AGP Executive Report

Animal Welfare in Croatia: Croatia has an estimated 1.13 million dogs and cats, but advocates say the biggest gap is weak enforcement and a lack of a specialized inspection system to stop abuse and neglect. England Injury Watch: England coach Thomas Tuchel defended the handling of Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa after both withdrew during the international break, saying there was “zero risk-taking” and that player health comes first. Nations League Spotlight: Harry Kane is set to equal England’s appearance record (125 caps) against Czechia at Wembley, building on a 7-0 rout of Croatia where Kane and Jude Bellingham starred. Health & Longevity Policy: Egypt presented a “healthy longevity” plan at a World Bank workshop, focusing on early action and stronger elderly care as populations age. Autoimmune Health Story: Former Italy World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso says he’s battled an autoimmune disease for 15 years and has taken cortisone throughout. Croatian Pet Food Concern: Separate reporting highlights “forever chemicals” testing in Croatian participants, adding to ongoing public concern about environmental health risks.

Vineyard Health Alert: Croatia’s Agriculture Ministry renewed its warning about grapevine flavescence dorée, urging owners to inspect vines and act fast because infected plants cannot recover; authorities say early detection, removal and destruction of infected vines, plus control of the spreading leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus), are key, with the disease already confirmed in 14 counties and Zagreb by end-2025 and neglected vineyards flagged as potential sources of spread. Sports Injury Watch: UCLA guard Lena Bilić, a Zagreb native, will miss the entire 2026-27 season after tearing her ACL in practice, with the club citing top medical support for recovery. Healthy Longevity Policy: Egypt presented a World Bank-backed vision for “healthy longevity” and stronger elderly care, focusing on early action and learning from Japan’s aging response, with Croatia among participating countries. Cosmetic Surgery Safety: A UK surgeon warns that cheap “fly-in, fly-out” eyelid surgery deals can lead to permanent damage and vision-threatening corneal exposure when aftercare is inadequate.

Vineyard Health Alert: Croatia’s agriculture authorities renewed warnings about grapevine flavescence dorée, urging owners to inspect vines and act fast because infected plants can’t recover; the disease spreads via the American grapevine leafhopper and neglected vineyards can fuel outbreaks. Public Health & Aging Policy: Egypt presented a “healthy longevity” and elderly care vision at a World Bank workshop in Tokyo, with Croatia among participants, focusing on early action, healthcare planning, and long-term care models. Healthcare System Support Abroad: Croatia is set to help Armenia reform its healthcare system through EU-linked support efforts. Injury & Recovery: UCLA guard Lena Bilic, a Zagreb native, will miss the entire 2026-27 season after tearing her ACL, highlighting the role of specialized medical care in athlete rehabilitation. Community Safety Concerns: Locals in Gospic fear lasting health and environmental harm after years of illegal hazardous waste dumping, as cleanup plans move forward. Sports Spotlight (Not Health): England’s 7-0 Nations League rout of Croatia in Rijeka dominated headlines, with Tuchel praising a “complete” performance.

Grape Disease Alert: Croatia’s agriculture ministry renewed warnings about grapevine flavescence dorée, urging all vine owners to inspect plants and act fast—infected vines can’t recover, so early detection, removal, and control of the leafhopper that spreads it are key. Healthcare Cooperation: Croatia’s health minister Irena Hrstić met Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan to discuss healthcare insurance reform, prevention, and digital health under an EU-funded twinning project. PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Update: Croatian participants in a PFAS blood study have spoken out, including a Gospić representative reporting the highest levels among the tested group. Cancer Tech in Croatia: A new cancer treatment technology is set to come to Croatia, signaling fresh options for patients. Oral Health: More than 70% of preschool children in Croatia have tooth decay, highlighting the need for stronger early prevention. Cosmetic Surgery Warning: A UK surgeon warns that cheap “fly-in” eyelid surgery deals can lead to permanent damage if aftercare and follow-up are inadequate.

Sports & Public Interest: England crushed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka in the Nations League, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice each and Jude Bellingham adding a goal plus three assists; the match drew a subdued crowd of schoolchildren due to prior stadium restrictions, while Tuchel praised a “complete” 90-minute performance. Healthcare Cooperation: Croatia’s Health Minister Irena Hrstić met Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan to support Armenia’s healthcare reforms, including universal health insurance, via a €1.5m EU-funded Twinning project with Croatia and Slovenia. Cancer Care Upgrade: Radiochirurgia Zagreb is set to install Siemens Healthineers’ Accela radiotherapy system in November, aiming to speed complex oncology treatments while maintaining precision. Environmental Health Concern: Residents in Lika fear lasting harm from years of illegal hazardous waste dumping near Gospić, as cleanup plans move slowly. Toxic Exposure Watch: A study on “forever chemicals” (PFAS) found Croatian participants with measurable levels in blood, with one Gospić participant reporting the highest results among the tested group. Digital Health & Screening Context: A report highlights mammography access and screening participation gaps across EU countries, underscoring uneven breast cancer prevention coverage.

Healthcare Cooperation: Croatia’s Health Minister Irena Hrstić met Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan to support Armenia’s universal health insurance reforms, including legislation, healthcare financing, digital systems and staffing, through a €1.5m EU-funded Twinning project with Croatia and Slovenia. Cancer Tech in Croatia: Radiochirurgia Zagreb is set to install Siemens Healthineers’ new Accela radiotherapy system in November, aiming to speed complex radiosurgery and radiotherapy while keeping high precision. PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: Croatian participants in a new European study all had PFAS detected in their blood; six of the ten were above an EFSA health reference value, with the highest levels reported by a participant from Gospić. Public Health Watch: Cyprus ranks near the top for mammography unit availability but has low screening participation, highlighting a gap between equipment access and use. Local Health Risk: A Netherlands report notes West Nile virus deaths and hospitalizations after mosquito bites, a reminder that mosquito-borne threats are rising in parts of Europe. Health & Safety in Sports: A case report roundup highlights breakdancing headspin injuries, including a rare “headspin hole” overuse problem.

New Cancer Tech in Croatia: Radiochirurgia Zagreb will install Siemens Healthineers’ new Accela radiotherapy system in November, aiming to speed up complex radiotherapy and radiosurgery while keeping high precision. Public Health Concern: A European study found “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with six above an EFSA health reference value—highlighting widespread exposure. Healthcare Capacity & Access: Croatia is expanding access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, opening 7,000 more treatment options. Digital Health & Safety: A new study on digital nomads ranks Vietnam 6th for lowest friction, ahead of Croatia—based on visa, banking, healthcare, connectivity and disruption risk. Emergency Care Procurement: Serbia’s Ministry of Health plans to buy up to 148 ambulances via Alta Leasing under a 48-month framework, with costs discussed as potentially higher than some prior purchases. Injury Watch (Sports Medicine): Spain forward Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the squad with a persistent left ankle issue, ruled out of matches vs Czech Republic and Croatia.

PFAS Health Alert: A new European study found “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the blood of all 10 Croatian participants, with six above an EFSA health reference level—six of the seven elevated cases came from Gospić—raising fresh concerns about widespread exposure. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is being reported across Europe, with the Netherlands adding cases and deaths; symptoms can look like flu, but a small share can develop severe neurological illness, so mosquito protection matters. Zagreb Services: A court ruled Zagreb’s ZET and Zagreb Holding strikes illegal, and limited services were set to resume while waste collection disruptions continued. Healthcare Reform Abroad (Croatia-linked): A Croatia-supported EU twinning project launched in Armenia to help implement universal health insurance, alongside efforts to strengthen healthcare financing and governance. Croatia Economy Snapshot: FINA analysis shows businesses in 10 Croatian cities generated €7.2bn net profit in 2025 (about 70% of the national total), led by Zagreb.

Pediatric Emergency Care: A new study presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress finds a nasal spray combining sufentanil and ketamine can ease moderate-to-severe pain in injured children within about 30 minutes, without injections, with mild side effects—an approach highlighted by Zagreb’s University Hospital Merkur head of emergency care, Dr. Maša Šorić. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with some deaths noted; health authorities are urging mosquito-bite prevention as a small share of infections can become severe. Local Health & Services: Zagreb’s public transport and waste collection disruptions continue as the city awaits court decisions after a strike was ruled illegal; officials say essential services must be maintained to protect citizens’ health and safety. Wellbeing in Croatia: HVARMONY spotlights wellbeing-focused life on Hvar beyond the peak tourism season, promoting quality of life, movement, and healthier routines. Healthcare System Capacity: An EU-funded twinning project with Croatia and Slovenia aims to strengthen governance and operational capacity for universal health insurance implementation in Armenia.

Pediatric ER Pain Relief: A new study presented in Paris finds a needle-free nasal spray combining sufentanil and ketamine can ease moderate-to-severe pain in injured children within about 30 minutes, with mild side effects—an approach highlighted by Zagreb’s University Hospital Merkur emergency head Maša Soric. Public Health & Air Quality: European monitoring warns that ground-level ozone exposure during this summer’s record heatwaves affected about half of Europeans, with people with asthma at higher risk. Healthcare Workforce Push in Croatia: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is tackling nurse and technician shortages with a €250 net monthly bonus (Oct–Dec) plus 50 scholarships for nursing/medical technician students, with support continuing into 2027. Wellness Tourism in Croatia: Hvar’s new wellbeing initiative, HVARMONY, spotlights the island’s off-season lifestyle—yoga, local food, and slower travel—aimed at health-focused visitors. Local Services Disruption: Zagreb’s transport and waste strikes were ruled illegal by the county court, with limited services resuming as appeals are possible. Major Thermal Opening: Bjelovar’s €42m Wellovar geothermal complex officially opened, adding indoor/outdoor pools and wellness facilities to boost continental tourism.

Zagreb Strike Update: Zagreb’s public transport and waste services are set to resume after the Zagreb County Court ruled the ZET and Zagreb Holding strikes illegal, with limited services already running and Čistoća ending its strike as trucks returned to streets. Emergency Care Innovation: A new study presented in Paris says a nasal spray combining sufentanil and ketamine can ease moderate-to-severe pain in injured children within about 30 minutes, potentially avoiding injections—University Hospital Merkur’s head of emergency medicine in Zagreb called side effects mild. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus has been reported across 16 European countries, with warnings to take mosquito-prevention steps as some cases include severe illness. EU Food Safety Alignment: Moldova is modernising its meat and dairy processing rules to match EU requirements, aiming to protect consumers and support future EU market access. Croatia Health Workforce: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is tackling healthcare staffing shortages with a €250 monthly nurse/technician bonus and 50 scholarships for students. Wellbeing in Croatia: HVARMONY spotlights wellbeing-focused tourism on Hvar, promoting quality-of-life experiences beyond the peak season.

Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with six seeing substantial case numbers in the past month and some deaths—health agencies are urging mosquito-bite prevention as severe illness can include meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis. EU Prevention Push: The European Commission has proposed cardiovascular health checks ahead of World Heart Day, aiming for earlier detection and wider access to reduce premature deaths from heart disease. Croatia Healthcare Access: A Zagreb-area emergency department study highlights a nasal spray combo (sufentanil + ketamine) that can ease pain quickly for children treated in ERs, without injections for many patients. Local Health Workforce: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is tackling staff shortages with a €250 net monthly bonus for nurses/technicians and 50 scholarships for future trainees. Zagreb Services Disrupted: A ZET strike is now in its third day, with limited tram/bus routes running and waste collection heavily reduced. Wellbeing & Tourism: Wellovar, a new €42m geothermal pool complex in Bjelovar, has opened with 10 pools and an Olympic-standard facility. Food Safety/Trade: Romania and other EU states have asked the Commission for urgent measures for the sheep and goat sector, including vaccination-related flexibility.

Healthcare Workforce Push: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is tackling staff shortages with a €250 net monthly bonus for nurses and technicians (Oct–Dec) plus 50 scholarships for future nurses/medical technicians, aiming to boost family medicine and community care. Cardio Prevention at EU Level: The European Commission backs a proposal for cardiovascular health checks under the first EU Screening Week, targeting earlier detection to cut premature deaths from heart disease. Croatia’s Wellness Tourism Boost: Wellovar, a €42m geothermal thermal complex in Bjelovar, has opened with 10 pools (including a 50m Olympic pool) and wellness facilities, designed to draw visitors beyond the coastal season. Energy & Health Link: INA is building Croatia’s first commercial green hydrogen plant at the Rijeka Refinery, with first output expected early next year. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus warnings continue across 16 European countries, with Travel Health Pro reporting serious recent activity including deaths in some areas. Public Health Research: A new blood test approach is highlighted for distinguishing bacterial vs viral infection in febrile infants, supporting faster, safer care decisions.

EU Health Policy: The European Commission has proposed EU-wide cardiovascular health checks as the first EU Screening Week begins, aiming for earlier detection and fewer premature deaths from heart disease. Croatia Energy & Health Link: INA is building Croatia’s first commercial green hydrogen plant at the Rijeka Refinery, with first output expected early next year—an investment tied to cleaner industrial operations. Zagreb Services Disruption: A ZET and Čistoća strike is disrupting tram and bus lines and waste collection in Zagreb, with limited services running and available vehicles directed toward hospitals and healthcare institutions. Public Health Research: A new blood test approach may help distinguish bacterial from viral infections in newborns with fever, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotics and hospital admissions. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus warnings are spreading across 16 European countries, with serious cases and deaths reported in multiple states. Sports & Wellness: Croatia’s team is in focus in Nations League coverage, while England’s coach discusses player fitness and minor issues ahead of matches.

Public Health & Care Access: Croatia’s health insurer (HZZO) is adding 7,000 hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments to cut waiting lists, while also expanding how certain procedures are contracted and financed. Child Health: New research supports needle-free nasal spray pain relief for children in emergency departments, and a separate study suggests a two-molecule blood test can help tell bacterial from viral infections in feverish newborns. Oral Health: Croatia reports that over 70% of preschool children have tooth decay, even as 12-year-olds’ oral health has improved thanks to prevention programs. Local Health Disruption: Zagreb faces major disruption as a ZET and Čistoća strike begins early Monday, with limited transport and waste collection redirected toward hospitals and care institutions. Infectious Disease Watch: Europe is tracking a potentially lethal West Nile virus outbreak across multiple countries, with warnings to take preventative measures. Policy & Rights: A new EU-wide study finds abortion access is now legal on request in most EU countries, though big gaps remain depending on where you live.

Zagreb Health Disruption: A strike by ZET and Čistoća workers started at 3:30am, with most tram and bus services suspended; one tram line 17, one tram line 11, and one bus route 330 still run, while waste collection is hit and available trucks are redirected to hospitals, kindergartens and healthcare institutions. Public Health Research: A new blood test comparing two molecules may help doctors tell bacterial from viral infections in newborns with fever more accurately, aiming to cut unnecessary antibiotics and hospital admissions. Child Pain Relief: Research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress suggests a nasal spray can provide effective, needle-free pain relief for children treated in emergency departments. Croatian Healthcare Access: HZZO has opened a tender for 7,000 additional hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments to reduce waiting lists. Oral Health Warning: Croatia reports that over 70% of preschool children have tooth decay, while 12-year-olds’ oral health has improved. EU Reproductive Rights: A study finds abortion on request is now legal in 25 of 27 EU countries, though access still varies widely by country.