AGP Executive Report

Toxic Waste Crisis: Tens of thousands rallied in Zagreb demanding urgent cleanup of illegal hazardous waste in Lika/Gospić, after police last year arrested suspects over up to 33,000 tons; USKOK released new expert findings on microplastics and contamination linked to sites near Benkovac and Gospić, while another report questions why Croatia imports about 870,000 tonnes of waste yearly. Public Health & Environment: Dubrovnik-Neretva sea testing found 122 of 127 beaches rated “excellent,” with only brief temporary pollution flagged in Orebić. Infectious Disease Watch: New research warns a drug-resistant skin fungus (Trichophyton indotineae) is spreading across more countries and can resist terbinafine. EU Values & Health-Adjacent Policy: Croatia’s officials condemned the glorification of Ratko Mladić and called for Serbia EU talks to be suspended after his funeral drew major state support. Cardiac Health Story: Miss Austria Lucia Sisic, born with a heart valve defect and after seven heart procedures, died unexpectedly at 22. Air Quality: Smoke from wildfires in Bosnia pushed Split back into the red air-quality category.

Air Quality Alert: Smoke from wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina pushed Split back into the red air-quality category, with PM10/PM2.5 levels rising again after a brief improvement. Public Health & Lifestyle: New Eurostat figures put Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, with experts pointing to diet shifts and low physical activity. Rare Disease Awareness: Dubrovnik lit up a major landmark red for World Duchenne Awareness Day, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis and better access to care and support. Maternal & Child Health Research: A study reviews incidence, risk factors and mortality among late preterm neonates in Eastern Uganda, underscoring ongoing neonatal risks. Community Health & Demographics: Makarska recorded more births than deaths in 2025, with local investments in early childhood education and family support cited as key drivers. Health Funding for Croats Abroad: Croatia’s Office for Croats Abroad opened a €3.3 million call for projects supporting health-related social, development and humanitarian needs for communities outside Croatia. Health System Access: A vascular surgeon chose to keep working by relocating to the island of Iž, spotlighting healthcare access challenges in smaller communities.

EU Accountability: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the funeral turnout for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić “shocking,” warning it undermines Serbia’s EU path after thousands gathered in Belgrade for a highly public, military-style send-off. Health & Environment: Smoke from major wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina pushed Split and parts of Dalmatia back into the red air-quality category, raising concerns for respiratory health. Public Health Risk: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb demanding urgent cleanup of illegally stored hazardous waste near Gospić (over 30,000 tonnes), with organizers warning of contamination risks to people’s health and groundwater. Lifestyle & Weight: New Eurostat data puts Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% (2025), slightly above the EU average, pointing to diet and inactivity shifts. Community Support: Croatia’s Central State Office for Croats Abroad opened a €3.3 million call for projects supporting Croats outside Croatia, including language, culture, and social assistance.

Toxic Waste Protest in Zagreb: Tens of thousands marched in central Zagreb on Sept. 5 demanding urgent action over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika, where authorities say 34,000–37,000 tonnes were found and investigators suspect illegal imports (including from Italy) and falsified paperwork; protesters warn of soil and groundwater contamination and called for a nationwide waste-management plan within 20 days and a temporary ban on waste imports. Air Quality Health Alert: In Split and across Dalmatia, smoke from major wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina pushed the city back into the red air-quality category, with PM10/PM2.5 levels rising again after brief improvement. Obesity Update: New Eurostat data puts Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with experts pointing to diet shifts, processed foods, and low physical activity. Healthcare Access Story: After 40+ years as a vascular surgeon, Dr. Luka Pirnat chose to keep practising on the Croatian island of Iž, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining medical staff in smaller communities. Public Health Through Action: An Australian-Croatian ultramarathon runner completed an 827 km coast run to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, after dehydration and sodium loss forced a medical stop.

Toxic Waste Protest in Zagreb: Tens of thousands marched in the capital for “Walk for Lika,” demanding urgent cleanup of an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika. Protesters say about 34,000–37,000 tonnes (including medical and industrial waste) were imported from Italy and other EU countries and that contamination risks groundwater and public health; they want a nationwide waste plan within 20 days and a temporary halt on waste imports. Obesity Watch: New Eurostat figures put Croatia’s adult obesity rate at 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average, with experts pointing to diet shifts toward processed foods and lower activity levels. Island Healthcare Access: After 40+ years in medicine, vascular surgeon Dr. Luka Pirnat chose to keep working on the island of Iž, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining doctors in smaller communities. Public Health & Heat: Dubrovnik reported 16 days of smoke this summer from major cross-border wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with officials stressing the city was not directly threatened. Safety Crackdown on E-Scooters: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered electric scooters after a two-day crackdown found riders breaking rules, including helmet violations.

Toxic Waste Protest in Zagreb: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb on Saturday demanding urgent cleanup of illegally stored hazardous waste near Gospić in Croatia’s Lika region, where authorities say about 35,000 tonnes (including medical and electronic waste) were found after arrests in February 2025; protesters want a nationwide waste-management plan within 20 days, a temporary ban on new imports, and clear deadlines—while officials say drinking water in Gospić remains safe and investigations into 10 people and four companies continue. Obesity Update: New Eurostat data shows Croatia’s adult obesity rate hit 16.5% in 2025, slightly above the EU average (16.3%), with men affected more than women and experts pointing to diet, activity, lifestyle, and the wider environment as key drivers. Wildfire Smoke Near Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik spent 16 days this summer under smoke from major cross-border wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina; fire officials say the latest smoke drifted toward the city but flames were not close enough to threaten Dubrovnik itself. Public Health Research: A major international genetics study linked 1,260 genetic variants to the “Big Five” personality traits, adding to growing interest in how biology may shape long-term behavior.

Toxic Waste Health Alert: Tens of thousands marched in Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika” protest, demanding urgent cleanup of more than 30,000 tonnes of illegally dumped hazardous waste near Gospić, with concerns about contamination of air, soil and drinking water and calls for a national waste plan and import moratorium. Public Health Research: A new three-generation study explores genetic clues in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, a rare condition that can be hard to diagnose and often resolves on its own. Mosquito Control Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Safety & Regulation: Zagreb police seized 15 high-powered electric scooters after a crackdown found riders breaking rules on speed and power limits, alongside other traffic offences. Endurance & Awareness: Australian-Croatian runner Aydan Marko Papac completed an 827 km coast-to-coast ultramarathon across Croatia, raising awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Heat & Risk: A report warns that extreme heat across Europe can quietly become deadly, especially for elderly people without cooling at home.

Toxic Waste Cleanup Protest: Tens of thousands marched through Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia” rally, demanding urgent action over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika. Protesters say more than 30,000 tonnes (est. 34,000–37,000) of buried industrial and medical waste—linked to imports from Italy and other EU countries—could threaten soil and drinking water, with prosecutors previously warning of significant health and environmental risk (even as local authorities say drinking water remains safe). They want a clear remediation plan, deadlines, and a temporary ban on further waste imports. Public Health Angle: The dispute centers on concerns about contamination from “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and elevated metals in groundwater and soil, keeping health fears at the heart of the demonstrations. Safety Enforcement: In Zagreb, police seized 15 high-powered e-scooters after a crackdown found riders violating rules on speed and power, alongside helmet and other traffic offences.

Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito-control measures to curb further spread. Public Health & Research: A drug-resistant fungus linked to widespread rashes is spreading to new regions, with a fast-rising number of detected cases across multiple countries, raising concerns for treatment-resistant skin infections. Clinical/Medical Insight: A new medical overview explains hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, including how clinicians classify the condition and why genetic testing can be needed for precise diagnosis. Health & Society (Croatia): Croatia’s Gospić waste cleanup is back in focus as a planned Zagreb protest demands faster action over illegally dumped hazardous waste and reported groundwater contamination, including PFAS. Global Health Link to Croatia: An Australian ultramarathon runner of Croatian heritage completed an 827 km coast run to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), inspired by his grandfather’s illness. Sports Medicine Note: Michigan basketball’s European tour was marred by injuries, including a season-ending torn ACL for freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., highlighting how quickly health risks can derail athletes’ plans.

Peptides in the spotlight: An orthopaedic surgeon argues that peptide hype is outpacing real-world data, calling for a national registry to track safety and results in everyday patients. Public health watch: A drug-resistant ringworm fungus strain is spreading to new regions, with rising counts and treatment failures reported in multiple countries. Mosquito control in Zagreb: West Nile virus has been confirmed in the city, prompting urgent mosquito measures. Sports & recovery: A Croatian-linked ultramarathon effort—827 km along the coast—raises awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Environment & health: A new FAO Adriatic fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split to support science-based, sustainable management as climate pressure grows. Travel & wellness access: Air China launched a Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route, boosting direct connectivity for Croatia. EU politics with health implications: Ratko Mladić’s remains were flown to Serbia, triggering EU condemnation and a cancelled Serbia visit by the EU enlargement commissioner. Local health/environment pressure: Zagreb protest plans target the Gospić waste site and alleged PFAS contamination.

War Crimes & Public Health: Ratko Mladić’s body has been flown to Serbia on a government plane, with an autopsy planned and a public viewing and funeral scheduled for early next week—raising major security and public-order concerns as tens of thousands are expected. AI Policy: Croatia is among nine Central and Eastern European countries signing the Prague AI Declaration to deepen cooperation on AI rules, connect computing capacity, and coordinate positions in the EU. Infectious Disease Watch: A drug-resistant ringworm strain (Trichophyton indotineae) is spreading to new regions, with researchers reporting sharply rising detections worldwide and new findings in multiple countries, including in the US. Local Environmental Health: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at the former PPK Velebit waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover and remove buried and bagged waste and address potential groundwater contamination concerns. Heat & Health Risk: A new early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C and limited overnight cooling—an added warning for heat-related illness risk, especially across the Mediterranean and Balkans. Rural Wellbeing: FAO calls for generational renewal in rural areas, stressing that young farmers need land, finance, services, and affordable housing plus access to health and childcare.

Public Health Watch: A drug-resistant ringworm fungus (Trichophyton indotineae) is spreading to new regions worldwide, with researchers reporting far more cases than in 2022 and new detections across Europe and South America; in the US it’s now been found in 11 states, though officials warn counts may be low due to misdiagnosis. Local Environment & Health: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at the former PPK Velebit waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove waste stored in bags, and tackle large buried ash volumes; officials say the goal is to protect water, soil and air. Heat & Safety: An early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C and weak overnight cooling, raising heat-stress risks for the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Health Policy & Costs: US employers may face an average 11% jump in healthcare costs, adding pressure to affordability. Wellness Tech: Huawei’s new WATCH GT 7 series adds outdoor-focused modes and health tracking, including features for skiing and cycling.

Heat Health Alert: A powerful early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C in parts of Spain, southern Europe and the Balkans, including Zagreb, and especially dangerous lack of overnight cooling. Public Health & Safety: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at a major illegal waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove surface waste and tackle an estimated 32,000–33,000 tonnes of buried ash while monitoring water, soil and air safety. Mosquito Control: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Mental Health & Research: A new study links personality traits to many genetic variants, suggesting no single “personality gene” and raising the possibility of earlier risk screening for mental-health problems. Smoking Trends: EU data show daily tobacco use is slowly declining, but tobacco still kills about 1.1 million people in Europe each year. Wellness Tourism: A new €17.6 million thermal wellness hotel opens in Croatia with a year-round focus. Climate Impact: A UN report warns global heating will reach at least 1.8°C, with major risks to health, water supplies and cities.

Genetics & Personality: A new study suggests personality traits are influenced by many genes, not a single “one gene” cause—raising hopes for better early risk screening for mental health issues. Public Health & Environment: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at a major illegal waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove surface waste, and tackle large buried ash volumes to protect water, soil, and air. Fertility Costs Abroad: High fertility treatment costs are pushing more Americans overseas for IVF, with coverage promises still lagging and patients seeking lower-cost options. Sports Safety Concern: NHL prospect Matthew Mayich remains hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor workout at Arizona State University; his family’s attorney says the investigation was mishandled and claims “zero chance of recovery.” Health & Risk in Heat: The Mayich case highlights how extreme heat and intense training can quickly become a medical emergency. Tobacco Trends in the EU: Smoking and related products remain common across the EU, with Croatia among the higher daily-use countries, while the EU targets further reductions. Mosquito Control: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Climate & Health: A UN report warns global heating above 1.5°C will bring major health and infrastructure damage, with “no good outcomes” beyond that threshold.

Heat & health risk: NHL prospect Matthew Mayich (21) remains hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor workout at Arizona State University; his family’s attorney says he has a “zero chance of recovery” and is pressing for answers about the university’s handling and the circumstances, with extreme heat reported that day. Hydration & endurance: Croatian runner Aydan Papac’s 827-km coast challenge nears its final stretch, but he hit a serious dehydration and sodium-loss episode near Zadar that forced medical treatment and cost valuable time. Public health & climate: A UN report warns global heating will reach at least 1.8°C even under optimistic scenarios, with “no good outcomes” above 1.5°C—highlighting threats to health, water, food and coastal communities. Local healthcare infrastructure: Croatia is nearing the finish line on its €10bn EU recovery plan, with €7.3bn already paid out and final payments expected after remaining targets are completed. Mosquito-borne disease watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Wellness tourism investment: A new year-round wellness-focused thermal hotel opens in Croatia with a €17.6m investment, aiming to boost health and recovery travel.

Public Health & Safety: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, prompting urgent mosquito control measures across the city. Health Policy & Access: Croatia is rolling out digital age verification for online alcohol sales, aiming to tighten compliance and reduce underage access. EU Funding for Care & Infrastructure: Croatia has received €7.3 billion of its €10 billion EU recovery package, with final payment requests planned after remaining targets are completed—money earmarked for reforms and investments including schools and hospitals. Sports Medicine Spotlight: After collapsing during a workout, NHL prospect Matthew Mayich remains in critical condition; his family is calling out Arizona State University’s handling of the investigation and medical response. Wellness & Lifestyle: EU tobacco use is slowly declining, but smoking and vaping remain significant—Croatia is among the countries with higher daily tobacco use rates. Local Community Health: A new €17.6 million year-round wellness-focused thermal hotel has opened in Croatia, adding to the country’s health tourism options.