# European blood supply and transfusion developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-blood-supply-and-transfusion-developments > Updated: 2026-09-14T03:09:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. European regions are experiencing varying challenges and advancements regarding blood supply and transfusion technology. In the Lazio region of Italy, a structural shortage of red blood cells has emerged. The National Blood Center reported that production in July fell by 8.5 percent compared to the previous year, even as transfusion demand increased. This shortage, which also affects Campania and Sicily, has been worsened by heatwaves affecting donor availability. Authorities have organized extraordinary blood drives to support surgical, oncological, and emergency medical needs. In Romania, the Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center has introduced a national first: a leukocyte-depleted platelet pool created through automated processing. This technology aims to improve treatment for patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy or organ transplants by reducing the risk of HLA alloimmunization. However, other areas like Covasna County continue to face critical shortages, prompting mobile collection campaigns to replenish stocks for emergency and surgical use. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Romania advances blood transfusion technology amid regional supply shortages Romania sees medical advancements with Bucharest's new leukocyte-depleted platelet pools, while Covasna authorities launch mobile blood drives to combat critical supply shortages. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-advances-blood-transfusion-technology-amid-regional-supply-shortages ### 2026-09-11: Lazio faces blood shortage as red blood cell production drops Lazio is facing a structural blood shortage as red blood cell production dropped 8.5 percent in July. Authorities are calling for urgent donations to support surgeries and emergency medical services. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lazio-faces-blood-shortage-as-red-blood-cell-production-drops --- Cite as: European blood supply and transfusion developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-blood-supply-and-transfusion-developments