March the 6th, 2023 - The Jadran hotel group is set to reconstruct the famous Crikvenica Hotel International after having applied for the large project under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO).

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the large hotel group Jadran has successfully applied for a project under the NPOO worth an enormous 22 million euros, of which they could use grants in the amount of 6.6 million euros.

Jadran, as a leading company in the entire Croatian tourism sector for the use of grants, submitted their project for the reconstruction of the much loved Crikvenica Hotel International. The project is called "Step into the hotel of the future/Zakoracite u hotel buducnosti" because the aforementioned funds are aimed primarily at encouraging the green and digital transition of companies working within the wider tourism sector.

The green and digital transition has been a huge talking point for a considerable amount of time across all fields in Croatia, and the coronavirus pandemic has only worked to push things along in both regards. The tourism sector, Croatia's largest economic branch, accounting for around 20 percent of the country's GDP, is far from an exception to the transition. Numerous projects with the green and digital transition firmly in mind have been launched across the wider sector, and hotels aren't immune from the changes Croatia hopes to implement.

Thanks to these very handsome funds, the well known hotel group Jadran will be able to modernise the Crikvenica Hotel International and introduce the latest technologies on offer. The start of the hotel reconstruction is planned for November this year, and it is expected that the works will be finished completely by June 2025, just in time for the very height of that year's summer tourist season.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated news section.

March the 6th, 2023 - An important change has been announced for people needing certain services at MUP Petrinjska, and it involves foreign citizens needing administrative tasks completed. Certain things will be now done at a different location as of today.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, as of today (Monday, the 6th of March, 2023), MUP Petrinjska is changing the way it does things. The police administration will carry out most of the work it does for foreign citizens within the Zagreb Police Department (PU Zagrebacka) at a new location: Remetinecki gaj 13 in Novi Zagreb, while biometric ID cards for foreign nationals with lawful residence in Croatia can only be requested and collected at the old MUP Petrinjska address near the very heart of the city centre: Petrinjska 30.

People can submit their requests for the creation and pickup of biometric ID cards for foreign citizens only at Petrinjska 30, on the first floor (hall) on weekdays from 07:00 to 15:00.

From Monday, March the 6th, 2023, other administrative tasks related to the regulation of the status of foreigners (such as the service for citizenship and status issues of foreigners) will be carried out at the aforementioned new location in Novi Zagreb, Remetinecki gaj 13, on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00, Zagreb police announced.

So, in short:

Foreign nationals who only need to request or come and pick up their Croatian ID cards can continue to do so at the old MUP Petrinjska address (Petrinjska 30) between 07:00 and 15:00 every week day on the first floor.

Foreign nationals who have questions relating to their status in Croatia, are applying for Croatian citizenship, require information or have more complex issues to deal with must go to the aforementioned new address in Novi Zagreb (Remetinicki gaj 13) between 08:00 and 14:00 every week day.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated news section.

March the 6th, 2023 - A 120 million euro Zagorje investment has been announced by Knauf Insulation, bringing this part of Croatia to the level of both neighbouring Slovenia and Slovakia in one particular regard.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Brnic writes, Novi Marof received a new large investment of 120 million euros announced by Knauf Insulation in a close race with locations in Slovenia and Slovakia, which were shortlisted by the aforementioned German group. The group operates globally and is a leader in the production of building materials.

Before making the final decision, the main partner of the Knauf Group, Alexander Knauf, contacted the relevant state institutions, and a week ago, after a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Davor Filipovic, it was announced that the project will be realised in Novi Marof, where Knauf Insulation has been operating since the 1980s.

According to the answers we received from Knauf, the project is currently still in its preparation phase, and if everything goes according to expectations, the start of construction is expected at the end of this year and the beginning of next year. The start of production is planned for 2025 and most of this Zagorje investment will be in equipment and machinery, along with the expansion of Croatia's own R&D potential. The planned portfolio of products from the new line based in Novi Marof will be largely similar to the company's existing one.

However, according to Knauf, the production of some additional segments, such as products for green solutions, is also planned as part of this massive Zagorje investment. The expanded plant in Novi Marof will be one of the largest locations within the Knauf Group, which has more than 300 production bases worldwide, according to Dominique Bossan, Chief Executive Officer of Knauf Insulation for Europe, the Middle East and Asia and a member of the Board of Directors of the Knauf Group. Currently, Knauf Insulation has 236 employees in Novi Marof, and at least 70 more jobs are expected to be created with this new Zagorje investment.

The company operates in more than 40 countries, has 28 production facilities and 6,000 employees. Their annual turnover exceeds two billion euros but there is no data on the financial results for Croatia in the last year yet. According to the data for 2021, their revenues exceeded 64 million euros, and business has been seeing an upward trend.

The company is extremely export-oriented, with the share of exports in its total revenues standing at 81%. The main export markets are Italy, Germany and France, but they also export to other parts of the world much further away, such as South America. With this new Zagorje investment, the export potential will grow further, and their construction solutions will be marketed, according to Bossan, primarily in Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Romania, and technical, industrial and green solutions systems will be delivered to all of Europe.

Priority is being given to local partners in the procurement of raw materials, of which there are more than 150. And when it comes to the selection of Novi Marof for the realisation of this investment in Knauf, they make it clear that the attractive location in the heart of Europe and a highly qualified workforce were decisive.

For more, check out our news section.

March 5, 2023 - What is the most impressive tourism promotion project you have seen in Croatia? Something to beat the World's Biggest Welcome?

One man. One Project. One Word.

Welcome.

As a hospitable tourism country, what if Croatia could also offer the World's Biggest Welcome? Daniel Lacko, an adventure tourism expert, decided to do just that for Croatia.

It took him 65 days, more than 2,500 kilometres, but he achieved this goal back in 2011. For me, the most impressive tourism promotion project in my 20 years in Croatia.

The video premieres tonight at 19:53. 

Which Croatian tourism promotion project has impressed you the most? Answers in the comments below.

You can still visit the official Facebook page of the World's Biggest Welcome, where you can see many of the original photos of Lacko's amazing journey - https://web.facebook.com/welcomehr

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March 5, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 24th round was played from March 3 to 5, 2023. This round saw the derby between Istra and Rijeka, while Lokomotiva scored four goals against Hajduk at Poljud, and Dinamo and Osijek finished 1-1 at Maksimir. 

Istra 1961 - Rijeka (0-2)

Istra and Rijeka opened the 24th round on Friday, March 3, in Pula in front of 3,019 fans. 

Jankovic made it 0-1 for Rijeka in the 22nd minute. Mlinar was shown a red card in the 70th minute forcing Istra to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. In the 90th minute, Erceg was shown his second yellow and was also sent off. His reaction to the referee may welcome the largest fine in HNL history. Jankovic scored five minutes later for the final 0-2 for Rijeka. Istra held 61% possession and had four attempts on target compared to Rijeka's 8. 

Istra is in 6th place with 31 points and a game in hand, while Rijeka is in 7th with 31 points. Istra plays Gorica next, and Rijeka plays Varazdin. 

Varazdin - Sibenik (2-0)

Varazdin and Sibenik met on Saturday, March 4, in Varazdin in front of 1,506 fans. 

Brodic scored for 1-0 Varazdin to end the first half. Teklic made it 2-0 in the 54th minute. Varazdin had 57% possession throughout the match, with five shots on target compared to Sibenik's four attempts. 

Varazdin is in 4th place with 33 points, while Sibenik is in 9th with 20. Varazdin plays Rijeka next, and Sibenik meets Dinamo. 

Slaven Belupo - Gorica (1-1)

Belupo and Gorica met on Saturday, March 4, in Koprivnica in front of 613 fans. 

The first half went without goals before Crnac made it 1-0 for Gorica in the 53rd minute. Crnac equalized for the final 1-1 less than 10 minutes later. Steenvoorden was shown a red card in the 75th minute, forcing Gorica to play with ten men for the remainder of the match. Belupo had 59% possession and six attempts on target. 

Belupo is in 5th place with 33 points, while Gorica is in 10th with 13. Belupo meets Lokomotiva next, and Gorica meets Istra. 

Hajduk - Lokomotiva (3-4)

Hajduk and Lokomotiva met on Sunday, March 5, at Poljud in front of 13,499 fans. 

Lokomotiva took the lead with two goals from Bubanja and Stojkovic in the 12th and 28th minutes. Lokomotiva almost made it 0-3 in the 35th minute, but the goal was called offside. Mlakar made it 1-2 for Hajduk in the 40th minute, and a Livaja penalty leveled the result to 2-2 in the 66th minute. Two goals from Ibrahim capitalized on catastrophic defensive mistakes, and it was 2-4 for Lokomotiva in the 87th minute. Benrahou came back with a goal in the 89th for the final 3-4. Hajduk had 52% possession and only four attempts on target compared to Lokomotiva's six. 

Hajduk remains in 2nd place with 44 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 28. Hajduk plays Osijek next, and Lokomotiva meets Belupo. 

Dinamo - Osijek (1-1)

Dinamo and Osijek closed out the 24th round on Sunday at Maksimir in front of 5,187 fans. 

Osijek took the lead thanks to Mierez in the 55th minute. However, Dinamo equalized seven minutes later off a Petkovic free kick for the final 1-1. Dinamo had 67% possession and five attempts on goal compared to Osijek's one. Dinamo also had 17 total attempts during the match. 

Dinamo is in first place with 56 points and a game in hand, while Osijek is in third with 36. Dinamo plays Sibenik next, and Osijek meets Hajduk. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 5, 2023 - Good news for traffic in Omis - the bridge over the Cetina is finally connected.

It has been a good 12 months for bridge enthusiasts in Dalmatia.

Firstly, the opening of the much-anticipated Peljesac Bridge connecting the mainland to the Peljesac Peninsula, thereby bypassing the need to transit Bosnia and Hercegovina on the way from Split to Dubrovnik. The Chinese-made bridge has been a big initial success. 

And now, another milestone, and there can't be many better examples of a bridge with a view than the recently connected bridge over the River Cetina.

The Omis bypass road project will alleviate the considerable traffic problems along the coastal road from Split to Omis. It includes the construction of the Stobrec, Dugi Rat, Omi's fast road, as well as this 216-metre bridge connecting two tunnels.

The bypass is expected to be fully open by the end of 2025, and it will make a considerable difference to the traffic flow, particularly in Omis, which is a bottleneck in the season.  

March 5, 2023 - As International Women's Day approaches, a tribute to the magnificent women winemakers  of Croatia.

This is not another article about International Women's Day. It's a story of women who, like every other woman in the world, excel at their craft. What makes them even more precious to us is the nature of their art. These women make outstanding wines. 

Every 8th of March, women around the world are celebrated. Women have been fighting for their rights for years in most countries. Croatia is no exception. One point of view makes Croatians more blessed than many other nations. In Croatia, women have been in charge of making wine since always. They weren't usually under the spotlight, but although it is still not that common, female winemakers do have a tradition on Croatian soil. Most importantly, they are currently making excellent wines!

How many women winemakers are there in Croatia?

We have contacted seven leading Croatian women winemakers to share their insights and expertise. They talked to us about their wines, their successes and struggles, the women who inspire them, and their views on women's place in the winemaking industry.

It is our privilege to introduce these women winemakers - as the proprietors. Since there are dozens of women enologists and even more female sommeliers in Croatia, we wanted to share the story of the woman winemakers responsible for everything from planting and farming to growing and harvesting, making wines, and also marketing and selling wine.

How many female winemakers are there?

In Croatia, there is no statistical parameter to answer the percentage of wineries a woman leads. Some women might simply be owners and not involved in winemaking. A couple of wineries are led by women professionals. There are many oenologists responsible for farming and winemaking, many female sommeliers, and many more involved in marketing, but women are still in the minority when it comes to winemaking. With women's hard work, dedication, and persistence, but also knowledge and passion, this is slowly changing.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that women’s influence on Croatia’s wine-making process has long been present. Their craftsmanship and wisdom have offered vast contributions to the country’s winemaking tradition. These women are not only an example for women in Croatia but all over the world, and we salute them!

Inspiring Women in Croatian winemaking

Insisting on your own vision is something all of these strong-minded women have in common. Regardless of the age difference and place of origin, they all share a dedication to their craft and passion for winemaking.

It wasn't always without a challenge: "In the past, I used to receive curious glances and mistaken assumptions about my role at fairs where I was often asked to call the boss, as people assumed I was a hostess. However, now the perception has changed as our winery is recognized as a "woman's" one, particularly because my sister and I have been involved in every aspect of the business, from the challenging and less glamorous tasks to the leadership roles." Ana Peršurić, Peršurić family winery in Istria.

"Sometimes it is not easy for women in this business; the world of wine is traditionally a man's world in which women were not taken seriously until recently because it is a physically demanding and painstaking job, whether in the vineyard or the cellar." are the words of Ivana Puhelek, Puhelek-Purek family winery in Upland Croatia, and she continues, "On my winemaking journey, I often had to prove myself much more than men. Today, all my contacts and business relationships are related exclusively to men, and I feel completely equal with them."

Encouraging perspective also offers Ivana Prgin Horvat, Prgin family winery in Dalmatia, "It's probable that I've encountered situations where I wasn't treated equally, but there wasn't anything specific that I could point out, nothing that burdens me... because I always insist on my vision, not out of spite, but out of love." Ivana Prgin finds an abandoned old school near Primošten and decides to accomplish her love. Her husband and children follow her love for the Babić variety and move from the capital to Primošten. "I am fascinated with legendary Bucavac vineyards where the Babić variety is a part of heritage. Growing grapes and making wine here is a continuation of a broken tradition. There is potential to achieve something truly exceptional."

As a women winemaker who truly started from scratch, coming not from agricultural but economic sciences, planting her first vineyard in the year 2004, and building a winery afterward, Jasna Antunović, Antunović winery in Slavonia, achieved wisdom in her wines as well as in her words: "It was a leap into the unknown, but since then I am deeply aware that I belong in a world where everything is my way - the land, the Danube, the vines, wine, creativity, curiosity, challenge, and inner happiness and peace." When asked about the challenges, Jasna offers her insight: "When I first started, it took a while for people to take me seriously and recognise my abilities. But, once they saw the quality of my work, they no longer had doubts or concerns. Nowadays, it's becoming more common for people to recognise that gender doesn't determine someone's abilities, and women are becoming increasingly successful in all kinds of industries, including winemaking."

When it comes to experience and wisdom, few can compare, regardless of their gender, with the legendary Mare Mrgudić, Bura-Mrgudić family winery in Dalmatia. Aged only 11 years and having helped her mother with the vineyard works after her father's death, Marija was destined to become a winemaker. More than destiny, she was encouraged by her mother and grandmother, both accustomed to working under the Pelješac peninsula sun. Besides her mother and grandmother, Mare always mentions her other role model - Anđelka Ančić.

"Anđelka was an engineer who worked at the Dingač winery. In a small town where men usually held all the power, she managed to gain respect and trust from 500 members of the agricultural cooperative and the well-known Dingač winery. For many years, she was the leader of the wine industry in the country, and she did it all with great skill and confidence."

Mare, too, feels the prejudices are now a stereotype, although she admits she had issues with male colleagues: "Maybe they didn't take me seriously at times, but I never experienced humiliation or bullying from any colleagues in the industry. In fact, most of them were always ready to help, so from my experience, I can say that it is just an old stereotype."

A daughter of a famous father, Martina Krauthaker, from Krauthaker winery in Slavonia, steps out of her father's shadow. For a while now, Martina has been fully responsible for running one of the most respectful wineries in Croatia. She remembers the winemaking from the very beginning as her father, Vlado Krauthaker planted the first vineyards when Martina was born. When asked about her highest accomplishments, she answered, "Success is getting the most out of every vintage. Of course, none of them is the same, and despite that, I try to maintain a consistent quality. When consumers accept the wine, it is my greatest success."

Another daughter of a strong father comes from Istria. Ana Ritoša, from Ritoša winery in Istria, now runs the place, home to many beautiful Istrian wines. She is also very positive regarding the challenges females are exposed to, "I understand how it might seem easier for men to handle physical work while also taking care of their families. Sometimes, customers might take men more seriously in certain industries, like winemaking. However, as a woman in the wine world, I have found that people are often surprised and impressed by what I do. They are curious about why I chose this career path and are willing to try my wines because they can see the passion and hard work that goes into every bottle."

This Women's Day, let us take the time to appreciate women winemakers in Croatia and worldwide who prove that women can make wine just as good as men. Sometimes, even better because "In the world of wine, women are increasingly gaining recognition and opportunities. It has been scientifically proven that women tend to have more advanced senses of smell and taste compared to men. As a result, women's wine creations can add a unique energy and bring refinement to wines, which can enhance the overall wine scene." (Ivana Puhelek)

Success redefined

Let's ask women winemakers in Croatia what makes an accomplished woman in their eyes, and Mare Mrgudić answers, "A truly fulfilled and successful woman is someone who defines success on her own terms, based on what brings happiness and satisfaction to both herself and those closest to her. Unfortunately, society often pressures us to follow certain preconceived notions of success, causing many young people to chase after these ideals and ultimately burn out, even if they appear to have achieved success by society's standards. However, this path isn't healthy for individuals or society as a whole, because true happiness comes from within, and a happy individual creates a positive environment that leads to a healthy and content society."

Jasna Antunović adds, "To do what she likes and in which she is creatively fulfilled every day, to be in an environment that suits her with people who are dear and close to her."

Ana Peršurić says, "A woman who achieved herself in the areas she wanted to achieve herself. For me, success means different things than it might for others. I feel successful because I have been able to keep my family's winemaking tradition alive, and I have a loving and supportive family. I am also grateful for my good health and the opportunity to complete my education as I had hoped. With these achievements, I am now able to live a comfortable life and even travel. All of these accomplishments have made me feel fulfilled as a woman, and I am truly happy with where I am in life "

Ivana Puhelek concludes with her view, "A successful and accomplished woman lives the life she dreamed of as a girl, the life she prepared for through schooling and growing up, and the life in which she achieved all her desires and goals, whatever they were."

This Women's Day, we are taking a stand: women from Croatia have always been making great wines and should be celebrated for their achievements, just like every woman worldwide!

Let's celebrate the achievements of women. Let's celebrate it properly. With a glass of women-made wine that shines with its quality and devotion.

Long live our queens!

Article originally published on winendmore.com

March 5, 2023 - Looking for a job in Croatia? A new weekly feature on TCN, in partnership with leading job site agency, Posao.hr, who present a selection of weekly job listings.

How hard is it to find a job in Croatia, and what is on offer?

We spoke to Ines Bokan, director of leading jobs site Posao.hr, who kindly took the time for this excellent interview overview.  

This week's top 10 jobs from Posao.hr:

Finax, o.c.p., a.s. is hiring a person in the position of Key Account Manager for Slovenia & Croatia (m/f). Place of work Remote work - Slovenia & Croatia. We offer opportunities for personal development and career growth. Send complete applications via link by March 10^th.

Manpower is hiring a person in the position of Business Development Specialist (m/f). Place of work Zagreb. Necessary Communication and organizational skills and proactivity in work. Send complete applications via link by March 12^th.

Salzburg AG is hiring a person in the position of SOC Security Analyst / Specialist (m/f). Place of work Salzburg, Austria. Our attractive salary offers are based on current market salaries and are therefore, depending on qualifications and professional experience, above the minimum salary stipulated in the collective agreement. (We are legally obliged to point out that the minimum monthly salary for this position according to the collective agreement is €4,108.55 gross.). Send complete applications via link by March 31th.

Scalable Global Solutions d.d. is hiring a person in the position of Full-Stack Developer (m/f/d). Place of work Osijek. Send complete applications via link by March 26^th.

GRAWE Hrvatska d.d. is hiring a person in the position of Senior frontend developer (m/f). Place of work Zagreb. We offer a welcome gift and a personal Buddy who will help you in your first working days and with whom you will feel as if you have been part of the team for a long time. Send complete applications via link by March 12^th.

Thermo Stone d.o.o. is hiring a person in the position Human Resources Generalist (m/f). Place of work Novska. We offer a benefits package that applies to all our employees - annual performance bonus, holiday pay, meal allowance, Christmas and Easter bonus. Send complete applications via link by March 20^th.

Silverhand Croatia is hiring a German-speaking recruitment assistant (m/f). Place of work Zadar. We offer the possibility of professional development in an international company with an attractive salary. Send complete applications via link by April 15^th.

MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GmbH is hiring a Software Developer (m/f/d). Place of work Innsbruck, Austria. Salary will be determined based on professional experience; the formal minimum salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement is € 41,691.44. Send complete applications via link by March 17^th.

Bridge Personal & Service d.o.o. is hiring a person in the position of Software development / Software developer (m/f). Place of work Celton Austria. Minimum salary per KV 4,500.00 EUR GROSS/MONTH for full-time work. Send complete applications via link by March 13^th.

Strabag BRVZ d.o.o. for services is hiring a person in the position of Senior Backend Developer (m/f/d). Place of work Zagreb. We offer you innovative, technologically challenging projects in an international environment. Work with us in a friendly, competent team of 70 developers. Send complete applications via link by March 12^th.

For more career options and job listings, visit posao.hr.

These weekly job listings will appear in the weekly TCN newsletter - you can subscribe here.

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.

Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.