Russia’s Influence in the Western Balkans Through the Kosovo-Serbia Open Dispute

The article from Donika Emini examines how the prolonged EU membership process for the Western Balkan and enlargement fatigue provided the opportunity for Russia to strengthen its position in the region, undermining EU and NATO roles. While Russian economic investment cannot compete with EU investments and funds dedicated to the region, Russian propaganda media outlets in some countries (for instance, Serbia) portray the EU as weak, inefficient and politically unable to deliver in the Western Balkans. This propaganda campaign has been highly effective due to the EU’s inability to be more vocal in its promotion of assistance provided to the Western Balkans.