# Air quality degradation in the Balkan region

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/air-quality-degradation-in-the-balkan-region
> Updated: 2026-09-09T06:07:44.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Air quality concerns have emerged across several Balkan regions due to elevated particulate matter levels. Initially, reports focused on Podgorica, Montenegro, and Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. In Podgorica, officials attributed smoke and odors to surrounding wildfires, alongside vehicle emissions and domestic heating. In Split-Dalmatia, increased concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were partly linked to Saharan dust, with levels exceeding EU annual limits.

By early September, air quality reached “unhealthy” levels in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Sarajevo recorded an Air Quality Index of 158, driven by high PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. In Dubrovnik, high levels of PM2.5 and ground-level ozone were reported. In both locations, health officials issued warnings for vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activity to avoid respiratory, cardiovascular, and other health complications.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Air quality reaches unhealthy levels in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik

Air quality has reached unhealthy levels in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik, with high particle concentrations prompting health warnings for vulnerable groups.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-quality-reaches-unhealthy-levels-in-sarajevo-and-dubrovnik

### 2026-09-04: Air quality concerns reported in Podgorica and Split-Dalmatia

Elevated particulate matter levels have been reported in Podgorica, Montenegro, due to fires, and in Split-Dalmatia, Croatia, linked to Saharan dust, prompting health advisories for vulnerable groups.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-quality-concerns-reported-in-podgorica-and-split-dalmatia

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Cite as: Air quality degradation in the Balkan region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/air-quality-degradation-in-the-balkan-region