Snow, jazz, Chianti
In?titut za strate?ke re?itve (ISR)
Slovenia's leading independent think tank, since 2011.
"The connection between winter, tradition, and culinary delights is strong—just as Kurenti chase away winter, krofi heat up the season and our bellies."
- ?pela Bizjak
One bite at a time
Few culinary inventions are as universally loved—and yet so regionally distinct—as the humble doughnut. From Slovenia’s "krof" to Serbia’s "krofne," Croatia’s "krafne," nearly every country in the Western Balkans has its own take on the deep-fried pastry. Despite variations in fillings, dough textures, and names, the doughnut remains a cultural staple, spanning generations and borders.
Consider the figures: during Slovenia’s carnival season, approximately 20 million krofi are consumed—around ten per capita. In Ptuj, where the world-renowned ?Kurentovanje? is held, krofi are a part of tradition, a symbol of indulgence before the fasting penitence. The connection between winter, tradition, and culinary delights is strong—just as Kurenti chase away winter, krofi heat up the season and our bellies.
The market for seasonal treats rises on nostalgia and tradition, encouraging small bakeries and large-scale manufacturers alike. To keep up with trends, krofi have diversified beyond the classic apricot jam filling. Pistachio, inspired by the popularity of luxury Dubai chocolate, has become a sought-after flavor, while gourmet versions feature unexpected ingredients like craft beer or truffle-infused cream. At Slovenian "Best Doughnut" competition in 2024, innovative fillings were orange, carrot, ginger, turmeric, pumpkin, fava beans, salted caramel, beer meringue, dried rose, concord grape, and truffle paste.
The krof's strength is seen in the region's economic flexibility. As companies evolve to keep up with changing market trends, so has the doughnut—new flavours incorporated while still keeping tradition intact. The reinvention is not unlike the region itself, where innovation and heritage meet on a daily basis.
And if history has taught us anything, it's that food culture here is as much about identity as it is about taste. But let's leave the doughnut talk at this point—before we inadvertently stumble into the even more dangerous argument over what actually makes an authentic burek.
Generation Alpha has arrived, with money to spend
We look at how the coming generation of pre-teens, so-called Gen Alpha, will reshape the future of work and financial services. Born at a rate of 2.5 million per week, Gen Alpha is projected to wield $5.46 trillion in spending power by 2029, an economic force rivaling Millennials and Gen Z combined. Visa sees the writing on the wall. As Country Manager Alenka Meja? Krassnig puts it: “We’re going to see these changes happen faster than anyone expects.”
Weekend tête-à-tête
Unplugging for the weekend
After an impressive 18-year run as the host of?Svet na Kanalu A, Gregor Trebu?ak recently left POP TV to join the Slovenian Business Club in pursuit of new career challenges. This weekend, you'll find him enjoying the snowy landscape of Velika Planina with loved ones, where conversations will blend politics, sports, and children.
Where will we find you this weekend?
With my family and friends on Velika Planina, which is still completely covered in snow! A few days of snowy idyll awaits us.
Sunday mornings: slow or zippy?
I like my Sunday mornings slow. After breakfast, I take a walk in the center of Ljubljana, visit the antiques fair, and have my first coffee there. I often take one of my daughters with me.
Weekend breakfast?
Cereal with kefir or fried eggs.
Books or news?
I split my time equally between books and news, but I enjoy sports news the most. Right now, I'm immersed in a book set in America.
What's on the speakers?
I enjoy listening to jazz—both jazz classics and contemporary Slovenian artists. But even better than that is a live jazz band at Blunout.
Weekend lunch in or out?
I like to prepare a traditional Slovenian farm feast: krvavica with cabbage and roast potatoes.
Whisky or wine?
I would normally choose wine from the Chianti region, but in the past few years, rum has taken over both wine and whisky.
Sunday lunch topics?
This weekend, while with my friends and family on Velika Planina, our discussions will likely be a mix of politics, sports, and children.
You can't live without...?
If you're asking about an object, it's most likely my phone.
Media today?
Too many repetitive news stories. Not enough background analysis. Lacking a forward-looking perspective. Too much focus on trivialities.
Regional snapshot
Kosovo’s vote count concludes after three week wait
Kosovo's electoral commission has completed the tally nearly three weeks after parliamentary elections delivered a partial victory for Prime Minister Albin Kurti. While preliminary results show around 40% turnout among domestic voters, some 80,000 diaspora ballots remained uncounted until yesterday evening. Kurti's Self-Determination Movement (LVV) currently leads with 41%, a drop from its 50% showing in 2021 that strips away its outright majority. Opposition parties have already ruled out partnering with LVV, leaving Kurti to potentially court non-Serb minority MPs, who hold 10 guaranteed seats in parliament. Another scenario might see opposition groups banding together to form their own government. Though such an alliance would face considerable hurdles, it could help thaw Kosovo's frozen relationship with the EU, which deteriorated under Kurti's confrontational stance.
North Macedonia set for initial EU funds in April
The European Union has approved a €52.5 million initial payment to North Macedonia under its Growth Plan, marking the first concrete step in a long-planned regional investment package. After Skopje ratified two crucial agreements last week, a broader €750 million reform package will target key areas including judicial systems, financial governance, and energy infrastructure. The initial disbursement represents just 7% of the country's total allocation under the EU's €6 billion Western Balkans investment scheme, with future payments contingent on reform progress. While five Western Balkan nations have now secured their portions of the funding, Bosnia and Herzegovina stands alone in failing to submit its reform agenda, leaving its potential billion euro allocation in limbo.
Football’s diplomatic pitch
Serbia and Albania will jointly host the 2027 European Under-21 Championship after emerging as the sole bidders following Belgium and Turkey's withdrawal from consideration last year. The 16-team tournament, scheduled for June 2027, will make use of eight stadiums split evenly between the two countries – with Serbia hosting the opening match and Albania staging the final. This marks the first time either nation will organise the U21 EURO finals, though both have previously hosted smaller UEFA competitions. As co-hosts, both nations receive automatic qualification while the remaining 14 slots will be determined through qualifying rounds during 2026-27.
The Regional snapshot is curated by Andra? Tav?ar. Subscribe here and get your brief delivered every other Saturday, straight to your inbox.
The Pulse
We're talking about these. Read up, join in.
Nova Gorica and Gorica launched their joint European Capital of Culture 2025 on 7 February with a spectacular cross-border celebration. The programme, running until December, is set to feature over 2,000 performers, touting musicians the likes of Bo?tjan Gomba?, Laibach, and MRFY. But until you get there, dive into the full story of the sister-cities' remarkable transformation, featuring our interviews with mayors Samo Turel and Rodolfo Ziberna.
The 32nd Kopaonik Business Forum is set to take place from 2 to 5 March in, you guessed it, Kopaonik, Serbia. Organised by the Serbian Association of Economists, and often dubbed as the "Serbian Davos," the event gathers over 1,600 participants, including business leaders, policymakers, and academics, to discuss Serbia's economic future.
Thanks for reading! Want to keep a friend in the know as well? Sharing this newsletter is as easy sending them this link: https://theadriatic.si/newsletter/ Our concise briefings are delivered straight to your inbox every fortnight.