The introduction of tariffs by President Trump is not expected to have significant direct negative effects on the Croatian economy in the short term. However, more substantial negative consequences could be felt indirectly if a recession were to occur among Croatia’s key trading partners, according to the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) on Thursday.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new general tariffs of 10% on most imports into the United States, with higher “penalties” based on trade deficits for many, amounting to 20% in the case of the European Union. In fact the EU has around an average of a 2 percent tariff on goods imported from the US, highlighting that these tariffs are far from reciprocal. 

The EU is preparing a two-step response. The "initial response" will be adopted in mid-April and will apply to aluminum and steel, followed by broader measures targeting “all products and services” from the U.S., which should be ready by the end of April.

"HUP estimates that in the short term, there should not be significant direct negative effects on the Croatian economy, partly due to Croatia’s balanced trade relations with the U.S. However, more significant negative consequences could arise indirectly if a recession occurs among our most important trading partners—Germany, Italy, and Austria," HUP stated.

Under the new measures, which include a minimum tariff rate of 10% for all countries, Croatian exporters will fall under the EU tariff rate of 20%, HUP noted. They emphasized that the EU is taxed at a much lower tariff rate compared to China and other major global economies, which could increase the competitiveness of EU products in the U.S. market relative to products from other global economies.

The U.S. aims to raise import prices to protect domestic producers and reduce the trade deficit, which reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2024, according to business representatives. They also provided data showing that Croatia exported goods worth €805 million to the U.S. last year, sharing the fate of the EU, which maintains a significant trade surplus with the U.S.

The largest share of Croatia’s exports to the U.S. consists of pharmaceutical products (40%, or €319 million), which have been temporarily exempt from the tariff measures as they are considered crucial to the U.S. economy. This is followed by the production of electrical equipment (19% or €154 million) and finished metal products (16% or €132 million).

Tariffs' Negative Impact on GDP Estimated at 0.2 Percentage Points, But...

Previously, the negative impact on Croatia’s GDP was estimated to be around 0.2 percentage points (which could potentially be offset by increased orders in the defense industry). However, this initial estimate may be revised downward, especially if the EU retaliates with countermeasures, HUP stated.

They emphasized that Croatia, which heavily relies on exports, “will need to closely monitor the situation and adjust strategies to minimize negative consequences on the economy.”

This situation presents an opportunity for broad tax relief measures to strengthen the resilience of the Croatian economy, including labor tax reductions, limiting the number of sick leave days covered by employers, and better control of fraudulent sick leave claims, which represent a significant parafiscal burden, according to HUP.

HUP is therefore advocating for amendments to the Investment Promotion Act, including the removal of reductions in incentives for investments ranging from €55 million to €110 million, as well as the elimination of limits on incentives above €110 million. They are also pushing for tax incentives to encourage capital accumulation for investment in research and development (R&D).

Furthermore, they stress the need to strengthen energy competitiveness by equalizing electricity prices for businesses and households. They also call for the immediate unblocking of approximately €2.6 billion worth of investments in renewable energy sources (RES), which have been awaiting a decision from HERA on connection fees for the past three years.

The domestic air link between Dubrovnik and Zagreb has cemented its position as one of the busiest routes for Croatia’s capital airport in 2024. With 216,818 passengers traveling between the two cities, the route saw a 6.6% increase compared to 2023, reflecting continued demand for connectivity between the Adriatic coast and the country’s capital.

Despite being a domestic route, Dubrovnik-Zagreb ranked as the fourth busiest connection for Zagreb Airport, placing it ahead of many international destinations. The only routes surpassing it in passenger numbers were Frankfurt, which maintained the top spot with 294,000 passengers, followed by Amsterdam with 232,000 and Istanbul with 219,000. Just behind Dubrovnik was Munich, with 214,000 passengers.

The Dubrovnik-Zagreb service remains exclusively operated by Croatia Airlines, underlining its importance as a key domestic link. The steady increase in passenger numbers is indicative of both strong domestic demand and the route’s significance for business travelers, tourists, and those connecting to international flights from Zagreb.

The number of tickets sold for the concert of Marko Perković Thompson, set to take place at Zagreb’s Hippodrome on July 5, is approaching half a million, Thompson’s manager Zdravko Barišić told Nova TV on Thursday.

"As of 6 a.m. today, over 150,000 tickets have been sold again, and we are closely monitoring sales," Barišić said in an interview with Dnevnik Nove TV, confirming that the total number of tickets sold is nearing "half a million people."

Regarding the capacity of Zagreb’s Hippodrome, which will host Marko Perković Thompson’s record-breaking concert on Saturday, July 5, Barišić confirmed that additional space has been secured.

"We have purchased or leased an additional 100,000 square meters, and according to the Law on Public Gatherings and all relevant regulations, we are able to accommodate even more people who wish to be part of this historic moment," Thompson’s manager stated.

Security Concerns and Record-Breaking Sales

According to the ticket sales platform Entrio, over 280,000 tickets were sold in less than 24 hours during the initial sales phase last week, which they claim is a world record. Organizers later announced an increase in capacity and the continuation of ticket sales on Thursday at noon under the same conditions and prices.

As for security, Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević previously stated that it is the responsibility of the organizers, who are in contact with the police regarding the final number of attendees allowed at the Hippodrome.

Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović confirmed on Tuesday that "contact has been established" with Thompson’s team, following reports from the weekly Nacional that a special security task force is being formed for the event. The minister clarified that police regularly hold similar meetings before football matches attended by 20,000 to 30,000 people.

"In this case, it appears we are dealing with ten times that number, which means significantly more meetings and coordination efforts," Božinović said, adding that given the expected attendance, emergency services and city authorities must also be involved in the organization.

Due to the recent surge in foreign worker permit applications at the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Police Department, authorities have requested patience and understanding from applicants. To streamline the process, an afternoon shift has been introduced at administrative service counters, which now operate until 6 PM on weekdays.

Since the beginning of the year, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Police Department has issued nearly 4,000 residence and work permits to foreign nationals. The increased demand began on April 1, as most employers requested permits to take effect on that date, reports HRT. 

Officials have been in contact with major hotel companies and hospitality representatives to clarify the required documentation, ensuring applicants do not need to visit multiple times. They also provide guidance on the best times to visit in order to avoid long queues. In cases where a labor market test or approval from the Croatian Employment Service is not required, employers do not need to visit the police station in person. Instead, applications for residence and work permits can be submitted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authorities advise applicants to take advantage of the afternoon working hours, as queues are significantly shorter than in the morning. They also emphasize the importance of submitting applications well in advance with all necessary documentation, rather than waiting until just before a foreign national is set to begin work.

The final night of the "blind auditions" for the 27th season of the American "The Voice" featured a performance by 20-year-old Simone Marijic. This talented University of Virginia student, born to a family of Croatian immigrants, chose Olivia Rodrigo’s song "Favorite Crime" for her performance.

The new season of the popular American music show "The Voice" brought numerous exciting moments and revealed new talents, but one moment particularly resonated with viewers of Croatian descent, reports Večernji List. 

Young singer Simone Marijic captivated the judges with her performance, and when she revealed her roots, there was an unexpected and charming reaction from judge and global star Michael Bublé. The popular singer revealed that he too has Croatian roots! The pair even exchaged a Croatian phrase - watch the video for the full reveal! 

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Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions with a sweeping new tariff plan, announcing a 10% levy on all imports to the United States, alongside steeper duties on key trading partners. The move, unveiled on Wednesday, has provoked sharp responses from global leaders, with Europe threatening swift countermeasures and economists warning of deep economic repercussions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the decision as a "serious blow" to the global economy, warning that the European Union stands ready to retaliate if negotiations fail, reports tportal. 

‘A Major Blow to the Global Economy’

Speaking ahead of an EU-Central Asia summit, von der Leyen stressed that while the global trade system is imperfect, imposing tariffs was not the answer. “For eight decades, transatlantic trade has driven growth and prosperity. There are issues that need addressing, but slapping tariffs on the world will only exacerbate economic instability.”

She added that Brussels remains open to dialogue but has prepared a package of countermeasures should talks falter. “The EU has always been a proponent of free and fair trade. However, we will not hesitate to defend our businesses and workers.”

The U.S. has also targeted specific sectors with higher levies, with EU exports facing tariffs of up to 20%. The move follows Trump’s repeated grievances over what he perceives as unfair trade practices by America’s allies, despite previous attempts to negotiate new terms.

Europe Reacts: ‘Everyone Loses’

European leaders swiftly condemned the tariffs. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump, criticised the move as “wrong” and counterproductive for U.S. interests.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was more direct, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Friendship means partnership. Partnership means truly reciprocal tariffs.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin warned of economic turmoil, stating, “Tariffs help no one. My priority is protecting Irish jobs and ensuring economic stability.”

Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson echoed similar concerns: “We do not want a trade war. We want cooperation and open markets.”

Spain’s Pedro Sánchez vowed to protect Spanish businesses, while Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen was unequivocal: “No one wins in a trade war. Instead of building barriers, we should be removing them. Europe will respond strongly and proportionally.”

Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, issued a scathing rebuke: “Trump’s tariffs do not defend fair trade; they undermine it. Europe is united and ready to act.”

UK and Canada Respond

The UK, walking a diplomatic tightrope, urged calm. Trade minister Jonathan Reynolds described the U.S. as Britain’s “closest ally,” stating that the government remains committed to securing a trade agreement to mitigate the fallout. However, he warned, “We have a range of tools at our disposal and will not hesitate to act if necessary.”

Canada, however, took a firmer stance. Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged countermeasures, stating that while some aspects of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship remain intact, tariffs on steel and aluminium were unacceptable. “We will fight these tariffs, protect our workers, and strengthen our economy.”

A New Era of Economic Nationalism?

While Trump’s move is intended to address what he views as long-standing trade imbalances, critics warn that the strategy risks economic uncertainty, rising consumer prices, and fractured international relations. The White House has confirmed that while Canada and Mexico are exempt from the blanket 10% tariff, some goods will still face duties of up to 25% due to border security concerns.

With Brussels preparing its response, tensions are set to escalate. As one EU diplomat put it, “Trump has thrown the first punch—Europe will not sit idle.”

A reader sent us this rather unusual photo today a swarm of bees had gathered on the façade of the Franciscan Church of the Friars Minor.

This phenomenon is quite normal; however, it usually happens in early May, as early May marks the season when bee colonies naturally divide. Swarming is their way of growing and ensuring survival—a queen departs with a group of worker bees to form a new hive elsewhere.

This natural cycle helps maintain the species, refresh the colony, and enhance its resilience.

After years of controversy, the issue surrounding Dubrovnik’s Orlando Column has finally been resolved. Mayor Mato Franković announced the news on his Facebook profile, stating that the "thorn in Orlando has finally been removed" and that further details on the restoration will be provided by the Ministry of Culture.

Franković emphasized that his administration tackled the problem head-on, unlike previous leadership. "We did not turn a blind eye or pretend it wasn’t our responsibility, as the SDP did before us," he wrote.

The Orlando Column, one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks, has long been in need of restoration, and this latest development marks the end of a prolonged debate over its preservation.