On May 28, the Center for the Study of Democracy co-hosted a riveting policy panel in Skopje, North Macedonia, to address the growing influence of Russia and China in the Western Balkans. The event brought together experts and policymakers to shed light on the strategic maneuvers employed by Moscow and Beijing in the region.
Ruslan Stefanov, presented key findings from CSD's latest research, revealing how Russia and China are using illicit financial flows to bolster their state and media capture operations in the Balkans. This covert financial influence aims to destabilize the region's democratic institutions and processes. Prof. Ruth Ferrero from the University of Madrid, emphasized the urgency for the European Union to revamp its engagement strategy with the Western Balkans. She advocated for a balanced and nuanced approach that prioritizes the promotion of democratic principles, the rule of law, and robust democratic institutions alongside security concerns. Sokol Zeneli from the Kosovo Regional Action Lab expressed the widespread frustration within the region over the sluggish pace of EU integration. This sentiment underscores the need for more decisive action from the EU to support the Balkan nations' aspirations. Adding to the discussion, Norway’s Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Ambassador Haakon Blankenborg, warned of the risks posed by authoritarian powers. He highlighted that these regimes often sway political processes in the region with promises of a brighter future, bypassing necessary reforms that ensure the rule of law. CSD's Goran Georgiev underscored the critical importance of countering information manipulation in the region. He stressed that strengthening public support for anti-corruption reforms is vital to fortifying democratic governance in the Balkans.
Speakers at the panel agreed that the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Western Balkans necessitate urgent and coordinated international efforts to safeguard democratic integrity and promote sustainable development in the region.
