Category: News

Organised by EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka, and in cooperation with the National CERT (CARNET) and with the support of the City of Rijeka, today we opened the exhibition "Secure Europe in the Digital Age" at the Rijeka Korzo, bringing together the most important topics of cybersecurity and everyday digital threats in a simple and visually accessible way.

The opening was attended by the Director of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin and Head of the EUROPE DIRECT Centre Rijeka Nenad Antolović, Deputy Mayor of Rijeka Aleksandar-Saša Milaković, IT associate at the National CERT at CARNET Jakov Kiš and Assistant Head of Information Technology and Information Security at the Administrative Department for General Affairs of the City of Rijeka Danijel Antonić.

From phishing to deepfake

The exhibition presents an overview of the most common forms of online fraud, from phishing messages and identity theft to increasingly sophisticated manipulations such as deepfake content.

Through clear and understandable messages, visitors can learn how to identify suspicious situations and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to security incidents.

Special emphasis was placed on concrete advice that can be immediately applied in everyday use of the Internet, from checking the sources of messages to the protection of personal data and devices.

Security starts with us

Cyber security is no longer just a technical issue, but a part of everyday life.

Attacks are increasingly targeting citizens and small businesses, and often small gaps such as clicking on a suspicious link or sharing data without verification are sufficient.

Clicking on the wrong link, a message that creates a sense of urgency or downloading a seemingly useful application are often enough for serious consequences. Much of these threats can be prevented through information and timely reaction. – Nenad Antolović, Director of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin and Head EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka

This is why the key message of the exhibition is clear: Safe online life begins with us.

The EU perspective: a safer digital space for all

The exhibition also provides an overview of the activities of the European Union aimed at creating a safer digital environment.

Through legislative frameworks such as the Digital Services Act, NIS2 Directives i the Artificial Intelligence Act, the EU works to protect citizens, strengthen network security and develop new technologies responsibly.

For all citizens

The exhibition is intended for everyone who uses digital technologies, from students to entrepreneurs and retirees.

Through the content, visitors are guided by the educational figure of Eugene, who brings complex topics closer in a simple and accessible way.

• The exhibition is open on Korzo until 12 May 2026.

Go through, stop and learn how to stay safe in the digital world.

Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) is conducting an analysis with the aim of improving the program Eurostars in Croatia.

Entrepreneurs are invited to share their experiences and perception of participation in the programme through a short survey.

Why participate?

Your answers will help in:

• improving the effectiveness of the programme;
• better tailoring to the needs of entrepreneurs
• increasing the availability of funding for research and development

Who can get involved?

The survey is intended for:

• micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
• large companies
• Research organisations
• Supporting institutions

Deadline for completion

The survey can be completed until 5 May 2026. Mr. through online forms.

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What is Eurostars?

Eurostars is an international research and development programme that supports projects in cooperation between partners from at least two countries. The programme is being implemented Eureka Network i European Commission, It focuses on innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.

Floods are no longer rare and exceptional events. In the Adriatic-Ionian region, climate change and accelerated urbanisation are leading to more frequent and intense flooding, especially in urban areas through which rivers and streams pass.

In order to respond to these challenges in a timely and systematic manner, within the IPA ADRION project URBANFLOODS Advanced computer models are being developed to help understand how water behaves before flooding occurs.

Understand floods before they occur

Modern flood management relies less and less on post-damage response and more and more on anticipation and preparation.

These are computer models that simulate the movement of water in rivers, cities and floodplains during heavy rainfall or high water levels. Real data is entered into the models, such as terrain relief, riverbed shape, rain intensity and the way of using space, in order to obtain realistic scenarios of possible floods.

On this basis, key questions can be answered:

• Where will the water spread?
• What will be the depth and speed of movement?
• Which parts of the city and infrastructure are most at risk?
• How can different protection measures affect the outcome?

It is important to emphasize that this is not an accurate forecast of future events, but rather a presentation of possible scenarios that help prepare and make decisions.

Why is it important for cities?

Cities are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Large asphalt surfaces reduce water absorption, and at the same time along the watercourses there are often residential, commercial and infrastructural facilities.

By transforming complex data into clear risk maps and flood scenarios, models help in:

• planning of early warning systems and emergency interventions;
• urban planning and development of space,
• design of protective measures,
• adaptation to climate change.

The aim is not to prevent floods, but to reduce damage and speed up recovery after them.

What does this mean for citizens and businesses?

Although it is a complex technology, its purpose is very specific: increase safety and reduce the impact of floods.

For citizens, this means better preparedness, more efficient alert systems and safer urban development.

For entrepreneurs, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, this means a lower risk of business interruption, property damage and long-term business consequences.

Regional cooperation through the URBANFLOODS project

In the project URBANFLOODS This approach forms part of the wider decision support system (DSS), developed by partners from eight countries in the Adriatic-Ionian region. Partners are working together to strengthen cities' flood resilience and preparedness for future risks. The aim is to turn complex data into clear and timely decisions that protect people, the economy and urban systems.

Models are tested in nine pilot areas, each with its own specificities, to ensure their applicability under different conditions. The results help local authorities and professional services to make timely and informed decisions.

Business start-ups and growth often raise the issue of financing the next stage of development. For companies considering entering the capital market, whether through a public offer of shares, the issuance of bonds or investments by venture and private capital funds, one of the biggest challenges is the assessment of their own readiness for such a step.

This is exactly the question that the program is answering. Sandbox RoadMarket, educational and simulation programme of the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa), developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance.

What is Sandbox PutMarket?

Sandbox PutThe market is designed as a safe, confidential and non-binding environment in which entrepreneurs can test their willingness to finance through capital markets.

It is a program that does not replace the actual market exit process, but allows companies to get a clear insight into their current position and potential further development steps before entering demanding and often costly procedures.

What does the program allow entrepreneurs to do?

Through participation in the program, companies receive a structured and expert assessment of their readiness for various forms of financing. This includes:

• IPO (public offering and listing of shares)
• Issuance of bonds
• Financing through venture capital and private equity funds (VC/PE)

The programme enables the simulation of key elements of these processes in a controlled environment, without legal effects and regulatory obligations.

In this way, entrepreneurs can understand what awaits them in the real process and identify areas that need to be further developed.

What do companies get from participating?

One of the key values of the program is Structured diagnostic report which includes:

• Assessment of readiness for individual forms of funding
• Identification of key areas for improvement
• concrete and proportionate recommendations for the way forward;

In addition, companies have the opportunity to work with professional partners who through the program provide informational and educational support and contribute to the quality of the assessment.

What is the purpose of the program?

The purpose of the programme is to provide companies with an objective insight into their current level of readiness for financing through capital markets and to identify potential areas for further development.

In this way, companies can make informed decisions before entering into more complex and demanding processes of preparation for market financing.

In other words, it is an opportunity to answer a key question: Is now the right time to enter the capital market and what needs to be done before that?

Who is the program for?

The scheme is intended for companies considering:

• Exchange Exit (IPO)
• Issuance of bonds
• Financing through VC/PE funds

It is particularly relevant for companies that are in the growth phase and are considering expanding their business through alternative sources of financing.

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More information about the program and how to apply is available here, and a detailed info leaflet for entrepreneurs download here.