Eastern Balkans in March 2026: the most important developments in society
In March 2026 the Eastern Balkans were dominated by the evacuation of citizens from the Middle East. Bulgaria said on 2 March it was ready to evacuate its citizens and launched evacuation flights on 4 March; on 6 March 326 Bulgarians were due to return from Dubai as the effort expanded. Romania repatriated over 300 citizens from the Middle East by 3 March.
Bulgaria also saw a run of pay and budget disputes. Public sector workers planned March demonstrations over delayed pay raises, postal workers protested for higher wages, musicians' strike halted performances at Bulgarian National Radio, and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences objected to a cut budget.
Rising fuel prices drew a government response in Bulgaria: it prepared support for households and businesses and set out a monthly aid of 20 euros for low-income car owners, while diesel neared 1.60 euros. In Greece, long lines formed at fuel stations on 19 March ahead of a nationwide strike.
Health problems were also reported in Bulgaria. The paediatric healthcare crisis deepened, a cancer screening programme was halted with the cost of tests given as the reason, measles cases rose to 43 by 31 March, mostly among children, and the country topped EU mortality rates for the fifth year in a row. In Romania, the Senate doubled the quota of bears to be shot this year.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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