With the background of the ongoing global economic crisis, the European leaders convoked an emergency meeting for March, in order to discuss the increase of social riots in several EU states. Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Greece and Iceland already had to deal with more or less violent demonstration, as the unemployment rate increases throughout Europe and governments drastically reduce their expenses.

These problems will be approached during the summit in March, along with the cutting of social programs.

Lithuania faces violent protests caused by the austerity measures it adopted, while a high risk of political instability and of similar riots is increasing throughout the Balkans.