Eastern Balkans in February 2026: the most important developments in politics
In the Eastern Balkans in February 2026, Bulgaria was preparing for early parliamentary elections set for April 19. A caretaker government was sworn in and replaced all 28 regional governors. A legal committee rejected the president's veto on a cap for polling stations abroad, and the caretaker cabinet approved amendments to the budget extension law. The MECH party withdrew from consultations, accusing President Yotova of oligarchic ties. Politician Delyan Peevski retired the "New Beginning" movement and pledged a unified DPS party for the elections. The acting interior minister rejected allegations of political pressure in the Petrohan investigation.
Bulgaria's president called Russia an aggressor and described the conflict as a full-scale war. The foreign ministry rejected Russia's peace terms and reaffirmed support for Ukraine, citing 13 aid packages delivered. Israel commended Bulgaria's role in Gaza peace and reconstruction.
In Romania, the ruling coalition announced an agreement on the entire agenda underpinning the 2026 budget, and the government approved a public administration reform and economic stimulus package. Romania reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Anti-corruption prosecutors from Romania and the EU were granted access to a government database of EU-funded projects, and the OECD's Fiscal Affairs Committee issued a formal opinion, a key step for Romania's candidacy to the organization. Romania and the UK agreed to launch a joint trade and investment working group. Former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu was on trial on a propaganda charge, and the Senate rejected three simple motions against the government.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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