Solidarity pays off

Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025

Zagreb’s DIY scene fosters solidarity through free shops and repair workshops; global examples show community aid during crises.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Zagreb’s solidarity and DIY scene features initiatives like “Džabac,” a free store offering donated goods, alongside free computer repair workshops and tool lending programs. These efforts are presented as responses to rising costs and inflation, promoting community support and shared resources. Other local groups promote sharing economies through bike repairs, sewing workshops, and clothing exchanges. Internationally, the text highlights how citizen self-organization provided essential aid during natural disasters in Valencia and Barcelona. Furthermore, Austria has implemented a zero VAT rate on donated food as of August 2024 to encourage donations from businesses, contrasting with more restrictive donation rules in Croatia.


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