# Blood shortages and donor drives persist across Balkans/EU

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/world-red-cross-day-humanitarian-activities
> Updated: 2026-08-14T16:28:00.000Z. Sources: 235. Developments: 55.

Blood donor shortages and supply concerns remain a persistent issue across Europe and the Balkans, exacerbated by summer heat and tourism. In the Balkans, Serbia’s Institute for Transfusion of Blood has warned of critical minimums, particularly for A-positive, O-positive, and all negative groups. Regional efforts to combat these shortages include a large-scale voluntary drive in Čačak, Serbia, held during the Guča Trumpet Festival. This event, organized by the FRA Voluntary Blood Donors Association and the Red Cross, drew participants from across Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Natasha Cvijović, secretary of the Red Cross Čačak, noted that such solidarity ensures medical support is available even across different regions or neighboring countries. In Croatia, the Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine has reported decreased stocks for blood groups O+, O-, and B-, prompting local organizations like the Red Cross in Vinkovci to organize replenishment drives. The Czech Republic is facing an escalating crisis. While the Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Prague previously reported that stocks for groups A and O dropped to approximately ten percent of required levels, the Czech Ministry of Health has now issued an urgent appeal to both regular and new donors. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch stated the shortage is driven by a seasonal decrease in donors due to vacations, occurring alongside increased demand from summer accidents, surgeries, and births. Beyond general supplies, the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague is reporting a severe shortage of blood platelets across all blood groups. Critical levels have been noted at major facilities, including the University Hospital in Ostrava. Other regional concerns include rising demand in Bulgaria's Plovdiv and localized drives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

## Claims

- 42 doses of blood were collected in Ljubuški. (single source)
- The Ljubuški event was the fifth blood‑donation drive in 2026 in Ljubuški and the 31st in the West Herzegovina Canton. (single source)
- DDK “Piva” held its 20th blood‑donation drive in Plužine on 30 July 2026. (single source)
- Blood supplies at Montenegro’s National Institute for Blood Transfusion are at a minimum. (single source)
- Members of the school ship “Jadran” donated blood in Tivat on 29 July 2026. (single source)
- The Tivat blood‑donation drive was organised by the Tivat municipality, the local Red Cross, and the Transfusion Institute of Montenegro (Kotor department). (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Czech Ministry of Health issues urgent appeal for blood donations

The Czech Ministry of Health is calling for urgent blood donations as summer travel leads to critical supply shortages in hospitals, including Prague and Ostrava.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-ministry-of-health-issues-urgent-appeal-for-blood-donations

### 2026-08-12: Blood shortages reported in Croatia and the Czech Republic

Blood transfusion centers in Croatia and the Czech Republic are reporting critical shortages of several blood groups, driven by seasonal declines in donations during the summer months.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-shortages-reported-in-croatia-and-the-czech-republic

### 2026-08-08: Čačak hosts regional voluntary blood donation drive

A major voluntary blood donation drive took place in Čačak, involving donors from Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark the 60th anniversary of the FRA Association.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-holds-blood-donation-drives-amid-low-reserves

### 2026-07-31: Serbia faces critical blood shortage, Institute urges donors

Serbia's Institute for Transfusion reports blood reserves at a critical minimum, especially A+, O+ and negative groups, and urges healthy adults to donate 300 units daily amid high temperatures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-faces-critical-blood-shortage-institute-urges-donors

### 2026-07-29: Blood donation drives in Bosnia and Montenegro collect dozens of units

Blood donation drives in Ljubuški (42 doses), Plužine (20th anniversary drive) and Tivat (school ship crew) gathered volunteers amid low national supplies.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-in-bosnia-and-montenegro-collect-dozens-of-units

### 2026-07-24: Kragujevac collects 70 units of blood in large summer drive

Kragujevac’s Red Cross and university blood bank collected 70 units of blood in a summer drive, sustaining supplies and earning the city a humanitarian award.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kragujevac-collects-70-units-of-blood-in-large-summer-drive

### 2026-07-21: Mass blood donation drives attract hundreds in Otočac and Kragujevac

Community blood‑donation drives in Otočac, Croatia (125 participants, 122 donors) and Kragujevac, Serbia (summer campaign) saw strong local support, reinforcing regional blood supplies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mass-blood-donation-drives-attract-hundreds-in-otoac-and-kragujevac

### 2026-07-19: Blood donation drives urged in Croatia and Serbia as summer demand rises

Croatia warns summer tourism could strain blood supplies and calls for donors, while Serbia publishes new donation site schedules to boost volunteer blood collection.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-urged-in-croatia-and-serbia-as-summer-demand-rises

### 2026-07-17: Croatian Red Cross runs blood donation drives in Zagreb’s Sesvete and on Krk island

The Croatian Red Cross held blood donation drives in Zagreb’s Sesvete (July 21, 2026) and on Krk, drawing 110 participants and 99 donors, highlighting health checks and donor benefits.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-red-cross-runs-blood-donation-drives-in-zagrebs-sesvete-and-on-krk-island

### 2026-07-15: Romania's debt rises above 60% of GDP as BCR launches 1 bn‑lei bond

Romania's public debt tops 60% of GDP as BCR issues a 1 bn‑lei bond, officials warn of needed tax hikes, external debt hits €231 bn, and the stock market sees record activity.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bcr-issues-over-1-billion-lei-bond-on-bucharest-stock-exchange

### 2026-07-14: Blood donation drives in Bosnia and Croatia see record turnouts

Blood donation drives in Tihaljina, Bosnia and Krk, Croatia recorded high turnouts in July 2026, collecting 28 and 99 doses respectively, pushing the West Herzegovina County total over 1,000 units.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-in-bosnia-and-croatia-see-record-turnouts

### 2026-07-11: Serbian blood donation drive held in six Belgrade churches

Serbia's Institute for Transfusion and the Serbian Orthodox Church held a blood‑donation drive today in six Belgrade churches, urging healthy adults to donate and featuring Patriarch Porfirije's participation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-blood-donation-drive-held-in-six-belgrade-churches

### 2026-07-10: Romanian 10‑year bond yields dip to 6.7% as markets assess rating risk

Romania’s 10‑year bond yield fell to ~6.7% amid political turmoil, with analysts expecting a stable sovereign rating and no junk downgrade risk.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanias-10year-government-bond-yields-slip-to-around-67

### 2026-07-07: Posušje blood drive gathers 48 donations

A Posušje blood drive on 7 July 2026 collected 48 units, led by Red Cross President Branko Leko, who set a local record, and honoured donor Natalija Zlopaši. Another drive is planned for 14 July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/posuje-blood-drive-gathers-48-donations

### 2026-07-07: Red Cross runs blood donation drive in Krk and supports nursing home in Bijelo Polje

Red Cross held a blood drive in Krk and gave hygiene supplies to a nursing home in Bijelo Polje, supporting local health and elderly care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-cross-runs-blood-donation-drive-in-krk-and-supports-nursing-home-in-bijelo-polje

### 2026-07-06: Romania launches new Tezaur bond issue with up to 7.15% annual interest

Romania’s Finance Ministry opened a new Tezaur bond issue (1‑5‑year maturities) with 6.25‑7.15% tax‑free interest, subscription 6 July‑7 August 2026, funds to cover deficit and debt.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-launches-new-tezaur-government-bond-issue-with-up-to-715-interest

### 2026-07-03: Romania's Finance Ministry launches seventh Fidelis bond edition with up to 7.55% tax‑free yield

Romania’s Finance Ministry opened the seventh Fidelis bond offering (July 3‑10 2026), with tax‑free yields up to 7.55% for lei and 6.20% for euro, attracting over 7.7 bn lei in subscriptions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanias-finance-ministry-launches-seventh-fidelis-bond-edition-with-up-to-755-taxfree-yield

### 2026-07-01: Plovdiv Blood Centre faces summer shortfall as donors drop

Summer raises Bulgaria’s blood demand by up to 25 % while donor numbers fall; Plovdiv’s centre urges 18‑65‑year‑olds to give now, following health ministry safety tips.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plovdiv-blood-centre-faces-summer-shortfall-as-donors-drop

### 2026-07-01: Romanian Finance Ministry rolls out Fidelis bond edition with up to 7.55% interest

Romania's Finance Ministry launches the seventh Fidelis bond edition (July 3‑10 2026) offering up to 7.55% tax‑free yields on lei bonds, 6.20% on euro, and a 7.30% tranche for blood donors with a lowered 500‑le

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-finance-ministry-rolls-out-fidelis-bond-edition-with-up-to-755-interest

### 2026-06-29: Blood donation drives organized in Croatia and Serbia

Police‑run blood‑donation drive in Mravince, Croatia on 1 July 2026 and a national Serbian drive in Belgrade on 2 July 2026 aim to boost supplies needed for hospitals during the tourist season.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-organized-in-croatia-and-serbia

### 2026-06-29: Petronà blood donor rally draws large crowds

Petronà’s seventh Avis blood donor rally on 28 June 2026 attracted many participants, highlighted community solidarity and promoted blood donation to support Italy’s transfusion needs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petron-blood-donor-rally-draws-large-crowds

### 2026-06-26: Romania's Finance Ministry lists June Fidelis bonds on Bucharest Stock Exchange

Romania's Finance Ministry listed June Fidelis bonds on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, raising about 940 million lei, with the two‑year lei tranche most subscribed; interest and gains are tax‑free.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanias-finance-ministry-lists-june-fidelis-bonds-on-bucharest-stock-exchange

### 2026-06-19: Greek brand VIKOS backs voluntary blood donation campaign

VIKOS mineral water reinforces Greece's voluntary blood donation, marking World Volunteer Blood Donor Day with 47 drives since 2010 and over 1,300 blood bottles collected.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-brand-vikos-backs-voluntary-blood-donation-campaign

### 2026-06-19: World Blood Donor Day drives honor donors in India and the Bahamas

World Blood Donor Day events in India and the Bahamas honoured donors and urged regular blood donations to meet critical medical needs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-blood-donor-day-drives-honor-donors-in-india-and-the-bahamas

### 2026-06-18: Allwyn Care conducts large‑scale blood and bone‑marrow donor drive in Piraeus, Greece

Allwyn Care held a large blood‑donation and bone‑marrow donor registration event in Piraeus on 16 June, partnering with Bloode, Choose Life and local health and municipal bodies, and will expand the programme全国

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allwyn-care-conducts-largescale-blood-and-bonemarrow-donor-drive-in-piraeus-greece

### 2026-06-18: Bahamas and India Celebrate World Blood Donor Day 2026

The Bahamas and India held World Blood Donor Day 2026 events with blood drives, donor recognitions and awareness programmes, highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahamas-and-india-celebrate-world-blood-donor-day-2026

### 2026-06-17: Blood donor festivals held in Ravenna and San Nicolò, Italy

Ravenna celebrated World Blood Donor Day on 14 June with awards for high‑volume donors, while Avis San Nicolò hosted a four‑day donor festival with music and food from 26‑29 June.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donor-festivals-held-in-ravenna-and-san-nicol-italy

### 2026-06-16: Poland honours blood donors with ministerial medals

Over 160 Polish blood donors, including soldiers of the 3rd Podkarpacka Territorial Defence Brigade, received the ‘Honorowy Dawca Krwi – Zasłużony dla Zdrowia Narodu’ medal from the Health Minister; the region

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-honours-blood-donors-with-ministerial-medals

### 2026-06-15: Bosnian football clubs back blood donation drive and raise concerns over sponsorship exclusion

Zrinjski Mostar supported a World Blood Donor Day drive, while HNK Tomislav protested being left out of Elektroprivreda HZ HB’s sponsorship, citing uneven fund allocation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnian-football-clubs-back-blood-donation-drive-and-raise-concerns-over-sponsorship-exclusion

### 2026-06-15: Blood donation drives start in Croatia and Serbia

Croatia and Serbia kick off blood‑donation drives in June, with Croatia marking World Blood Donor Day and Serbia running a summer campaign until August to address low blood‑group reserves.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-start-in-croatia-and-serbia

### 2026-06-15: Romania launches June 2026 Fidelis state bond offering with blood‑donor incentives

Romania's Finance Ministry will issue eight Fidelis bonds (four euro, four lei) from 15‑22 June 2026, with two series for blood donors; prior offers raised 68.7 bn lei and earnings are tax‑free.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-launches-june-2026-fidelis-state-bond-offering-with-blooddonor-incentives

### 2026-06-14: Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges voluntary blood donation on World Blood Donor Day

Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Anambra Governor’s wife Nonye Soludo called for regular voluntary blood donation on World Blood Donor Day, urging especially youth to ensure a safe, reliable blood supply

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-first-ladies-promote-voluntary-blood-donation-on-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-14: Poland Celebrates World Blood Donor Day, Honoring Volunteers

Poland honored World Blood Donor Day, highlighting Warsaw Police donors and the Polish Red Cross's gratitude to volunteers, urging more people to donate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-celebrates-world-blood-donor-day-honoring-volunteers

### 2026-06-14: Greece observes World Blood Donor Day, urging more volunteer donors

Greece marked World Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2026, with officials in Larissa and Edessa urging more volunteers, noting blood’s irreplaceable role in patient care.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-observes-world-blood-donor-day-urging-more-volunteer-donors

### 2026-06-14: Italian towns host World Blood Donor Day celebrations

Italian cities host World Blood Donor Day events in June 2026, with ceremonies, sports activities and campaigns urging donations to address regional blood shortages.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drive-in-calangianis-sardinia-highlights-shortage

### 2026-06-13: Romania lights Parliament façade red for World Blood Donor Day

Romania illuminated its Parliament building in red on 14 June to mark World Blood Donor Day and promote voluntary blood donation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-lights-parliament-faade-red-for-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-13: Polish Honorary Blood Donors Receive State Awards in Kielce

55 honorary blood donors received state awards in Kielce, praised for their contributions amid Poland’s ageing society’s rising blood demand.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-honorary-blood-donors-receive-state-awards-in-kielce

### 2026-06-13: Hungary emphasizes blood donation on World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day on June 14 underscores Hungary's need for 400,000 annual donations and calls for transparency amid trust concerns over the blood system.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-emphasizes-blood-donation-on-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-13: World Blood Donor Day Spurs Global Donation Drives and Calls to Address Blood Shortages

World Blood Donor Day on June 14 highlighted that one donation can save up to three lives and prompted campaigns across Argentina, Brazil, India, Europe and Africa urging regular voluntary donations to meet the

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-blood-donor-day-emphasizes-safe-blood-and-voluntary-donation

### 2026-06-13: World Blood Donor Day spurs nationwide Italian donation drives

World Blood Donor Day on 14 June drives Italian donation events, highlights health checks for donors, and underscores global blood‑supply inequalities.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-world-blood-donor-day-campaign-highlights-free-health-checks-for-donors

### 2026-06-13: World Blood Donor Day Marked with Events in Serbia, Croatia and Czech Republic

World Blood Donor Day on June 14 saw events in Serbia, Croatia and the Czech Republic, with donor recognitions, appeals for new donors and red‑lit landmarks highlighting the need for more blood donors.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-red-cross-marks-world-blood-donor-day-with-nationwide-campaigns

### 2026-06-12: World Blood Donor Day prompts calls for more donors in Niger and Tunisia

World Blood Donor Day sees Niger’s health minister urging regular voluntary donations as coverage reaches 65%, while Tunisia’s blood centre seeks 40,000 extra donations to close a shortfall of up to 50,000 unit

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-blood-donor-day-prompts-calls-for-more-donors-in-niger-and-tunisia

### 2026-06-12: Poland marks World Blood Donor Day with ceremonies and donor appeals

Poland observes World Blood Donor Day on June 14, holding ceremonies in Kutno and Wąbrzeźno, honoring donors and urging blood collection as summer shortages loom; one donation can save three lives.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-towns-honor-blood-donors-on-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-12: Blood donation drives in Serbia and Bosnia mark World Blood Donor Day

Serbia’s Red Cross honored repeat blood donors on World Blood Donor Day, while Bosnia’s Fokus Zenica and Red Cross launched a three‑day donation drive to support hospitals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-drives-in-serbia-and-bosnia-mark-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-12: Cluj County Council Illumines Landmarks for World Blood Donor Day

On World Blood Donor Day (June 14), Cluj County Council lit its headquarters and Cluj Arena red, urging locals to donate blood at the city’s transfusion centre under the 2026 theme “A drop of humanity.”

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cluj-county-council-illumines-landmarks-for-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-12: Czech blood services add donor incentives and tackle shortfall amid summer demand

In the Czech Republic, AGEL Transfusion Service celebrated World Blood Donor Day with gifts and health checks in Bruntál and Šumperk to boost supplies, while Liberec hospital reports a donor shortfall of 50‑100

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-blood-services-add-donor-incentives-and-tackle-shortfall-amid-summer-demand

### 2026-06-12: Greece commemorates World Blood Donor Day with nationwide donation drives

Greece observed World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, holding hospital and church drives to encourage regular donations and stress the importance of a steady blood supply.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-commemorates-world-blood-donor-day-with-nationwide-donation-drives

### 2026-06-11: India directs government offices to observe World Blood Donor Day

India’s government ordered ministries and offices to observe World Blood Donor Day on June 14, launching campaigns to combat a blood shortage that claims thousands of lives each day.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-directs-government-offices-to-observe-world-blood-donor-day

### 2026-06-11: Italy observes World Blood Donor Day with nationwide events and plasma drive

Italy marked World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 2026 with AV IS‑led events, increased donor numbers, plasma drives and regional pushes for blood‑product autosufficiency.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-highlights-blood-donation-on-world-donor-day

### 2026-06-11: Italian Ministry of Health launches blood donation campaign and Modena volunteer event

Italy's Ministry of Health unveiled a blood donation campaign with volleyball star Andrea Lucchetta, thanked 1.66 million donors and announced a free volunteer concert in Modena on June 13 for World Blood Donor

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-ministry-of-health-launches-blood-donation-campaign-and-modena-volunteer-event

### 2026-06-11: World Blood Donor Day drives campaigns in Serbia and Croatia

World Blood Donor Day on June 14 prompts blood‑donation drives in Belgrade and Zagreb, urging citizens to help supply lifesaving blood.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-blood-donor-day-drives-campaigns-in-serbia-and-croatia

### 2026-06-10: Italy marks World Blood Donor Day with local celebrations

Italian cities held walks, concerts, mobile units, bread campaigns and a cherry festival on 14 June 2026 to celebrate World Blood Donor Day and promote blood and plasma donations.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aosta-and-saronno-host-blooddonor-awareness-events-in-italy

### 2026-06-09: Polish cities Wrocław and Szańcz gather over 30 L of blood in voluntary drives

Wrocław and Szańcz held voluntary blood‑donation drives on 9 and 7 June 2026, collecting 13.5 L and nearly 16 L respectively, supporting local hospitals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-cities-wrocaw-and-szacz-gather-over-30-l-of-blood-in-voluntary-drives

### 2026-06-05: Italian cities Siracusa and Modena celebrate World Blood Donor Day with youth‑focused events

Siracusa and Modena hosted youth‑focused events on 13 June to mark World Blood Donor Day, honoring new donors, featuring live music, testimonies and school outreach in Italy.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-cities-siracusa-and-modena-celebrate-world-blood-donor-day-with-youthfocused-events

### 2026-06-03: Croatian cities host blood donation drives for World Blood Donor Day

Rijeka and Pula held community blood‑donation drives around World Blood Donor Day, collecting 84 and 21 units respectively, with karate champion Ema Sgardelli urging donations in Rijeka.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-cities-host-blood-donation-drives-for-world-blood-donor-day

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Cite as: Blood shortages and donor drives persist across Balkans/EU. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/world-red-cross-day-humanitarian-activities