Southeast Europe protests (2024–present)

Southeast Europe protests
"Balkan Spring"
(2024–present)
Southeast Europe protests; "Balkan Spring"; (2024–present)
Part of the Democratic Backsliding in Europe, the Third wave of autocratization, the Second Cold War and the Gen Z protests
	From left to right, top to bottom: Protestors gather at Slavija Square in Belgrade, Serbia ; Protesters in Saraçhane, Istanbul, Turkey ; High school and university students marching in Egnatia Street in Thessaloniki, Greece ; People gathered at Macedonia Square in Skopje, North Macedonia, to honor the victims of the Kočani nightclub fire ; Protestors launching fireworks at the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi following the 2024 Georgian parliamentary election results ; Protesters gathered in Bratislava, Slovakia, to protest against the pro-Russian policy of Prime Minister Robert Fico;
Date	October 2024 – present
Location	Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Europe; Bulgaria; Georgia; Greece; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Romania; Serbia; Slovakia; Turkey;
Caused by	Authoritarianism; Political corruption; Economic corruption; Democratic backsliding; Kleptocracy; Negligence; Euroscepticism; Russophilia;
Goals	Free elections; Resignation of government;
Methods	Demonstrations; Protest marches; Online activism; Civil disobedience; Civil resistance; Boycott; Striking;
Status	Ongoing

Since late 2024, protests occurred in Serbia and Slovakia, with major echoes in North Macedonia, Turkey, Montenegro and Greece. Sparked by public anger over corruption, democratic backsliding, and tragic events, the protests are largely student-led and driven by younger generations demanding transparency and accountability. Demonstrators across the region explicitly referenced one another's protests and slogans, fostering a sense of cross-border solidarity.