Croatia

Amid discontent over the frequent public display of World War II-era Ustasa symbols and ‘Za dom spremni’ salute, Croatia's centre-left opposition has called for new penalties, but with exceptions that have sparked criticism

The toughest measures yet against illegal construction have been introduced with a new Building Act and Spatial Planning Act to streamline procedures and amendments to Criminal Code intoduce prosecution, so far limited to building in protected areas

The acceptance of all shipments of commercial goods bound to the United States, regardless of their value, will be suspended starting 26 August, Croatian Post has announced, except for letters and gifts from and to private individuals under $100 in value

Vardarac, a village with 504 people in 211 households, will have a new €7,5 million stadium, partially financed by Hungary, investing in sports and cultural infrastructure in neighbouring countries where Hungarian minorities live

Excavation in Mohovo, a village on the banks of the Danube near Ilok, has unearthed a military watchtower that was part of the Limes, the frontier of the Roman Empire dating back to the end of the second century, previously unknown in Croatia

A formal recommendation has been issued advising Croatian citizens not to travel to Serbia, postponing any non-essential visit and exercising increased caution

Krunoslav Fehir, a teenager when he served under warlord Branimir Glavas, revealed Glavas’s crimes twenty years ago; now he is in custody in Serbia accused of those same crimes and many in Croatia feel it is the country's moral obligation to get him back

On second turn of local elections, Croatia’s ruling center-right HDZ consolidates its position of most powerful political force, while the opposition Social Democrats and the far-right Homeland Movement highlighted their own weaknesses

Croatians voted to choose city mayors, municipal mayors, city and municipal councilors and county prefects for the next four years in 576 units of local government with over 31.000 candidates; Zagreb, Split and Rijeka will see a run-off in early June

The 30th Anniversary of the shelling of Zagreb was celebrated; the mayor and survivors of the 1995 attack honoured the victims of what he called 'a cowardly act of revenge', lighting candles at 10:23 a.m. – the time the attack occurred

The 80th anniversary of the breakout of prisoners from the World War II Jasenovac concentration camp was commemorated with a solemn celebration entitled 80 Years, 80 Destinies, attended by Croatian leaders, minorities, anti-fascists, surviving prisoners

Radio and tv workers have rallied against layoffs: employees at Croatia’s public broadcaster protested against a government ‘consolidation plan’, which includes cutting 700 to 800 employees – about a third of the total staff

A nationwide teachers' strike was held, affecting around 1.000 schools and universities; unions have announced that 93,54% of the affiliated schools have joined the strike