The panel discussion explored the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Western Balkans, focusing on the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. Daniel Braun, Head of Office of KAS in North Macedonia and Kosovo, opened the session that was moderated by Dr. Adelina Hasani who is the Senior Researcher at the Kosovo Center for Security Studies (KCSS).
During this Panel, President of ESTIMA Dr. Ana Krstinovska, offered insights into China’s global ambitions, emphasizing the countries focus on securing and advancing its economic interests. Krstinovska pointed out how China has leveraged its economic partnerships to foster dependencies and establish itself as a credible alternative to Western powers by frequently using hybrid strategies to expand its influence.
The Program Director at the BFPE Foundation, Stefan Vladisavlej talked about China´s increasing economic influence on Serbia. According to him, by 2022 the Chinese investments in Serbia matched those of the EU27, and by mid-2023, Serbia's debt to China had risen to 2.7 billion Euros.
In terms of the influence of Russia in the Western Balkans, Executive Director at the Center for Security Studies, Viktoriia Voronina focused on the strategic interest of Russia in the region. She pointed out that Moscow is creating instability through cultural organizations with the intention of disguising disinformation efforts. The researcher Jeta Loshaj has pointed out that there are different opinions concerning Russia´s influence on the region. Some consider Russia’s as overestimated while others think its underestimated. However, in her opinion both perspectives reflect on the complexity of Russia´s deep-rooted ties to the Balkans.