Zagreb

On April 16, 1242, Hungarian King Béla IV granted the city of Zagreb a Golden Bull, marking the city's autonomy. This decree granted Zagreb royal privileges, such as the right to hold markets and fairs, and established it as a key trade and economic hub in the region. It followed the devastation by the Mongol invasion and was a crucial step in the city's recovery and growth.

On October 29, 1918, the Croatian Parliament assembly in Zagreb declared the establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. This was a significant historical event following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. Despite its short existence, the state marked an important milestone in the history of Zagreb and the broader region, as it paved the way for the formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

On April 10, 1941, Zagreb became the center of the newly proclaimed Independent State of Croatia, a World War II puppet state under the influence of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The event reshaped the region's political landscape and led to significant social changes and turmoil during and after the war. The state's establishment is controversial due to its fascist roots and the wartime atrocities committed.

On May 8, 1945, Zagreb was liberated from the Axis powers' control by the Yugoslav Partisans, marking the end of World War II in the region. The city's liberation was part of the broader efforts to free Yugoslavia from fascist occupation and was significant in reshaping the country's post-war political structure as Zagreb became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Zagreb hosted the VIII Mediterranean Games from October 21 to October 30, 1979. This event was a major international multisport event, gathering athletes from across the Mediterranean region. The games were viewed as a significant opportunity for Zagreb to showcase its cultural and sports facilities on the world stage, enhancing its reputation and supporting its tourism and economy.

On June 25, 1991, the Croatian Parliament, located in Zagreb, declared independence from Yugoslavia. This monumental event followed a referendum in which a majority of voters supported independence. The declaration led to the Croatian War of Independence as tensions with the Serb-controlled Yugoslav army escalated. Zagreb played a crucial role as the capital in the nation's struggle for sovereignty.

On August 7, 1995, the Croatian War of Independence effectively ended following Operation Storm. This military operation, though not fought in Zagreb, was coordinated from the capital and represented a turning point in the conflict as it led to the recapture of occupied territories. The operation was central to restoring Croatian borders and allowed Zagreb to firmly remain the capital of a free, independent Croatia.

Although not the exact date of EU entry, July 1, 2009, marks Croatia's full incorporation into the EU structures as it was a significant milestone in the pre-accession phase. Zagreb, as the capital, spearheaded this integration process, aligning its institutions with EU standards. The move represented a new chapter in the city's development, opening vast political and economic opportunities.

On March 22, 2020, a strong earthquake of 5.5 magnitude struck Zagreb, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the historic city core. The quake was the strongest to hit the city in 140 years, leading to substantial humanitarian challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on housing and cultural monuments prompted extensive rebuilding efforts, focusing on enhancing the city's resilience.

The Petrinja Earthquake on December 28, 2020, impacted Zagreb significantly, causing further damage to structures weakened by the earlier quake in March. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake, centered near Petrinja, was devastating, prompting international aid and support. While the epicenter was not in Zagreb, the city experienced tremors and faced heightened challenges in disaster recovery and urban planning.