hire through temporary staffing agencies, unless the permit is linked to a specific client and both agency and client meet all legal requirements.
Agencies must register all foreign workers and provide them equal conditions to those of permanent employees, reducing the potential for exploitation through short-term contracts.

Foreign Workers Can Switch Employers

After working with the same employer for one year, foreign workers with valid permits longer than one year can change employers.
The new employer must sign a contract and register the case with the police. The employment service must approve the change before the foreigner can begin work.

This provision gives foreign workers freedom of movement in the job market, enabling them to leave employers who underpay or mistreat them.

Foreigners may also take on additional part-time work with another employer, provided that employer also meets all the requirements for hiring foreign workers.
This is especially beneficial for those wanting to drive taxis or make deliveries in their free time.

Decent Accommodation Required

The law now mandates that employer-provided housing must meet minimum living, health, and safety standards throughout the worker’s stay. Any changes must be reported to the police.

Rent can be charged only if it’s reasonable in relation to the worker’s net salary and the housing quality. It cannot be deducted automatically from wages.
Until now, housing quality was only regulated for seasonal workers, and the government did not intervene in cases of exorbitant rent or poor living conditions.

Specific standards (e.g., cubic meters per person, number of toilets) will be detailed in a forthcoming bylaw.

EU Blue Card Extended to Four Years

The EU Blue Card for highly qualified foreign workers will now be valid for up to four years, provided the employment contract and passport allow it.
This change will make it easier for skilled professionals to live and work in Croatia.
The minimum gross monthly salary for an EU Blue Card holder is set at €2,700.

Visas That Aren’t Officially Visas: EES & ETIAS Border Systems

Beyond employment rules, starting in May, the EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS will be introduced at EU borders.
These are digital monitoring systems for travelers from non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss countries who do not require visas to enter the EU.

Foreigners must:

• Fill out an online form explaining the purpose of their trip

• Pay a €7 fee

• Receive approval or rejection through the system

Each entry will require fingerprint scans and iris photos.
On first entry, biometric data will be collected, causing major delays at border crossings, especially at airports and road borders with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, where waits can already exceed seven hours.

Approval is valid for three years.

Companies Must Prepare for Changes

Companies should brief their partners and colleagues from outside the EU—including Americans, Canadians, and Brits—on what to expect at borders, how to answer questions about their stay, and what documents to present.

In-person meetings should be planned carefully, as quick day-trips from Istanbul to Vienna or same-day drives from Belgrade to Zagreb may no longer be feasible.

Public transport operators will also face new obligations: passengers will need to show ID or passports before boarding, so operators can verify EU entry eligibility.
This will prevent overstaying tourist stays.

Similar systems are being rolled out by the UK and the USA.

The price of Bitcoin fell below $79,000 on Sunday evening as investors brace for continued volatility in global financial markets this week. This comes after global stock markets suffered their steepest drop since 2020 last week, triggered by the imposition of U.S. tariffs on goods from around the world.

According to Coin Metrics, Bitcoin dropped by four percent to $78,835, after trading mostly above $80,000 for much of this year, with only a few brief dips below that level amid last week's turbulence. The current price is roughly 34 percent lower than Bitcoin's record high reached in January.

The price of the leading cryptocurrency often moves in tandem with the shares of major tech companies and is frequently seen by traders as a barometer of market sentiment. However, last week it behaved contrary to equity markets – despite the crash in stock prices, Bitcoin remained relatively stable, trading between $82,000 and $83,000.

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On Sunday evening, however, jittery investors began selling off cryptocurrencies – which trade 24/7 – as they anticipate a fresh wave of turmoil in the markets. Trump's reciprocal tariffs have heightened fears of a global recession and sparked a flight from riskier assets.

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In just the last two trading days of last week, the U.S. tariffs wiped out $7.46 trillion in market value from stocks included in the S&P Global Broad Market Index – $5.87 trillion on Wall Street and another $1.59 trillion from other major global markets.

Bitcoin’s price is now down 15 percent since the start of the year, and analysts expect it to continue moving in sync with stock prices, as recession fears overshadow all other potentially positive news for cryptocurrencies in 2025.

One of Dubrovnik’s most iconic architectural landmarks, the Jesuit Stairs, has been fully restored for the first time since they were built nearly 300 years ago. Famously featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones during the “Walk of Shame” scene, the baroque staircase now gleams anew, following a comprehensive renovation funded by the City of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, alongside colleagues and Mihaela Skurić, director of the Dubrovnik Restoration Institute, visited the site to mark the completion of the works. The restoration is part of the city’s broader 2024 programme to preserve the UNESCO-protected Old City and was entirely financed from the city’s budget. The total cost is estimated at €242,000 (excluding VAT).

Photo - Grad Dubrovnik

“After 290 years, the Jesuit Stairs have been completely restored and now shine in their full glory. They are truly impressive and, after the City Walls, are the most visited attraction in Dubrovnik,” said Mayor Franković. “This project confirms our deep commitment to protecting cultural heritage – not for exploitation, but for preservation, so future generations can enjoy it too.”

The restoration works, carried out by local company Projekt 22 d.o.o., included preparation, structural repair, and detailed conservation across the entire staircase – from its base to the top at Bošković Square. Subcontractors included Kamenoklesarstvo Konavle and Kist i Čekić, both known for their expertise in stonework and heritage preservation.

Photo - Grad Dubrovnik

Although initially scheduled for four months, the project experienced delays due to over 30 rainy days that prevented outdoor work. Additional unforeseen work, including archaeological documentation of three historical drainage channels beneath the steps, also contributed to the extension.

Built in 1735 by architect Pietro Passalacqua, the grand staircase leads to the Church of St. Ignatius and the former Jesuit college, perched above the city’s southern side. The last partial repairs to the staircase were made in the 1990s to fix damage caused by direct shelling during the Homeland War.

The stairs shot to international fame when they served as the backdrop for Cersei Lannister’s infamous “Walk of Shame” in Game of Thrones, drawing legions of fans to the site. Now, with this extensive restoration complete, both locals and visitors can enjoy the steps in all their original splendour – no shame required.

Croatian National Bank (HNB) Governor Boris Vujčić expressed hope that the coming days will bring a softening of plans to impose tariffs, helping avoid worst-case scenarios such as a significant drop in GDP or a rise in prices. He commented on the financial disruption caused by Trump’s tariffs during the HNB’s Open Day event, reports Jutarnji List

"This kind of tariff introduction is not good. If tariffs were beneficial, we would have had them already. For decades, we have worked to reduce barriers to the free flow of goods and services, and now we are heading strongly in the opposite direction. This could lead to reduced economic activity, slower GDP growth, and rising prices – inflation. After all, a tariff is nothing more than a tax on goods or services crossing borders, which increases the price," said the governor.

The disruption has already reached the domestic capital market. On Friday, the main stock indices on the Zagreb Stock Exchange dropped sharply, following global market corrections, with very high trading volumes. The focus was on the shares of Ing-Grad and Končar, according to a HINA analysis.

Stock Market Plunge

On Friday, the Crobex index plunged 2.76% to 3,174 points, while the Crobex10 fell 2.35% to 1,994 points. Both indices have been in decline for the third trading day in a row, and are now down more than 4.5% for the week, erasing all gains made since the beginning of the year. The domestic capital market mirrored the sharp corrections on European exchanges, where major indices dropped more than 4%, compounding Thursday's heavy losses.