Balkan developments

Easter table in the Balkans becomes more expensive compared to 2025

Against the backdrop of annual inflation of 3.3% and Bulgaria’s first Easter using the euro, Bulgarian consumers are facing holiday meals that are 15-20% more expensive than in 2025, reports BTA. The average price of lamb is €16.10 per kilogram. Greenhouse vegetables have also risen in price ahead of the holidays. Class M eggs cost about €0.29 each, while organic eggs can reach up to €0.53 each.

The General Federation of Consumers in Greece expects a family to spend €412 on the Easter table - an increase of 14-20% compared to 2025, or about €50 more. A kilogram of lamb costs between €14 and €16 in the provinces, and up to €18 in Athens and Thessaloniki. The traditional Greek dish kokoretsi, made from lamb or goat offal, costs around €24 for 1.5 kg. Lettuce is €1, tomatoes €3.20/kg, cucumbers €0.90/kg, and fresh onions €0.95.

In Romania, egg prices have increased by 14% compared to last Easter, ranging between €0.20 and €0.45 per egg. The cheapest sweet Easter bread (kozonac) costs €2.55. Lamb is priced between €10.79 and €12.75 per kilogram. Lettuce costs €0.49, and a bunch of green onions €0.29. Romanians are expected to spend between €98 and €196 on their holiday meals, according to adevarul.ro.

In North Macedonia, lamb costs between €12 and €17 per kilogram. With a live weight price of €4, farmers prefer exporting it to the EU. This year, 80% of lambs have been sent to Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Eggs in stores cost €0.18–0.19 each, while homemade ones are around €0.32. Tomatoes in hypermarkets range from €3 to €5 per kilogram, cucumbers cost €1.80, and lettuce is between €0.80 and €1.30.

In Serbia, pork - not lamb - is traditionally served for Easter. It costs between €5.11 and €7.24 per kilogram, while lamb is about €4 per kilogram live weight. Eggs cost about €0.11 in supermarkets, but can reach €0.26 at markets. Fish is also part of Easter meals, especially on Good Friday. Fresh mackerel costs €7.67/kg, carp €11/kg, and fresh catfish over €15/kg at city markets.

Greek plan calls on the EU to restrict children’s access to social media

The Greek government has presented a plan to limit minors’ access to social media. The measure is described as historic by both Greek and European standards, according to ANA-MPA via BTA.

“Greece is not just following developments - it is shaping the European agenda. In a letter to the President of the European Commission, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue at the heart of the EU. We propose five specific additions to the Digital Services Act for mandatory age verification across Europe and access to digital services only from age 15 and above,” said Minister of State Akis Skertsos.

According to data, 23% of 15-year-olds in Greece report feeling insecure and irritated when they do not have access to their phones. “This is the first sign of addiction,” warned Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.

New European border control system in force for Serbia from April 10

The National Tourism Organization of Serbia has warned citizens planning to travel abroad around the Easter holidays to expect heavy traffic at EU borders. From April 10, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) comes fully into force.

Starting from Orthodox Good Friday, the system records names, biometric data, and logs the date and place of entry and exit for citizens of non-EU and non-Schengen countries, including Serbia, according to the national broadcaster RTS.

Holy Fire from Jerusalem to arrive in Bucharest

Despite the crisis in the Middle East, the Holy Fire from Jerusalem will be brought to Romania on Holy Saturday, according to local media citing Archimandrite Father Ioan Mayeu, representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land.

“Thanks to the intervention of the Romanian Embassy in Israel, we received a flight route from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. With God’s help, we will arrive in Bucharest on Holy Saturday by special flight,” he said, adding:

“I hope the situation does not escalate and that we can successfully fulfill this beautiful mission and great blessing for the Romanian Orthodox faith.”

The Holy Fire has been brought to Romania every year since 2009, according to digi24.ro.

Compiled by Ivo Ivanov