04 February, 2025
Main Thing in the Republic
31 January, 2025
Amazing Four Emerging Economies and Geopolitical Influencers
The global power balance is shifting, and four major players are shaping the future. These emerging economic and geopolitical influencers—Latin America, the African Union, India, and China—are transforming global trade, technology, and diplomacy. Here’s why they matter
1. Latin America: A Region on the Rise
Latin America is evolving beyond its traditional role as a resource exporter. Countries like Mexico and Brazil are boosting manufacturing and tech industries, while the Lithium Triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile) is critical for the EV revolution. Trade ties with China, the U.S., and the EU are strengthening, and regional blocs like MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance are driving economic integration. Despite political instability and inequality, the region's urbanization, digital transformation, and renewable energy push make it a rising force.
2. African Union: A Continent’s Economic Awakening
With 1.4 billion people and vast natural resources, Africa is positioning itself as a key player in global trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area, aiming to unify economies. Tech hubs in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are driving innovation, while foreign investments—especially from China and the EU—fuel infrastructure growth. While governance challenges remain, Africa’s young population and economic potential make it a powerhouse in the making.
3. India: The World’s Fastest-Growing Major Economy
India’s rapid economic expansion, booming digital economy, and manufacturing shift (as companies diversify away from China) are redefining global trade. Its 1.4 billion people, thriving startup scene, and renewable energy push make it an economic giant. Politically, India is strengthening global alliances, balancing ties with the West and BRICS nations while asserting its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. With a mix of democracy, demographic advantage, and technological growth, India is a rising global leader.
4. China: The Superpower in Transformation
China is the second-largest economy, leading in AI, manufacturing, and green technology. Despite economic slowdowns and geopolitical tensions, China remains a global trade giant and a dominant force in infrastructure diplomacy through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Its shift toward domestic consumption, high-tech industries, and military modernization ensures its continued global influence. As it navigates economic and political shifts, China’s role as a geopolitical heavyweight remains unchallenged.
Final Thoughts
Each of these four players is shaping the 21st century in unique ways. Latin America is leveraging trade and resources, the African Union is unlocking its economic potential, India is emerging as a technology and manufacturing hub, and China continues to dominate global supply chains and diplomacy. Together, they represent the future of economic and geopolitical power.
Special thanks to ChatGPT for insights and research on emerging economies and geopolitical shifts. Your AI-powered analysis keeps things sharp, engaging, and on point!
26 January, 2025
𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙂𝙋𝙏 / Unveiling the Hidden Workforce: Tackling Inactivity in Croatia's Labor Market // Introduction ///
- Introduction
- The Inactivity Problem: A Snapshot
- Systemic Influences: Big Pharma, Big Tobacco, and Big Oil
- Breaking the Cycle: Solutions for a Sustainable Future
- Conclusion
According to the 2021 Census data released by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the educational attainment of Croatia's population aged 15 and over is as follows:
- Elementary education or less: 20.4%
- Secondary education: 55.5%
- Higher education: 24.1%
These figures indicate a significant improvement over the past decades. In 1961, over 85% of the population had only elementary education or less, while just 12.6% had completed secondary education, and a mere 1.8% had higher education. By 2021, the share of the population with higher education had risen to 24.1%, reflecting a continuous increase in educational attainment.
Regionally, the City of Zagreb leads with 39.1% of its population having completed higher education, followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County at 28.1% and Dubrovnik-Neretva County at 26.8%. In contrast, Virovitica-Podravina County has the lowest share at 13.1%, with Bjelovar-Bilogora County at 14.5% and Brod-Posavina County at 14.9%.
Additionally, Croatia ranks among the top in the European Union for the percentage of young people aged 20–24 who have attained at least upper secondary education. In 2021, all four Croatian regions reported very high shares, placing the country alongside Ireland and Greece in this regard.
These trends highlight Croatia's ongoing progress in enhancing educational attainment across its population.
In 2023, the employment rate for recent higher education graduates (aged 20-34) was 84.4%, which is below the EU average of 87.7% but represents a 3.7 percentage point increase from 2022.
The labor force participation rate also varies with educational attainment. In 2023, individuals with higher education comprised 32.8% of the labor force, while those with only elementary education or less accounted for 5.2%. Notably, the share of individuals with vocational school education was the largest, at 58.6%.
These statistics underscore the positive correlation between higher educational attainment and improved employment opportunities in Croatia.
Vocational school education is considered a form of secondary education. Secondary education typically includes general secondary schools (such as grammar schools or "gymnasiums") and vocational schools. In Croatia, vocational schools prepare students for specific trades or professions and are a key part of the secondary education system.
The main types of secondary education in Croatia are:
- Gymnasium (General Secondary Education): Focused on preparing students for higher education with a broad curriculum.
- Vocational Schools: Offering specialized training for various trades and professions, such as technical, medical, or arts-focused programs. These can vary in length, typically lasting 3-4 years.
Both types of education provide students with qualifications for further studies or entry into the labor market, with vocational education directly linked to specific occupational skills.
The system where vocational school students alternate between theoretical learning in schools and practical experience in business entities is often referred to as the dual education system. It is a structured approach used in several countries, including Croatia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. While the intention is to equip students with job-ready skills and real-world experience, the system must ensure that the line between practical education and child labor is not blurred. Here’s my perspective:
Positive Aspects:
- Skill Development: Hands-on experience allows students to gain practical knowledge and develop job-specific skills that may be harder to acquire in a purely academic setting.
- Employment Readiness: Students are better prepared for the workforce, often leading to higher employability rates after graduation.
- Industry Engagement: Businesses can shape students' skills to match real-world demands, creating a smoother transition from school to work.
- Economic Benefits: It reduces skill mismatches, which benefits both students and employers, contributing to a stronger economy.
Risks and Concerns:
- Exploitation Potential: If businesses treat students as a cheap labor source rather than providing genuine educational experiences, it becomes exploitative. This is especially problematic if students perform tasks unrelated to their field of study or without adequate supervision.
- Workplace Safety: Students are often minors and may lack the training or maturity to navigate workplace hazards safely, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Balance of Responsibilities: The dual system should ensure that students' primary focus remains on education, not excessive workplace obligations.
- Fair Compensation: While the system involves learning through practice, students should receive fair compensation or benefits for their contributions to the business.
Recommendations for Ethical Implementation:
- Strict Regulations: Governments should enforce laws to prevent businesses from exploiting students and ensure that their work aligns with educational goals.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Schools and regulatory bodies should frequently assess the quality of training provided by businesses to ensure compliance.
- Workload Management: Practical work hours should be limited to ensure students have enough time and energy for academic learning and personal development.
- Incorporate Feedback: Students should have a platform to report issues or concerns related to their practical training.
When well-regulated, such programs can be highly beneficial for students, businesses, and society. However, unchecked practices risk undermining the system's educational purpose and exploiting young individuals.
The high rate of inactivity among the working-age population in Croatia, specifically those aged 20 to 64, reflects a significant socio-economic challenge. Inactivity refers to individuals who are neither employed nor actively seeking work and, therefore, are not included in labor force statistics. This group represents a considerable portion of the population, often referred to as being "erased from the system" and outside the labor market.
Possible Reasons for Inactivity:
- Education and Training: Younger individuals may still be pursuing their education or undergoing vocational training.
- Care Responsibilities: Many, especially women, might be engaged in unpaid caregiving for children, elderly family members, or others.
- Health Issues: Chronic illnesses or disabilities can limit participation in the labor market.
- Discouragement: Long-term unemployment often leads to discouragement, resulting in people stopping their job search altogether.
- Migration: Emigration, particularly among younger Croatians, contributes to the perception of inactivity as these individuals leave the domestic labor force.
- Informal Economy: Some may work informally, thus not appearing in official labor market data.
- Early Retirement: Croatia’s policies enabling early retirement further increase inactivity among older adults in this age group.
Impacts of Inactivity:
- Economic Growth: A smaller active workforce limits productivity and economic expansion.
- Social Exclusion: Inactivity often correlates with poverty, social exclusion, and reduced access to essential services.
- Demographic Pressure: An aging population combined with a high rate of inactivity in the working-age group intensifies the strain on the economy.
- Fiscal Challenges: Inactive individuals rely more on social assistance while contributing less to tax revenues, creating pressure on public finances.
Addressing Inactivity:
- Labor Market Policies: Implementing retraining and upskilling programs that align with labor market needs.
- Support for Caregivers: Enhancing access to affordable childcare and eldercare services to encourage workforce participation.
- Encouraging Formal Work: Incentivizing transitions from the informal to the formal economy through tax breaks and legal reforms.
- Flexible Work Options: Promoting part-time and remote work to accommodate caregivers and those with health issues.
- Reintegration Efforts: Targeted initiatives to re-engage discouraged workers, such as counseling and financial incentives.
By implementing inclusive policies and initiatives, Croatia can tap into the potential of this inactive population, contributing to economic growth and reducing the socio-economic divide.
Addressing the problem of inactivity among the working-age population in Croatia—or globally—is a multifaceted challenge that involves systemic change across multiple sectors. Tackling the influence of industries like Big Pharma, Big Tobacco, and Big Oil, along with transitioning away from fossil fuels, can indirectly contribute to solving this issue by creating healthier societies, sustainable economies, and more inclusive labor markets. Here’s how:
1. Big Pharma and Public Health
-
Current Issues:
- High healthcare costs and a focus on profit over public health can limit access to essential services, leaving many individuals unable to work due to untreated health issues.
- Overprescription of medications, particularly opioids, contributes to health problems that reduce workforce participation.
-
Solutions:
- Strengthen public healthcare systems to ensure affordable, accessible care for all, reducing health-related inactivity.
- Promote preventive healthcare and mental health initiatives, enabling individuals to remain active in the labor force.
2. Big Tobacco and Healthier Populations
-
Current Issues:
- Smoking-related illnesses contribute to early morbidity and reduced labor force participation.
- Marketing by Big Tobacco often targets vulnerable populations, perpetuating health inequities.
-
Solutions:
- Implement stricter regulations on tobacco products and redirect taxes from these products to fund public health campaigns.
- Support smoking cessation programs to improve health outcomes and workforce engagement.
3. Big Oil and the Transition to Renewable Energy
-
Current Issues:
- Reliance on fossil fuels contributes to climate change, which disrupts economies, exacerbates health issues, and affects jobs (e.g., in agriculture).
- Fossil fuel industries often prioritize automation or outsourcing, reducing local job opportunities.
-
Solutions:
- Invest in renewable energy sectors, which tend to create more jobs per dollar spent compared to fossil fuels.
- Develop green jobs programs to reskill workers from fossil fuel-dependent industries, integrating them into the labor market.
4. Breaking Up with Fossil Fuels
-
Current Issues:
- Fossil fuel dependency sustains environmentally damaging practices that undermine public health and economic stability.
- Extreme weather events linked to climate change disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable workers.
-
Solutions:
- Foster a just transition to renewable energy, ensuring affected workers receive retraining and support.
- Support green infrastructure projects, which can create employment opportunities while addressing climate goals.
How These Changes Solve Inactivity:
- Healthier Workforce: Public health improvements and reduced exposure to harmful substances enable more people to remain active in the workforce.
- Job Creation: Transitioning to sustainable energy and breaking up monopolistic industries open new avenues for employment.
- Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on extractive or harmful industries helps create a resilient economy with diverse job opportunities.
- Social Equity: Investments in healthcare, education, and green jobs address systemic inequalities, empowering marginalized groups to participate in the labor market.
- Long-Term Sustainability: A shift to renewable energy and sustainable practices ensures a stable environment for future workforce growth.
These systemic changes require political will, public advocacy, and international cooperation but hold the potential to address the root causes of inactivity while building healthier, fairer, and more sustainable societies.
Acknowledgment: This blog post was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model created by OpenAI. The insights provided were based on data and discussions facilitated by this tool.
22 January, 2025
Weight Loss Estimation - Understanding the “Get Up, Sit Down” Movement
Let’s say the person does this activity for 30 minutes - weekly total is approximately 3,500 calories - equals approximately 0.4 kilos of body fat (a very realistic and sustainable rate for most individuals).
20 January, 2025
Innovations That Could Change the Future in the Metropolitan Area
Why Building-Topped Vertiports Make Sense
- Efficient Use of Space: In crowded urban areas, rooftops are underutilized real estate. A vertiport adds functionality without taking up valuable ground-level space.
- Proximity to Users: High-rise buildings in city centers are often near businesses, residences, and transit hubs, reducing travel time for passengers.
- Integration with Urban Mobility: Vertiports can connect directly to elevators, parking garages, or subway stations, creating seamless travel experiences.
Real-World Examples
- Volocopter: Testing vertiports on buildings in cities like Singapore.
- Joby Aviation: Exploring partnerships with urban planners to integrate vertiports with existing infrastructure.
- Skyports Infrastructure: Designing rooftop vertiports for London and other major cities.
By combining your rooftop idea with cutting-edge tech, we can transform city skylines into hubs of futuristic transportation. Paromlinska, being near Importanne Centar, is centrally located and well-connected to public transit. It could serve as a major hub for urban air mobility in Zagreb. Imagine passengers seamlessly transferring from trams or trains below to VTOL aircraft above—pure urban innovation!
![]() |
Visual representation of the futuristic rooftop vertiport concept near Zagreb city Center! |
As of 2021, China has 17 cities with populations exceeding 10 million. This significant number of megacities highlights China's rapid urbanization and economic growth over recent decades.
Large-scale urban redevelopment and relocation projects are relatively common in China, especially in rapidly growing cities. The government often undertakes these projects to modernize infrastructure, improve living standards, and address issues like overcrowding, aging buildings, and poor sanitation. Here's how it ties into the problem of pests like cockroaches and rats:
Why Relocate Entire Neighborhoods?
-
Urban Renewal:
- Many old neighborhoods, especially in inner-city areas, consist of poorly maintained buildings with outdated infrastructure.
- These areas often become breeding grounds for pests like rats and cockroaches due to inadequate waste management and sanitation.
-
Health and Hygiene:
- Replacing dilapidated housing with modern buildings that meet stricter hygiene standards significantly reduces pest problems.
- Improved urban planning allows for better waste disposal systems, pest control, and public health measures.
-
Economic Growth and Aesthetics:
- Redevelopment projects create modern business districts, high-rise apartments, and green spaces, which boost the local economy and improve the city's appearance.
How Are People Relocated?
- Compensation and Resettlement: Residents are often compensated with cash or offered housing in new developments.
- Challenges: While some welcome the improvements, others may resist relocation due to cultural ties, inadequate compensation, or loss of community.
- Efficiency: Large-scale relocations are enabled by China's centralized governance, allowing decisions and projects to be implemented quickly.
Impact on Pests
-
Short-Term Spike in Pests:
- Demolition of old neighborhoods can temporarily displace rats and cockroaches, pushing them into surrounding areas.
- Careful pest control measures are required during the transition.
-
Long-Term Solutions:
- Modern buildings with sealed walls, proper ventilation, and waste disposal systems make it harder for pests to thrive.
- Organized urban layouts allow for easier pest control and sanitation.
This approach is part of China's rapid modernization, but it also comes with social, economic, and environmental challenges.
I think it's necessary, as long
they keep up with the highest
standards, like no concrete,
zero carbon waste, neighborhoods
full of greenery. Large-scale
urban redevelopment and
relocation projects in
EU - impossible, or what?
Large-scale urban redevelopment and relocation projects in the EU can be incredibly complex, but they’re not impossible. These projects often face challenges such as political resistance, legal hurdles, public opposition, and financial constraints. However, in recent years, there have been examples of ambitious urban transformations, driven by factors like climate change, sustainability goals, population growth, and the need for modernization of infrastructure.
Some key factors to consider when evaluating the feasibility of these projects include:
-
Political Will and Public Support: Successful large-scale projects often depend on strong political backing and public consensus. Governments need to align with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the costs and social impacts.
-
Legal and Regulatory Framework: The EU has a complex set of regulations on zoning, environmental impact assessments, and housing laws. Any major redevelopment must comply with local, national, and EU-wide laws, which can slow down or complicate efforts.
-
Funding: Large-scale urban projects often require substantial investment. Public-private partnerships, EU funding, and national budgets are typically involved, but securing financing can be a long process, especially for projects that aim to address social and environmental issues.
-
Sustainability Goals: With the EU’s Green Deal, there's an increasing push for projects to be sustainable and climate-friendly. Redevelopment projects that incorporate renewable energy, green spaces, and resilient infrastructure are more likely to succeed and align with EU policies.
-
Innovation and Technology: New technologies like modular housing, smart cities, and green building practices can help reduce costs and timeframes for large projects, making them more viable.
While these projects are challenging, with the right conditions and strategic planning, they can be both feasible and necessary for the future of urban environments in the EU. Examples include regeneration projects in cities like Hamburg, Barcelona, and Paris, which have undertaken large-scale transformations.
What about Croatia?
People need to feel
the new Millennium,
not just hear hammering
pounding!
Croatia faces its own set of challenges when it comes to large-scale urban redevelopment and relocation projects, but there are certainly opportunities for a fresh, modern approach that could make people feel the shift into the new millennium. The key is balancing the preservation of Croatia’s rich heritage with forward-thinking projects that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and the well-being of its citizens.
Some thoughts on what Croatia could do:
-
Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Given Croatia's vulnerability to climate change and the EU's strong push for green initiatives, large-scale urban redevelopment could focus on creating eco-friendly cities. Incorporating green roofs, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and flood protection would make the projects not just feel modern but also vital for the future.
-
Smart Cities: Zagreb and other cities could develop smart city infrastructures, using technologies to improve urban life—smart lighting, waste management, and digital services. This would allow citizens to feel they’re living in a 21st-century environment, fostering innovation while improving quality of life.
-
Cultural and Community Involvement: It’s crucial that people aren’t just passive recipients of development but are actively involved in the process. Engaging citizens through consultations and participatory design can ensure that redevelopment reflects their desires and needs. By incorporating local culture and identity into modern designs, people would be more likely to embrace change.
-
Public Spaces and Green Areas: A focus on creating vibrant public spaces, parks, and pedestrian zones could transform how citizens experience their cities. Urban redevelopment can include the creation of cultural and recreational hubs, promoting a sense of community and well-being.
-
Urban Mobility: Modernizing public transport systems and encouraging cycling and walking would not only reduce traffic and pollution but also foster a sense of connection and ease of movement. This could be complemented by the development of vertical transport hubs, like the rooftop vertiport you envision near Paromlinska.
-
Affordable Housing and Inclusivity: With Croatia's relatively high urbanization rate, redevelopment can address the need for affordable housing, ensuring that all social groups can benefit from modern urban spaces. Redevelopment could also include job creation and social services, improving overall quality of life.
Large-scale redevelopment should not just be about “hammering and pounding”—it should be about making cities feel like a place people can be proud of, where technology, culture, sustainability, and community intersect. By leveraging EU funding and aligning with European urban policies, Croatia can move into the new millennium in a way that makes people feel the difference, not just see it.
"In developing ideas for this article, I explored various perspectives, including those generated with the assistance of AI tools like ChatGPT, which helped inspire some of the key concepts discussed here."
New Cryptocurrencies
![]() |
The image of cryptocurrencies battling the darknet in a cyberpunk digital world. |
08 January, 2025
ᵁᴾᴰᴬᵀᴵᴺᴳ Enrich Your Tuesdays
January - March:
- January 21: Take a guided tour of Krapina Neanderthal Museum in Krapina, offering insights into prehistoric times ✅ [1] [2]
- January 28: Experience the Samobor Carnival, a traditional event featuring parades and local festivities ✓
Didn't quite work out as expected [1] [2] [3] [4] - February 4: Join a truffle hunting tour in the forests of Istria, followed by a tasting session. #Vegetarian friendly - I'm not up to this field trip, I'll go visit meadows in Krapina-Zagorje County instead.
- February 11: Explore the medieval Trakošćan Castle and its surrounding parkland.
- February 18: Visit Plešivica region.
- February 25: Discover the traditional crafts at the Kumrovec Ethnological Museum, showcasing Croatian village life.
- March 4: Hike through Papuk Nature Park, a UNESCO Geopark with diverse geological formations.
- March 11: Visit the Town of Đakovo, an architectural masterpiece in Slavonia.
- March 18: Explore the baroque town of Osijek and take a stroll along the Drava River promenade.
- March 25: Join a guided tour of the Vučedol Culture Museum near Vukovar, dedicated to the prehistoric Vučedol culture.
April - June:
- April 1: Experience the town of Čazma, known for its vibrant celebrations.
- April 8: Attend the annual Asparagus Festival in Istria, celebrating the wild asparagus season with local dishes.
- April 15: Explore the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, one of Europe's largest wetlands, rich in biodiversity.
- April 22: Visit the Renaissance-era Veliki Tabor Castle, offering panoramic views and historical exhibits.
- April 29: Join a cycling tour through the Međimurje region, known for its rolling hills and vineyards.
- May 6: Experience the Floraart Flower Exhibition in Zagreb, showcasing a vast array of floral displays.
- May 13: Attend the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, a festival celebrating baroque music and culture.
- May 20: Explore the Kopački Rit Nature Park, a pristine wetland area ideal for birdwatching.
- May 27: Visit the town of Karlovac and take a boat tour along its four rivers.
- June 3: Join a guided tour of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.
- June 10: Experience the Strawberry Festival in the town of Vrbovec, featuring local strawberry products and delicacies.
- June 17: Attend the International Folklore Festival in Zagreb, showcasing traditional dances and music from around the world.
- June 24: Explore the historic town of Sisak and visit the Old Town Fortress, a symbol of the town's rich history.
July - September:
- July 1: Experience the Đakovački Vezovi, a traditional folklore festival in Đakovo celebrating Slavonian customs.
- July 8: Attend the Pula Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe.
- July 15: Join an adventure on the Mrežnica River, known for its clear waters and numerous waterfalls.
- July 22: Explore the town of Koprivnica and visit the Renaissance Festival, featuring historical reenactments and crafts.
- July 29: Visit the Osijek Summer Nights, an event series with concerts, theater performances, and street entertainment.
- August 5: Experience the Sinj - a town in the continental part of Split-Dalmatia County.
- August 12: Attend the Špancirfest in Varaždin, a street festival with music, art, and performances.
- August 19: Join the Ilok region, participating in grape picking and tasting.
- August 26: Explore the Velebit Mountain range with a guided hiking tour, taking in the stunning landscapes.
- September 2: Visit the town of Ludbreg, there's cool cultural event.
- September 9: Attend the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, a festival celebrating baroque music and culture.
- September 16: Explore the Gorski Kotar region, known as the 'Green Heart of Croatia,' with its lush forests and mountains.
- September 23: Join the Marunada Festival in Lovran, celebrating the chestnut harvest with local delicacies.
- September 30: Visit the town of Bjelovar during the Bjelovar Fair, showcasing agricultural products and livestock exhibitions.