section_path: Abstract
section_name: Abstract
paragraph_text: A series of boycotts have been held against retail stores in Southeast and Eastern Europe since late January 2025. The boycotts started in Croatia on 24 January in reaction to rising retail prices across the country. Boycotts in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Hungary, and Greece have been launched. Meanwhile, calls or plans for boycotts are occurring in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
  
  Main chains have been accused of engaging in price fixing. Apart from the potential violation of competition laws, the boycotts came amidst soaring food prices and cost of living throughout the region and are caused by various economic factors. The boycotts have received widespread public support.