Eastern Balkans

The economy shows mixed signals of foreign investment and inflationary pressure. Major contracts in defense and energy, like Falcon Defence's EUR 253 million deal and the Black Sea Oil Terminal project, signal growth in strategic sectors. However, Bulgaria faces soaring fuel prices, with warnings from the IMF that the Middle East conflict could push global inflation higher.

• 3Trumps, on a Deal-Making Spree, Turn Next to Transylvania
• 3Arnaud Dussaix appointed purchasing and supply director at Carrefour Romania
• 3Defense contractor Falcon Defence announces contracts worth EUR 253 million in Romania
• 2Romania’s Black Sea Oil Terminal begins procedures to build bitumen terminal for Swiss partner
• 2Customer experience service provider Foundever opens new office in Bucharest

Politics are dominated by external security alignments and internal governance scandals. Bulgaria's PM Gyurov urges diplomacy on Iran, while Romania allows US refuelling for Iran missions, actions that draw accusations from the Russian ambassador. Domestically, Bulgaria is rocked by a vote-buying scandal and a whistleblower exposing corruption, while an EU report classifies Romania as a 'stagnator' on rule of law.

• 3Bulgaria’s PM Gyurov Urges Diplomacy to End Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs
• 3Romania allows 'defensive' US refuelling, monitoring for Iran operations at its air bases
• 2Former US Counterterrorism Chief: Israel Pushed US-Iran War
• 2Iranian Ambassador: Bulgaria Is Not a Legitimate Target for Iran!
• 2Whistleblower Alert: Bulgarian European Prosecutor Exposes Corruption and Safety Threats

Security is defined by a sharp escalation in Black Sea tensions and a regional military build-up against Iran. A Turkish-operated tanker was hit by a drone, and Greece took over Bulgaria's anti-ballistic protection. Bulgaria struck a 620 million deal for US missile systems, and Romania agreed to allow the US to use a Black Sea base for Iran missions, prompting an espionage case involving an Iranian and a Romanian.

• 6Greek Oil Tanker En Route to Russia Attacked in Black Sea
• 3Greece takes over Bulgaria’s anti-ballistic protection against Iran
• 2Bulgaria Strikes 620 Million Deal for Advanced U.S. Missile Systems
• 2Bulgaria: Mystery Drone Forces Brief Closure of Airspace above Sofia Airport
• 2Greek air shield extends to Bulgaria

Society is marked by labor unrest over wages and economic conditions. Bulgarian public sector workers plan demonstrations over delayed pay raises, and postal workers protested for higher wages. This tension is set against a backdrop of public health concerns, including rising measles cases and warnings about the regional healthcare model.

• 2Scientists flag risks to Aegean as Black Sea inflow weakens
• 2Bulgarian Posts Workers Protest for Higher Wages Amid Pension Day
• 2Bulgarian Public Sector Workers Plan March Demonstrations Over Delayed Pay Raises
• 2Bulgaria Ready to Evacuate Citizens as Middle East Awaits Humanitarian Corridors
• 1Measles Cases in Bulgaria Rise to 43, Majority Among Children