Eastern Balkans in September 2026: the most important developments in politics
Politics in Romania and Bulgaria in September 2026 was marked by a criminal case against Andrew Tate, a government formation in Romania and debate over the war in Ukraine.
Romanian prosecutors indicted Andrew Tate and his brother in early September on charges of trafficking minors and money laundering, after a years-long investigation. Romania's parliament opened its new session on 1 September with the government pushing ties with the United States and EU integration. PM-designate Siegfried Mureșan said the PSD must choose between a pro-EU government and a partnership with AUR, and on 30 September the president voiced opposition to snap elections and assured a consensus on the fiscal path. The president said low public trust in the justice system means that "we are all doing something wrong". A Council of Europe report found progress against ill-treatment of detainees but continuing overcrowding, and the European Commission reportedly asked Romania for clarifications on the law governing the National Integrity Agency.
In Bulgaria, Radev's cabinet faced opposition criticism, including a demand for the first minister's resignation and a clash between Radev and Vassilev over the budget deficit. GERB stepped out of the presidential race, and Yotova named BTA chief Valchev as her running mate. Bulgaria warned the EU about the consequences of sending long-range weapons to Ukraine, and the president said alongside Slovak Prime Minister Fico that the conflict has no military solution. A dispute with North Macedonia over the Iva Mihaylova case may reach Strasbourg. Greece was set to return the remains of Tsar Samuel to Bulgaria.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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