Major Developments in Croatia - August 28, 2025

ZAGREB, August 28 - Croatian authorities and institutions announced a series of political, security, and social measures today:

Espionage Arrests Rock Military Ranks Croatian police detained an Air Force helicopter pilot and his partner on the Dalmatian island of Vis, accusing them of leaking classified KFOR peacekeeping details to Serbian authorities over three years. The pilot, identified by initials J.I., denies the charges, calling himself “framed,” while his partner, A.M., was also charged with espionage after an expulsion order and detention in Trilj. Parliament’s National Security Committee has summoned prosecutors for an urgent review, amid calls for heightened oversight of military security clearances.

Humanitarian Aid Boost to Gaza Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman announced an additional €1 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza through the World Food Programme, bringing Croatia’s total assistance since the conflict began to €2.75 million. The move follows confirmation of famine conditions in Gaza and President Zoran Milanović’s meeting yesterday with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian, during which he reiterated support for civilian relief and condemned Israeli attacks on civilians.

Presidential Push to Recognise Palestine President Milanović formally urged the government to initiate parliamentary proceedings to grant Croatia’s official recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. In a statement, he called recognition “a necessary step toward ending the war and the human catastrophe in Gaza,” and pledged to advocate vigorously for a parliamentary resolution.

Zagreb Launches ‘Bajs’ Public Bike System Mayor Tomislav Tomašević unveiled the city’s new public bicycle network, Bajs, with 500 bikes at 40 stations and plans to expand to 2,000 bikes by October. Designed to reduce car use, emissions, and congestion, rides under 30 minutes cost €0.50, with monthly and annual subscriptions priced at €5 and €30 respectively. The system will operate 24/7, integrating with existing public transport routes and monitored to ensure 95 percent bike availability at all times.

Bolt Rolls Out Family Profile Feature Bolt introduced “Family Profile” in Croatia, enabling one user to book and pay for rides for up to nine relatives or friends. Aimed at protecting seniors and tourists from taxi fare inflation, the feature displays exact fares in advance, issues fiscal receipts by email, and allows the account holder to set spending limits and receive ride notifications in real time.

Economic Outlook Remains Strong Finance Minister Marko Primorac reiterated forecasts of 3.3 percent GDP growth for 2025, driven by a projected 3.6 percent increase in tourism revenue. Croatia has welcomed a record 15.5 million visitors so far this year, with overnight stays rising 1 percent over 2024 and tourism’s share of GDP exceeding 20 percent.

These developments underscore Croatia’s strategic emphasis on national security, humanitarian engagement, sustainable urban mobility, and economic resilience.