Eastern Balkans

Romania's economy shows mixed signals: the central bank spent up to EUR 2 billion to stabilize the leu amid political turmoil, while the EBRD extended EUR 270 million in guarantees to banks. Bulgaria faces a looming EU deficit procedure after joining the euro, with slower growth and higher inflation forecast.

• 6Romania sees major business moves across sectors
• 3Majority of fake news on Romanian TikTok generated by only 10 accounts, analysis shows
• 3Small Shops in Bulgaria Struggle as Customers Shift to Big Chains
• 3Romania’s central bank spends up to EUR 2 bln to steady RON amid political turmoil
• 2Bulgaria to be punished for deficit only months after joining euro

Romania's government collapsed after a no-confidence vote on May 5, triggering political turmoil. In Bulgaria, PM Radev took office on May 8 and immediately began reshaping state institutions with early dismissals, while also cutting US military aircraft stays over a visa dispute.

• 23NATO and EU condemn Russia after drone hits Romania
• 19Romanian government collapses after no-confidence vote
• 4Romania’s government publishes for debate the Wage Law for budgetary sector
• 3PM Radev After Officially Taking Power in Bulgaria: “No Time to Waste!”
• 3Borissov Pledges Constructive Dialogue in Bulgaria's New National Assembly

A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania on May 29, prompting NATO condemnation and Romania shutting the Russian consulate. Putin commented on the incident, and Russia warned Romania to brace for more. Bulgaria blocked US tanker planes from its bases amid a visa dispute.

• 128Russian drone hits apartment building in Romania
• 14NATO ready to defend Romania and ‘every inch’ of allied territory, Rutte says
• 8Drone attacks hit three oil tankers off Turkey's Black Sea coast
• 2Naval exercises involving six NATO countries begin in Black Sea
• 1Romania Shuts Russian Consulate Following Drone Attack That Injured Civilians in Galati

Bulgaria faces a dominant social tension over youth drug use, which experts call the country's biggest social problem, while also grappling with criticism over Ebola preparedness and slow access to innovative medicine. Romania focuses on cultural events like Children's Day concerts and tree protection.

• 2Children’s Day: Over 17,000 young performers to join Cantus Mundi concerts across Romania, Moldova
• 1Bulgaria Moves to Speed Up Visas for Tourists and Foreign Workers amid Rising Demand
• 1Bulgaria Faces Criticism Over Lack of Ebola Preparedness Measures
• 1Commission VP Georgieva 'Most Influential Bulgarian Twitter User'
• 1Experts in Bulgaria Warn Drug Use Among Youth Is the “Biggest Social Problem in the Country,” Call for Urgent Prevention