The escalators linking the Importanne shopping center to Trg Ante Starčevića are still out of service since June 2024, and their repair has been further delayed. Originally expected to be completed, the project has faced setbacks due to discrepancies between the actual conditions on site and the project documentation, necessitating alternative solutions. As a result, the production of necessary parts has been temporarily halted until new technical instructions are provided.

Authorities from the city of Zagreb, led by Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, have pointed to the current geopolitical situation as a contributing factor to these delays. While the initial setbacks were attributed to objective circumstances on the construction site, the ongoing global events have impacted international supply chains, particularly since the factory responsible for manufacturing the escalator elements is located in China. This complex situation underscores the challenges that local governments face amid global tensions and supply disruptions.

The prolonged absence of these escalators poses an inconvenience for Zagreb's residents who rely on this transportation method for easier access to the city square and shopping facilities. Local officials have not provided a new timeline for when the escalators might be operational, leaving citizens frustrated and questioning the decision-making processes that led to these delays. The situation highlights the intersection of local infrastructure issues with broader geopolitical dynamics, a reminder of how interconnected our world has become.