2025 Southeast Europe retail boycotts

Prices in Croatia had surged in the lead-up to the boycott, to the extent that salaries and pensions did not keep up. This began as part of the broader increase in prices due to inflation from the COVID-19 pandemic and was accentuated when Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023. A declining agricultural sector, large food retailer monopolies and erosion of smaller businesses, an influx of imports, and an overreliance on tourism have all contributed to the inflationary surge. Further price hikes have since been implemented by various retailers in the country, leading to a 30% surge in prices according to official metrics.{{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=Fury over prices in Croatia sparks growing retailer boycotts |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250130-fury-over-prices-in-croatia-sparks-growing-retailer-boycotts |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}

Croatia became significantly more expensive to live in than neighboring countries.{{Cite web |title=Hrvatska: Zašto bojkotovati trgovine, barem na dan |url=https://www.vijesti.me/kolumne/742200/hrvatska-zasto-bojkotovati-trgovine-barem-na-dan |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=vijesti.me |language=cnr}} The price of basic food items, such as bread and eggs, increased by up to 60% in some cases. Attention was drawn to the cost of products in Croatia compared to their cost in neighboring countries; for example, a German shampoo brand was said to cost 130% more in Croatia than in Germany. In Bulgaria, it was 20% cheaper than in Croatia. This even included locally made products, with a Croatian seasoning costing €7.69 per kilogram within Croatia, as opposed to €6.35 in Sweden. Branimir Bradarić, writing for the Montenegrin newspaper Vijesti, noted that tourists in Croatia, who used to frequent restaurants on a regular basis, now began to eat in their apartments due to the exorbitant prices.

In Croatia, inflation went up for the fourth consecutive month. Services costs rose 6.3 percent and prices in the food, beverages and tobacco group were 4.7 percent higher than the previous year.{{Cite web |title=Croatia Inflation Accelerates For Fourth Month |url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/interestrates/croatia-inflation-accelerates-for-fourth-month-1034305133 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=markets.businessinsider.com |language=en}} As a result, Croats refrained from shopping at retail outlets and grocery stores, and avoided using delivery services, banks, restaurants, and cafes. The boycott also included the cessation of bill payments and shopping online.{{Cite web |title=Sales plunge in Croatia amid a fresh boycott by consumers over high prices |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/sales-plunge-in-croatia-amid-a-fresh-boycott-by-consumers-over-high-prices}}

File:Croatia-retail-boycott-flyer-by-halo-inspektore.jpg

The idea for a boycott in Croatia began in the Facebook group Halo, inspektore,{{Efn|Croatian for Hello, Inspector}} managed by the European Center for Consumer Excellence.{{Efn|{{langx|hr|Europskog centra izvrsnosti potrošača{{noitalic|, ECIP}}}}}}{{Cite web |date=19 January 2025 |title=Otkrivamo tko stoji iza poziva na bojkot trgovina |url=https://net.hr/danas/rtl-danas/otkrivamo-tko-stoji-iza-poziva-na-bojkot-trgovina-21a535aa-d678-11ef-82fa-b282ec61614a |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Net.hr |language=hr-HR}}{{Cite web|date=24 January 2025 |title=Boycott of Stores Across Croatia Announced Today Over High Prices |url=https://sarajevotimes.com/boycott-of-stores-across-croatia-announced-today-over-high-prices/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Sarajevo Times |language=en-US}} Its president Josip Kelemen stated that the idea stemmed from the consumers themselves. Initially, it called for a boycott of veal for a week, citing an alleged 40% increase in food prices within the past few months.{{Cite web |title='Halo, inspektore' poziva na otpor cijenama u trgovinama: Bojkot kupnje teletine, a ne špinata ili graha za 6 eura? |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/halo-inspektore-poziva-na-otpor-cijenama-u-trgovinama-bojkot-kupnje-teletine-a-ne-spinata-ili-graha-za-6-eura-1831267 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=www.vecernji.hr |language=hr}}{{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=U Hrvatskoj ukupan promet prepolovljen: Može li bojkot trgovinskih lanaca u Srbiji da snizi cene? – Ekonomija – Dnevni list Danas |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/ekonomija/bojkot-trgovinskih-lanaca-cene-hrvatska/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |language=sr-RS}} The idea for a one-day 24 January boycott spread across Croatian social media, receiving massive support.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2025 |title=Jutarnji list – Jeste li i vi dobili ovu WhatsApp poruku? Poziv na bojkot trgovina preplavio društvene mreže: 'Taj dan ne kupujte ništa!' |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/jeste-li-i-vi-dobili-ovu-whatsapp-poruku-poziv-na-bojkot-trgovina-preplavio-drustvene-mreze-taj-dan-ne-kupujte-nista-15544203 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}} During the boycott in the latter half of January, there were multiple attempts to undermine it. One of the more prominent attempts was the renaming of groups made in support of the leading party's presidential candidate Dragan Primorac to "Halo inspektore".{{Cite web |last=Halo, inspektore |title=BRUTALNI POKUŠAJ KOMPROMITIRANJA ! |website=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=950576550518167&id=100066974921362 }}

The boycott consisted of the avoidance of certain products such as bread, pasta, ham, sausage, fish, milk, dairy products, and some types of fruits and vegetables. The boycott was meant to send a strong message of dissatisfaction with the price increases.{{Cite web|first1=Vuk|last1=Tesija|first2=Sinisa Jako|last2=Marusic|date=30 January 2025 |title=Croatians Boycott Coca-Cola and Other Brands in Price Hike Revolt |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2025/01/30/croatians-boycott-coca-cola-and-other-brands-in-price-hike-revolt/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}} As a result, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia expanded the list of products with restricted prices.

Data revealed that the total number of invoices issued in retail on Friday, 24 January, was 44% lower than it was on the Friday the week prior (17 January), while the total monetary cost was down by 53%. For all activities, it was 29% and 36% lower respectively.{{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=Jutarnji list – Počeo je tjedni bojkot triju trgovačkih lanaca: 'Izbjegavajte Lidl, Eurospin, dm i ova tri proizvoda!' |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/poceo-je-tjedni-bojkot-triju-trgovackih-lanaca-izbjegavajte-lidl-eurospin-dm-i-ova-tri-proizvoda-15547893 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}} Empty shops and parking lots were reported.{{Cite web |last=Pešić |first=Ana Šuvalija |date=30 January 2025 |title=Širi se talas bojkota trgovina: Kako to izgleda kada dođe "crni petak" za trgovce |url=https://www.euronews.rs/srbija/drustvo/155317/bojkot-trgovina-u-regionu-visoke-cene-pokrecu-proteste/vest |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Euronews.rs |language=sr}}

Although the boycott cut sales by half, retailers refused to lower their prices;{{Cite web |date=26 January 2025 |title=Најавен нов голем бојкот на продавниците во Хрватска |url=https://trn.mk/na%D1%98aven-nov-golem-bo%D1%98kot-na-prodavniczite-vo-hrvatska/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Trn.mk |language=mk}} this led to another week-long boycott starting on 30 January. This boycott specifically targeted the retail chains of Lidl, EuroSpin, and DM which were alleged to have exorbitant prices. Lidl was a focus of criticism because it entered the Croatian market under the promise of keeping them low. The boycott also targeted soda (specifically Coca-Cola), detergents, and bottled water. As part of the boycott, a general boycott of all products and services was called for on 31 January.{{Cite web |title=Kreće novi bojkot trgovina: Trajat će tjedan dana, na meti su tri lanca i tri proizvoda |url=https://www.tportal.hr/biznis/clanak/krece-novi-bojkot-trgovina-trajat-ce-tjedan-dana-na-meti-su-tri-lanca-i-tri-proizvoda-foto-20250130?meta_refresh=1 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=tportal.hr|language=hr}}

Halo, inspektore has announced the next phase of the boycott, beginning Friday, 7 February, which will target the supermarket chain Konzum for the entirety of the following week, in addition to a general market-wide boycott of all supermarkets scheduled on Friday. The target of the extended boycott was determined by an online poll, with Konzum receiving 31.7% of the vote.{{cite web |title=U petak ponovno opći bojkot svega, a od subote se na tjedan dana bojkotira jedan trgovački lanac |url=https://novac.jutarnji.hr/novac/aktualno/u-petak-ponovno-opci-bojkot-svega-a-od-subote-se-na-tjedan-dana-bojkotira-jedan-trgovacki-lanac-15549974 |website=Jutarnji list |access-date=5 February 2025 |language=hr |date=5 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Najavljen novi opći bojkot. Od subote tjedni bojkot jednog trgovačkog lanca: "Idemo ponovno sve" |url=https://n1info.hr/vijesti/uskoro-uzivo-platforma-halo-inspektore-najavljuje-daljnke-korake-o-bojkotu/ |website=N1 |access-date=5 February 2025 |language=hr |date=5 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Danas treći bojkot trgovačkih lanaca, promjene i u dućanima zbog ograničenih cijena |url=https://n1info.hr/vijesti/danas-treci-bojkot-trgovackih-lanaca-na-snagu-stupa-i-odluka-o-kontroliranim-cijenama/ |website=N1 |access-date=7 February 2025 |language=hr |date=7 February 2025}} The third general boycott resulted in 20% lower total monetary cost and 15% lower number of invoices in retail than pre-boycott.{{Cite web |title=Usporedni podaci o potrošnji iz sustava fiskalizacije za datume 17., 24., 31. siječnja i 7. veljače 2025. |url=https://www.porezna-uprava.hr/Stranice/Vijest.aspx?NewsID=3859&List=Vijesti |access-date=8 February 2025 |website=Porezna uprava Republike Hrvatske|language=hr}}

The success of the Croatian boycott spawned a domino effect, leading to other calls for boycotts throughout Southeast Europe, especially in the Yugosphere countries.{{Cite web |title=I Udruženje potrošača BiH pozvalo na bojkot trgovina: Zatvorite novčanike i pokažite da postoje zbog nas |url=https://www.klix.ba/biznis/privreda/i-udruzenje-potrosaca-bih-pozvalo-na-bojkot-trgovina-zatvorite-novcanike-i-pokazite-da-postoje-zbog-nas/250130156 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Klix.ba |language=hr}} A coalition led by Slovakia and other Eastern European countries was organized on 27 January. A synchronized strike across the former Yugoslav countries occurred on 31 January.{{Cite web |last=Танеска |first=Соња |date=30 January 2025 |title=Регионален бојкот на маркетите – Ќе го промени ли пазарот отпорот на граѓаните? |url=https://racin.mk/makedonija/regionalen-bojkot-na-marketite-ke-go-promeni-li-pazarot-otporot-na-graganite/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Рацин.мк |language=mk-MK}}

Calls for boycotts in Albania began to pick up in wake of the boycotts in other Balkan countries, with several separate initiatives springing up as a result. One called for a boycott from 5 to 10 February, while another called for a single-day 16 February boycott. An appeal distributed online claimed that "prices in Albania are among the most abusive in the European Union" (although the country is not in the union) and urged Albanians to target supermarkets, shops, and services that have allegedly increased prices.{{Cite web |title=Edhe në Shqipëri bëhet thirrje për bojkot ndaj marketeve |url=https://albanian.trtbalkan.com/world/edhe-ne-shqiperi-behet-thirrje-per-bojkot-ndaj-marketeve-18261551 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=albanian.trtbalkan.com |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=Shqipëri, vazhdojnë thirrjet për bojkot ndaj marketeve për shkak të rritjes së çmimeve |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/shqip%C3%ABri-vazhdojn%C3%AB-thirrjet-p%C3%ABr-bojkot-ndaj-marketeve-p%C3%ABr-shkak-t%C3%AB-rritjes-s%C3%AB-cmimeve/3472641 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=www.aa.com.tr|language=sq}} The 5–10 February boycott initiative will target one specific establishment on each day, starting with Big Market on 5 February, then Conad, Albmarket, Xhangolli, Eco Market, and finally SPAR.{{Cite web |title=Bojkot marketeve për cmimet e larta, nesër nis protesta në Shqipëri, s'ka blerje nga 5 deri 10 shkurt |url=https://lajmifundit.al/aktualitet/bojkot-marketeve-per-cmimet-e-larta-neser-nis-protesta-ne-shqiperi-sk-i1280118 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=lajmifundit.al|language=sq}}

Inspired by efforts in Croatia, social media users in Bosnia and Herzegovina began calling for a similar boycott on 31 January. The boycott cited concerns over skyrocketing prices, noting that prices in the country were higher than those in other countries such as Germany.{{Cite web |title=I u BiH pripremaju bojkot trgovina |url=https://www.vijesti.me/svijet/balkan/742574/i-u-bih-pripremaju-bojkot-trgovina |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=vijesti.me |language=sr}} Furthermore, concerns were raised over the cost of living.{{Cite web |title=Bojkot trgovina zahvata regiju: Imaju li takve mjere efekta |url=https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2025/1/27/bojkot-trgovina-zahvata-regiju-imaju-li-takve-mjere-efekta |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Al Jazeera Balkans |language=bs}} The Bosnia and Herzegovina boycott targeted shops, restaurants, and gas stations. It aimed to pressure authorities and employers within the country to curb inflation and increase the minimum wage and standard of living.

A boycott organized by the "System is Killing Us"{{Efn|{{langx|BG|Системата ни убива|Sistemata ni ubiva}}}} movement, the Federation of Consumers in Bulgaria, the United Pensioners' Unions, the former ombudswoman Maya Manolova, and ex-MP Velizar Enchev{{Cite web |author=hemiargus |date=5 February 2025 |title=Случи се и в България: Обявяват бойкот на хранителните вериги |url=https://zabulgaria.eu/%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8F%D0%B2%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%82-%D0%BD# |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=За България |language=bg-BG}} occurred on 13 February. In a social media post, they stated that prices in retail chains and smaller grocery stores have skyrocketed, threatening 800,000 Bulgarian pensioners living below the poverty line, as well as the working poor.{{Cite web |title=И в България се организира бойкот на супермаркетите |url=https://clubz.bg/158416 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=clubz.bg |language=bg}} They also stated that for items in foreign chains such as butter, milk, cheese, meat, and sausages, the prices were higher domestically in Bulgaria than in their home countries such as Germany or Austria, despite said home countries having a higher standard of living. The post also called for the Bulgarian government to place a price cap on the markups of 70 essential food items.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Бойкот на магазините и в България на 13 февруари заради високите цени |url=https://obektivno.bg/bojkot-na-magazinite-i-v-balgariya-na-13-fevruari/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Обективно |language=bg-BG}} The bill was drafted by Maya Manolova and her civic platform Stand Up.BG.{{Cite web |last=Izpravi se.BG |title=Bill for cap on markups of basic consumer goods |url=https://izpravise.bg/zakon-predelni-nadcenki/}} They also called for support for medium and small-scale producers and transparency regarding pricing mechanisms.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title=Обявиха дата за бойкот на всички големи хранителни вериги в България |url=https://www.plovdiv24.bg/novini/Bylgaria/Obyaviha-data-za-boikot-na-vsichki-golemi-hranitelni-verigi-v-Bulgariya-2437638 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Plovdiv24.bg |language=bulgarian}} Nelly Dimitrova of the System is Killing Us stated that Bulgarians could not even afford basic essentials such as milk, eggs, or meat.{{Cite web |title=Готви се бойкот на търговските вериги у нас |url=https://www.bgonair.bg/a/2-bulgaria/372251-gotvi-se-boykot-na-targovskite-verigi-u-nas |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Bgonair |language=bg}}

Before this boycott was organized, the deputy chairman of the VMRO – Bulgarian National Movement party, Carlos Contrera, had also called for a boycott on Facebook, again highlighting how prices for the same product had differences upwards of 20% between its price in Bulgaria and in Germany.{{Cite web |title=VMRO calls for a boycott of food chains in Bulgaria |url=https://bnr.bg/en/post/102109923/vmro-calls-for-a-boycott-of-food-chains-in-bulgaria-because-of-high-prices |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=bnr.bg |language=en}}

The boycotts since 27 February included banks because of the "unsufferably high bank fees." The organizers of the boycott insisted on the Bulgarian parliament to pass the bill for a cap on bank fees and commissions,{{Cite web |last=Izpravi se.BG |date=2024 |title=Bill for a cap on bank fees and commissions |url=https://izpravise.bg/zakon-tavan-bankovi-taksi/}} proposed by former ombudswoman Maya Manolova.{{Cite web |last=Димитров |first=Виктор |date=2025-02-27 |title=Протест пред БНБ! Искат таван на банковите такси, бойкот - в... |url=https://www.marica.bg/balgariq/obshtestvo/protest-pred-bnb-iskat-tavan-na-bankovite-taksi-boykot-vseki-chetvartak-snimki |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=marica.bg |language=bulgarian}} Except for boycotting, hundreds of citizens gathered in front of the Bulgarian central bank to protest against bank fees and to demand the bill to be passed.

As of 13 February, the boycott has begun in the country.{{Cite web |last=Miteva |first=Mihaela |date=2025-02-13 |title=Bulgarian NGOs launch retail boycott over soaring food prices {{!}} Bulgaria Economy News {{!}} SeeNews |url=https://seenews.com/news/bulgarian-ngos-launch-retail-boycott-over-soaring-food-prices-1270767 |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=seenews.com |language=en}}

The 13 February boycott resulted in a revenue decline of 28.8% for the largest supermarket chains compared to the previous day.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2025 |title=Парламентът много бързо да смени състава на антимонополния орган, призова премиерът |url=https://bntnews.bg/news/parlamentat-mnogo-barzo-da-smeni-sastava-na-antimonopolniya-organ-prizova-premierat-1326974news.html |website=bntnews.bg |language=bg}}

File:2025 Czech Boycott flyer.jpg

A boycott initiative began to spread on Czech Reddit following the Croatian boycott. A poster on the r/czech subreddit called for a boycott from February 17 to 23 against major retail chains. In addition to get said chains to reduce their prices, the boycott also aims to eliminate abuse of discounts (which the supporters say are actual normal prices) and oppose customer cards.{{Cite web |title=Týdenní bojkot obchodů v Česku? Nesmysl, lidé si nakoupí víc předtím a potom, říká ekonom |url=https://news.refresher.cz/176021-Tydenni-bojkot-obchodu-v-Cesku-Nesmysl-lide-si-nakoupi-vic-predtim-a-potom-rika-ekonom |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=refresher.cz |language=cs}} Many Czechs supporting the boycott called for state support in regard to prices.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-05 |title=Češi chtějí bojkotovat kvůli cenám obchody. Stát by měl pomoct, vzkazují|url=https://tn.nova.cz/zpravodajstvi/clanek/596364-cesi-chteji-bojkotovat-kvuli-cenam-obchody-stat-by-mel-pomoct-vzkazuji |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=tn.nova.cz |language=cs}}{{Cite web |last=Zemánek|first= Marek |title=Češi chtějí bojkotovat kvůli cenám obchody. Stát by měl pomo... |url=https://www.foodnet.cz/en/aktuality/8979-cesi-chteji-bojkotovat-kvuli-cenam-obchody-stat-by-mel-pomoct-vzkazuji |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=foodnet.cz}}

Greece has seen notable price increases within the past few years. Within the month of January 2025, fresh meat increased by 3.05%, fresh fish and seafood by 2.87%, and water, juice, and soda by 3.01%, with coffee and chocolate also seeing surges in pricing within the preceding months.{{Cite web |author=mparavantes |date=5 February 2025 |title=Greek Consumer Group Calls for Market Boycott Over Price Hikes |url=https://www.tovima.com/society/greek-consumer-group-calls-for-market-boycott-over-price-hikes/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=tovima.com |language=en}} A boycott on 19 February in Greece is being organized by INKA, or General Federation of Consumers of Greece.{{Efn|{{langx|El|Γενική Ομοσπονδία Καταναλωτών Ελλάδας|Genikí Omospondía Katanalotón Elládas}}}} It calls for Greeks to not spend a single euro that day, even calling for avoiding payments to banks, public services, water, electricity and telephone bills, fuel, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, commercial stores, purchases of electrical and electronic goods, plus any financial transactions.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title=Μετά τα Βαλκάνια και στην Ελλάδα: Καταναλωτές καλούν σε μποϊκοτάζ κατά της ακρίβειας στις 19/2 |url=https://www.anagnostis.org/2025/02/05/meta-ta-valkania-kai-stin-ellada-katanalotes-kaloun-se-boikotaz-kata-tis-akriveias-stis-19-2/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=www.anagnostis.org |language=el}} The president of INKA, Giorgos Lechouritis, also called on the Greek government to support this measure.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title=Γενικό μποϊκοτάζ στην αγορά στις 19 Φεβρουαρίου με απόφαση του ΙΝΚΑ |url=https://www.neakriti.gr/oikonomia/2100794_geniko-mpoikotaz-stin-agora-stis-19-febroyarioy-me-apofasi-toy-inka |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Neakriti |language=el}}

Calls for a boycott were spreading on Hungarian social media, with one organization calling for one lasting from 11 to 13 February, while another for just 13 February.{{Cite web |title=Bojkott a magyar boltok ellen: itt a láncok direkt válasza, erről minden vásárlónak tudnia kell |url=https://www.penzcentrum.hu/vasarlas/20250205/bojkott-a-magyar-boltok-ellen-itt-a-lancok-direkt-valasza-errol-minden-vasarlonak-tudnia-kell-1174179 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Pénzcentrum |language=hu}} The latter has become the most popular, owing to it falling on Hungarian pension day, when pensioners tend to shop disproportionately, meaning that a boycott would cancel out the sales increase that typically accompany said day.{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Országos bojkottot hirdettek a vásárlók a magyar boltok ellen |url=https://www.vg.hu/vilaggazdasag-magyar-gazdasag/2025/02/bojkottot-magyarorszag-bolt-aremelkedes |access-date=10 February 2025 |website=Világgazdaság |language=hu}} The boycott is meant to be a protest against inflation and rising food prices, with some again noting that prices in neighboring countries were cheaper.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title=Működne Magyarországon a boltok elleni bojkott? – Trade magazin |url=https://trademagazin.hu/hu/mukodne-magyarorszagon-a-boltok-elleni-bojkott/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=trademagazin.hu |language=hu}} The boycott specifically targeted Aldi, Lidl, SPAR, Tesco, Auchan, Penny, Coop, CBA, and G-Roby. The organizers stated that since February 13, a Thursday, was the last day of the boycott, every Thursday onward could be a boycott day.{{Cite web |last=Flórián |first=Hecker |date=2025-02-13 |title=Állandósulhat a bojkott a magyarországi boltokban: újabb vásárlásmentes napot hirdettek |url=https://www.vg.hu/vilaggazdasag-magyar-gazdasag/2025/02/bojkott-magyarorszagi-boltok-vasarlasmentes-nap |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Világgazdaság |language=hu}} The resulting boycott was widely seen as not having any serious effect on Hungarian prices.{{Cite web |last=András |first=Németh Árpád, Siklós |date=2025-02-13 |title=Magyarországon egyelőre nem jött be a boltbojkott, de a horvátoknál kiválóan működött |url=https://index.hu/kulfold/2025/02/13/magyarorszag-horvatorszag-fogyasztok-bojkott-bolt-kereskedelem-arak-inflacio/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=index.hu |language=hu}}{{Cite web |last=MW |date=2025-02-13 |title=KEMMA - Sikerre vezethet a vásárlásmentes nap? |url=https://www.kemma.hu/hazai-gazdasag/2025/02/vasarlasmentes-nap-bojkott |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=KEMMA - Sikerre vezethet a vásárlásmentes nap? |language=hu}}{{Cite web |title=A horvátoknál bevált a bolti bojkott, a magyaroknál viszont elhalt a felbuzdulás |url=https://www.economx.hu/gazdasag/horvatorszag-boltok-bojkott-magyar-kiserlet.804280.html |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Economx.hu |language=hu}}

A rise in prices for consumer products has led to calls for a boycott in Kosovo. An image on social media called for a boycott from 1 to 7 February, though it has not been revealed who was behind the call.{{Cite web |author=Gazmend |date=2 February 2025 |title=Pas Kroacisë dhe Maqedonisë së Veriut, edhe në Kosovë nis thirrja për bojkot të marketeve shkaku i çmimeve të larta |url=https://veriu.info/pas-kroacise-dhe-maqedonise-se-veriut-edhe-ne-kosove-nis-thirrja-per-bojkot-te-marketeve-shkaku-i-cmimeve-te-larta/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Veriu.info |language=sq}} A single-day boycott on 10 February{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title="KOSOVO BOYCOTS", citizens with initiative to boycott markets on February 10 due to high prices |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/kosova-bojkoton-qytetaret-iniciative-per-bojkotim-te-marketeve-daten-10-shkurt-per-shkak-te-cmimeve-te-larta/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Telegrafi |language=en}} is being planned by the "Boycott Markets" group on Facebook if the price hikes have not been addressed.{{Cite web |last=Bajrami |first=Fami |date=3 February 2025 |title=Thirrje për bojkot të dyqaneve në Kosovë më 10 shkurt |url=https://mia.mk/en/story/thirrje-p%C3%ABr-bojkot-t%C3%AB-dyqaneve-n%C3%AB-kosov%C3%AB-m%C3%AB-10-shkurt |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Mia.mk |language=sq}} The boycott was called on the 10th in order to not disrupt the election campaign for the 9 February parliamentary elections in Kosovo.{{Cite web |last=Jashari |first=Gojart |date=5 February 2025 |title=Më 10 shkurt pritet të bojkotohen marketet e mëdha në Kosovë |url=https://paparaci.com/486324/me-10-shkurt-pritet-te-bojkotohen-marketet-e-medha-ne-kosove/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Paparaci |language=sq}} In addition to the rising prices, Kosovars have also complained about low wages, which when compounded with high prices, has allegedly impoverished many families, with one claiming that purchasing power was upwards of 60% lower, while the price of burek has doubled in three years. Furthermore, prices are the same in Kosovo as they are in Germany and Poland, despite the lower Kosovar salaries: a liter of milk in Kosovo costs 1.35 euros, while in Portugal it costs 0.97 euros, in Germany 1.14 euros and in Belgium 1.17 euros.{{Cite web |last=Jashari |first=Gojart |date=3 February 2025 |title=Paralajmërohet bojkot i marketeve edhe në Kosovë |url=https://paparaci.com/485326/paralajmerohet-bojkot-i-marketeve-edhe-ne-kosove/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Paparaci |language=sq}} Kosovar supermarkets had record profits in the year prior, according to ex-minister of foreign affairs Petrit Selimi.{{Cite web |title=Selimi: Supermarketet e mëdha në Kosovë patën fitime rekord vjet, ndoshta duhet bojkot si në Kroaci |url=https://gazetametro.net/selimi-supermarketet-e-medha-ne-kosove-paten-fitime-rekord-vjet-ndoshta-duhet-bojkot-si-ne-kroaci/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Gazeta Metro |language=sq}} The boycott calls for citizens to buy from local farmers and green markets.

A boycott commenced in Montenegro on 31 January. Inflation in the country rose by 30.5% between 2021 and 2024, with food prices surging by as much as 41%. Retail stores experienced upwards of 50% in turnover rates from 2021 to 2023, while some had profit increases high as 200% during the same time period. Many Montenegrins complained that prices in their country were much more expensive than in other countries. The Free Trade Union of Montenegro{{Efn|{{langx|cnr|Unija slobodnih sindikata Crne Gore}}}} had also urged its members to join the boycott.{{Cite news |last=Durović |first=Aneta |date=30 January 2025 |title=Bojkotom velikih trgovinskih lanaca traže niže cijene u Crnoj Gori |trans-title=Boycott of large trading chains seek lower prices in Montenegro |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/bojkot-trgovina-crna-gora-limitirane-cijene/33297015.html |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=Radio Slobodna Evropa |language=sh}}

On 31 January, North Macedonia also participated in this mass boycott.{{Cite web |title=Boycott of Shops in Croatia Causes Snowball Effect in Other Balkan Countries |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/823256-boycott-of-shops-in-croatia-causes-snowball-effect-in-other-balkan-countries |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=www.bta.bg |language=en}} The country has been undergoing similar issues regarding price surges. A "New-Year's basket" government initiative intended to resolve the issue via an optional program where retailers could reduce prices, but it was viewed as insufficient, with reports of retailers raising prices prior to decreasing them.{{Cite web |title=Balkan Countries Join Croatia's Boycott Against Rising Prices – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency |url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/230577/Balkan+Countries+Join+Croatia's+Boycott+Against+Rising+Prices |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=www.novinite.com}}

The boycott resulted in a revenue decline of 46.59% at the eight largest supermarket chains compared to the previous Friday and 46.29% from the previous day. The Public Revenue Office reported total revenue of 114,293,367 denars on the day of the boycott, down from 212,782,151 denars on 30 January.{{Cite web |title=Revenue at eight major supermarket chains in North Macedonia nearly halved during boycott

|url=https://www.skopje.in/post/revenue-at-eight-major-supermarket-chains-in-macedonia-nearly-halved-during-boycott |access-date=1 February 2025 |website=www.skopje.in|date=February 2025 }}

Boycott calls have also appeared in Romania. A growing number of Romanians, including Călin Georgescu, the frontrunner in the now-canceled 2024 Romanian presidential election,{{Cite web |date=3 February 2025 |title=Far-right politician Călin Georgescu calls for boycott of supermarkets in Romania |url=https://www.romania-insider.com/calin-georgescu-calls-boycott-supermarkets-romania-february-2025 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Romania Insider |language=en}} and ex-prime minister Victor Ponta,{{Cite web |last=Dumitrescu |first=Irina |date=5 February 2025 |title=Guvernul le dă peste nas lui Georgescu și Ponta în scandalul boicotării supermarketurilor: "Ar însemna faliment"! |url=https://www.romaniatv.net/guvernul-le-da-peste-nas-lui-georgescu-si-ponta-in-scandalul-boicotarii-supermarketurilor-ar-insemna-faliment_8762209.html |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Romania TV |language=ro}} called on their fellow citizens to initiate a boycott on 10 February that will last until 16 February.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=FOTO VIDEO Boicotarea supermarketurilor ia amploare în Balcani: Vânzările au scăzut la jumătate/ Călin Georgescu le cere românilor 'să ia exemplu' |url=https://www.stiripesurse.ro/boicotarea-supermarketurilor-ia-amploare-in-balcani-vanzarile-au-scazut-la-jumatate-calin-georges_3570819.html |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Stiri pe surse |language=ro}} In addition to high prices, they also want supermarkets to be boycotted for not selling Romanian products, opting instead to buy local products to encourage the local economy and promote domestic food security.{{Cite web |title=Boicot alimentar în România pe 10 februarie: consumatorii susțin producătorii locali |url=https://www.glsa.ro/boicot-alimentar-in-romania-pe-10-februarie-consumatorii-sustin-producatorii-locali/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Glasul Aradului |language=ro}}{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Boicotarea supermarketurilor. România TV a mai găsit un adept |url=https://www.cotidianul.ro/boicotarea-supermarketurilor-romania-tv-a-mai-gasit-un-adept/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Cotidianul RO |language=ro-RO}} Furthermore, they desired to have Romanian prices and food quality to be more in line with that of Western Europe. The boycott will target Lidl, Kaufland, Carrefour, Mega Image, Profi, and Penny Market.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Boicotul supermarketurilor ajunge în România |url=https://www.dobrogeaexplore.ro/boicotul-supermarketurilor-ajunge-in-romania-populism-sau-revolta-justificata-%F0%9F%9B%91/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Dobrogea Explore |language=ro-RO}} The country had one of the highest inflation rates in the European Union in 2023, at 5.1%, leading to price increases for vegetables, fruits, and detergents.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2025 |title=Boicotul supermarketurilor ia amploare și în România! Scumpirile îi scot pe oameni în stradă!: Știri Pitești, Argeș |url=https://ziarobiectiv.ro/boicotul-supermarketurilor-ia-amploare-si-in-romania-scumpirile-ii-scot-pe-oameni-in-strada/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=ziarobiectiv.ro |language=ro-RO}} As of February 12, the boycott had limited success and a large number of Romanians continued shopping from supermarkets. Also, an anti-boycott movement appeared on social media, in response to the involvement of extremist parties in the boycott.{{Cite web |title=Boicot și antiboicot în Lidl, Kaufland, Auchan, Carrefour, Metro și alte supermarketuri din România. De unde a pornit mișcarea din 10 februarie și care este scopul său |url=https://www.bugetul.ro/boicot-si-antiboicot-in-lidl-kaufland-auchan-carrefour-metro-si-alte-supermarketuri-din-romania-de-unde-a-pornit-miscarea-din-10-februarie-si-care-este-scopul-sau/ |publisher=Bugetul |date=10 February 2025 |access-date=12 February 2025 |language=ro-RO}}

A boycott was initiated in Serbia on 31 January. Serbia's boycott was unique in that it occurred in the backdrop of student protests that had been ongoing in the country since November 2024, following the collapse of a train station's canopy in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024. The country has one of the highest prices in Europe, with domestic products often being cheaper in other countries.{{Cite web |title=Bojkot trgovinskih lanaca na krilima studentskih protesta – DW – 31. 1. 2025. |url=https://www.dw.com/sr/srbija-bojkot-trgovinskih-lanaca-na-krilima-studentskih-protesta/a-71465055 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=dw.com |language=sr}}{{Cite web |last=Tomić |first=Dragana |date=31 January 2025 |title=Bojkot trgovinskih lanaca u Srbiji – potrošači protiv visokih cena |url=https://rs.bloombergadria.com/biznis/kompanije/73143/bojkot-trgovinskih-lanaca-u-srbiji-potrosaci-protiv-visokih-cena/news/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Bloomberg Adria |language=sr}} In October, four retail chains; Delhaize, Mercator S, Univerexport, and {{Ill|DIS (supermarket)|lt=DIS|sr|Dis_(супермаркет)}}, were investigated by the Serbian government over allegations of price gouging. These four companies, in addition to Lidl and Danish retail chain Jysk, who allegedly increased the prices of sleeping bags, blankets and tents shortly before the students' protest on March 15, are the targets of the boycott in Serbia. The United Trade Unions of Serbia "Sloga" urged its members to join.

A Facebook page called Don't Feed Us with Waste,{{Efn|Slovak: Nekŕmte nás odpadom}} followed by over 146 thousand people, made a call on February 6 towards Slovaks, calling on them to buy nothing for a single day to express dissatisfaction over exorbitantly high food prices.{{Cite web |last=o |first=mediak, s r |date=2025-02-11 |title=Známa stránka vyzýva Slovákov na bojkot nákupu drahých potravín. Inšpirovali sa Chorvátskom, kde mala akcia úspech |url=https://www.trencinak.sk/clanky/6243/znama-stranka-vyzyva-slovakov-na-bojkot-nakupu-drahych-potravin-inspirovali-sa-chorvatskom-kde-mala-akcia-uspech |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Trenčínak.sk |language=sk}}{{Cite web |last=o |first=mediak, s r |date=2025-02-12 |title=Supermarkety reagujú na bojkot potravín, na ktorú vyzvala známa stránka. Tvrdia, že problémom nie sú ceny, ale malé mzdy |url=https://www.trencinak.sk/clanky/6294/supermarkety-reaguju-na-bojkot-potravin-na-ktoru-vyzvala-znama-stranka-tvrdia-ze-problemom-nie-su-ceny-ale-male-mzdy?utm_source=presovak.sk&utm_medium=interlink&utm_campaign=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Trenčínak.sk |language=sk}}{{Cite web |last=REFRESHER |title=BOJKOT SUPERMARKETOV NA SLOVENSKU: Iniciatívu spustila známa facebooková stránka |url=https://news.refresher.sk/176063-Slovaci-zvazuju-bojkot-supermarketov-Iniciativu-spustila-znama-facebookova-stranka |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=news.refresher.sk |language=sk}} The page called for a boycott specifically against Billa, Tesco, Lidl, Kaufland, and {{Ill|COOP Jednota|sk|COOP Jednota Slovensko}}. The Slovak Alliance of Modern Commerce{{Efn|Slovak: Slovenská aliancia moderného obchodu (SAMO)}} has criticized the initiative, pointing out that prices in Slovakia are only 82% of the EU average, as opposed to Croatia's 102%.{{Cite web |last=REFRESHER |title=Supermarkety reagujú na ich plánovaný bojkot. Známej facebookovej stránke posielajú odkaz |url=https://news.refresher.sk/176203-Supermarkety-reaguju-na-ich-planovany-bojkot-Znamej-facebookovej-stranke-posielaju-odkaz |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=news.refresher.sk |language=sk}}

Calls for a boycott in Slovenia have also commenced.{{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=Na Hrvaškem se je začel tedenski bojkot nekaterih trgovin |url=https://forbes.n1info.si/novice/na-hrvaskem-se-je-zacel-tedenski-bojkot-nekaterih-trgovin/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Forbes Slovenija |language=sl-SI}}{{Cite web |title=Bojkot trgovina širi se cijelom regijom |url=https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/2025/1/31/bojkot-trgovina-siri-se-cijelom-regijom |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Al Jazeera Balkans |language=bs}} Governmental data has shown that in the country, Slovenes pay on average 44% more than they did a decade prior. Despite having a lower increase in prices than average for the European Union, prices have still risen for food items such as olive oil (20%), butter (17%), meat (3–6%), and bread (2%). Slovenes frequently made comparisons to Italy, where prices were much lower.{{Cite web |title=Slovenija: Građani pozvani da bojkotuju supermarkete zbog visokih cijena |url=https://bhsc.trtbalkan.com/region/slovenija-gradani-pozvani-da-bojkotuju-supermarkete-zbog-visokih-cijena-18259294 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Slovenija: Građani pozvani da bojkotuju supermarkete zbog visokih cijena |language=bs}} Several small scale boycotts commenced, lasting until 9 February.{{Cite web |last=Nastoski |first=Zarko |date=29 January 2025 |title=In Slovenia, citizens are organizing too, the boycott of markets will last all week – Sloboden Pechat |url=https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/i-vo-slovenija-gragjanite-se-organiziraat-bojkotot-na-marketite-kje-trae-cela-nedela/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Слободен печат |language=en}}

During the Croatian boycotts, many Croats crossed the border into Slovenia to shop.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-27 |title=Pozivi k bojkotu trgovin tudi v Sloveniji |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/novice/slovenija/pozivi-k-bojkotu-trgovin-tudi-v-sloveniji-2714200/ |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=www.dnevnik.si |language=sl}}{{Cite web |last=Rabuza |first=Marko |date=2025-02-08 |title=Bojkot na Hrvaškem popušča. Po nakupih v Slovenijo tudi organizirano |url=https://forbes.n1info.si/novice/bojkot-na-hrvaskem-popusca-po-nakupih-v-slovenijo-tudi-organizirano/ |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=Forbes Slovenija |language=sl-SI}}

A week-long boycott of Sweden's largest grocery store chains—ICA, Hemköp, Coop, {{ill|Willys (store)|sv|Willys|lt=Willys}}, {{ill|City Gross|sv}} and Lidl—started on 17 March.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/alexander-noren-bojkotten-kommer-inte-forandra-matpriserna|title=Alexander Norén: Att bojkotta matjättarna kommer inte förändra priserna|date=17 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Fredrik|last=Tano|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=17 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/sverige/kedjornas-svar-pa--stora-matbojkotten/|title=Kedjornas svar på stora matbojkotten|date=15 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Filip|last=Bolmgren|work=Expressen|access-date=17 March 2025}} The initiative started after Annika Morina, a woman from Knivsta, questioned why the boycotts in Southeast Europe were not also happening in Sweden; she made a post on TikTok urging others to boycott during the week and the video went viral.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/W02XKQ/bojkott-mot-matbutikerna-de-ska-inte-handla-under-vecka-12|title=Annika, 47, leder bojkott mot matjättarna: "Är fan inte okej"|date=4 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Jonathan|last=Norberg|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=17 March 2025}} In response to the boycott, the Swedish government announced plans to hold talks with major food producers and stakeholders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250313-sweden-to-hold-talks-on-countering-soaring-food-costs|title=Sweden to hold talks on countering soaring food costs|date=13 March 2025|author=Agence France-Presse|publisher=France 24|access-date=17 March 2025}} Among party leaders, Nooshi Dadgostar of the Left Party said she was planning on boycotting ICA, while Ulf Kristersson, prime minister of Sweden, said he would not boycott any Swedish businesses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/VzBpMp/matbojkotten-startar-sa-tanker-partiledarna|title=Matbojkotten startar – så tänker partiledarna|date=15 March 2025|lang=sv|first1=Beri|last1=Zangana|first2=Olivia|last2=Birgander|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=17 March 2025}}

The boycotts were widely popular across the several countries. One poll showed 84% of Slovenes supporting a boycott, with 78% intending to participate.{{Cite web |title=Razkrivamo: Bodo tudi Pomurci bojkotirali trgovine po Sloveniji? |url=https://sobotainfo.com/novica/lokalno/razkrivamo-bodo-tudi-pomurci-bojkotirali-trgovine-po-sloveniji/271931 |access-date=5 February 2025 |website=Sobotainfo.com |language=sl}} A boycott was supported by 90% of Bosnian-Herzegovinians,{{Cite web |last=Ангеловска |first=Валентина |date=30 January 2025 |title=Повеќе од 90 отсто од Босанците се за бојкот на трговијата, политичарите ги поддржуваат! |url=https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/povekje-od-90-otsto-od-bosancite-se-za-bojkot-na-trgovijata-politicharite-gi-poddrzhuvaat/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Слободен печат |language=mk-MK}} while 89.5% of Croats stated that they would participate in their own boycott.{{Cite web |title=Počeo je bojkot trgovina: Građani iskazali enormnu podršku |url=https://www.tportal.hr/biznis/clanak/poceo-je-bojkot-trgovina-gradani-iskazali-enormnu-podrsku-20250130 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=tportal.hr|language=hr}} A similar sentiment was echoed from Macedonians.{{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=Внимание: Не растат платите туку цените – следува бојкот! |url=https://trn.mk/vnimanie-gra%D1%93anite-%D1%9Ce-bo%D1%98kotiraat-marketi-zashto-ne-rastat-platite-tuku-czenite/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Trn.mk |language=mk}} Many national politicians supported the measures.{{Cite web |title=Most i Možemo podržavaju bojkot trgovina |url=https://vijesti.hrt.hr/hrvatska/most-podrzava-bojkot-trgovina-i-budenje-gradana-rh-11969664 |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Hrvatska radiotelevizija |language=hr}} Governments in the region have also begun talks with consumer organizations and retailers to tackle the issue.

In Croatia, the government did not condemn the boycotts and on 30 January announced a price freeze on 70 consumer goods in response. The boycotts were endorsed by several Croatian parties, such as the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, Možemo, Most, and the Homeland Movement.{{Cite web |title=Inflacija čerupa građane: Počeo bojkot trgovina, a što radi Vlada? |url=https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/zbog-visokih-cijena-za-petak-najavljen-bojkot-trgovina---892674.html |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Dnevnik.hr |language=hr}} The latter's Ante Šušnjar, the national minister of the economy, also endorsed it.{{Cite web |date=24 January 2025 |title=Ministar Šušnjar u potpunoj ekstazi zbog bojkota. 'Evo, sad će se tržište samo izregulirati' |trans-title=Minister Šušnjar is in complete ecstasy because of the boycott. "Here, now the market will regulate itself" |url=https://www.telegram.hr/politika-kriminal/ministar-susnjar-u-potpunoj-ekstazi-zbog-bojkota-evo-sad-ce-se-trziste-samo-izregulirati/ |website=telegram.hr |publisher=Telegram |language=hr}} The supermarket chains Kaufland and Konzum announced that they were implementing price caps on 1,000 and 250 products respectively.{{Cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2025/01/31/consumers-across-the-balkans-boycott-supermarkets-to-protest-against-rising-prices |title=Consumers across the Balkans boycott supermarkets to protest against rising prices |last=Nilsson-Julien |first= Estelle |date=31 January 2025 |access-date=1 February 2025 |website=Euronews}}

In North Macedonia, the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party endorsed the boycotts. The main opposition party, SDSM, also supported them, but blamed the current government and administration of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski for ignoring the opposition's plans to counter the price surges while managing the issue with "fake baskets".{{Cite web|first1=Vuk|last1=Tesija|first2=Katarina|last2=Baletic|first3=Azem|last3=Kurtic|first4=Borislav|last4=Visnjic|first5=Sinisa Jakov|last5=Marusic|date=31 January 2025 |title=Western Balkan Consumers Join Boycott of Retailers in Protest Over Prices |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2025/01/31/western-balkan-consumers-join-boycott-of-retailers-in-protest-over-prices/ |access-date=1 February 2025 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}

The Montenegrin prime minister, Milojko Spajić, supported the boycotts, with his vice minister of the economy, Nik Đeljošaj, asking the protestors to not include domestic workers. The Chamber of Commerce, whose members are owners of retail chains, and the Montenegrin Consumer Association opposed the measure.

In Bulgaria, the Plovdiv branch of the Bulgarian Socialist Party was the first party to endorse the boycott.{{Cite web |last=Грозданова |first=Таня |date=5 February 2025 |title=Обявиха Ден за бойкот на търговските вериги в България |url=https://podtepeto.com/aktualno/obyaviha-den-za-bojkot-na-targovskite-verigi-v-balgariya/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Под Тепето – Новини Пловдив |language=bg-BG}} Delyan Peevski, the leader of DPS – A New Beginning, announced that his party would introduce a law aimed at controlling prices in response to the boycott.{{Cite web |last=каза |first=Дидо |title=Бойкот на магазините и в България на 13 февруари заради спекулативните цени |url=https://www.mignews.info/bojkot-na-magazinite-i-v-balgariya-na-13-fevruari-zaradi-spekulativnite-tseni/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=МИГNews |language=bg-BG}}

In Romania, Florin-Ionuț Barbu, the minister of agriculture, opposed the boycotts, citing how 70% of food products on Romanian shelves are locally made, stating that it would lead to the death of Romanian food processing.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Ministrul Agriculturii spune NU boicotării supermarketurilor: Ar falimenta procesatorii români |trans-title=The Minister of Agriculture says NO to the boycott of supermarkets: It would bankrupt Romanian processors |url=https://www.realitatea.net/stiri/actual/ministrul-agriculturii-spune-nu-boicotarii-supermarketurilor-ar-falimenta-procesatorii-romani_67a25b439ef60d3944503902 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Realitatea.net |language=ro}} Ex-prime minister Florin Cîțu called for Romanians to boycott the state, not the retailers "where millions of Romanians work who pay the same taxes as us and are subject to the same communist regulations."{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Florin Cîțu ridică miza boicotului din România: 'Înfometați bestia: boicotați statul!' |url=https://www.stiripesurse.ro/florin-citu-ridica-miza-boicotului-din-romania-infometati-bestia-boicotati-statul_3570959.html |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Stiri pe surse |language=ro}}

• {{Annotated link|Consumer activism}}
• {{Annotated link|Economic activism}} – Another type of consumer behavior
• {{Annotated link|1902 kosher meat boycott}}
• {{Annotated link|1973 meat boycott}}
• {{Annotated link|Cottage cheese boycott}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Southeast Europe retail boycotts}}

Category:2025 in Albania

Category:2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Category:2025 in Bulgaria

Category:2025 in Hungary

Category:2025 in Kosovo

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Category:2025 in Romania

Category:2025 in Serbia

Category:2025 in Slovenia

Category:2025 protests

2025

Category:January 2025 in Croatia

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Category:Retailing in Europe