Abstract
Abstract Southeastern Europe is undergoing rapid demographic ageing driven by declining fertility, increasing life expectancy, and sustained emigration of younger cohorts. These processes are unfolding in societies still shaped by postsocialist transitions, economic restructuring, and political instability, creating distinctive social and policy challenges. This editorial introduces a thematic issue that examines ageing in Southeastern Europe through demographic, economic, social policy, health, and cultural perspectives. The contributions highlight widening inequalities among older adults by gender, education, territory, and health status, as well as the strain placed on pension systems, labour markets, healthcare, and long-term care arrangements. Particular attention is paid to migration-driven population loss, weak institutional capacity, and uneven policy implementation across the region. By combining comparative insights and innovative analytical approaches, including National Transfer Accounts, the issue advances understanding of ageing in resource-constrained contexts and identifies pathways toward more inclusive, sustainable, and dignity-oriented ageing policies.