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Russian propaganda, Serbia threat to democracy in Balkans

2022-04-22 20:19:00Fokus SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Russian propaganda, Serbia threat to democracy in Balkans

Security experts estimate that Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are the most sensitive points in the Western Balkans, while saying Serbia continues to be Russia's main ally in the region.

According to them, misinformation is one of the main tools the Kremlin uses to destabilize the region, aiming to undermine democracies, the European Union and NATO.

Voice of America reports that Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for the Protection of Democracies says the main weapon to combat Russia's expansion of influence in the Balkans is the continued exposing of Moscow's propaganda.

"The only way to win the information war is by being very engaged and exposing the lies that are distributed throughout the Balkans. Days ago Serbia accused the UK of sending weapons to Kosovo. This spread rapidly in the region. A day later Britain lied to the news. The European Union, the United States and Britain must react after any fake news in the Balkans," says Ms Stradner.

She made these comments during a discussion organized by the Harriman Institute of Columbia University, where panellists analyzed Russian influence in the Western Balkans by taking the example of Ukraine.

They estimated that the war in Ukraine has influenced the addition of the European Union's attention to the Western Balkans. But journalist Una Iight says there has recently been a fading of concrete steps to improve the situation on the ground.

She cited the three successive incidents in serb-majority northern Kosovo, where she was shot in the direction of members of the Kosovo Police.

"Although we know that the concerns expressed by the European Union, usually through messages in Titter have no effect on the ground, at least we know they are informed about these events. EU officials have a limited vision, which has now shrunk even more," she says.

Belgrade is facing added tables from the west to harmonise its foreign policy with that of the West.

Serbia supported the United Nations resolution condemning the Russian attack in Ukraine, but continues to oppose the imposition of sanctions against Moscow. Serbia's stance is seen by experts as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's attempt to maintain the balance between East and West.

"After voting for the resolution at the United Nations Security Council, everyone tries not to leave it, by not making them try, because they fear it is approaching the other side. But they have to tell him to go try it and see how things are going to flow. But there is no will to challenge it," said Kurt Bassauner from the Democratization Policy Council.

The stance on Russia and the conflict in Ukraine was also a factor in Serbia's presidential elections held in early April.

President Vucic had said he does not plan to change approaches, defending his aspirations for EU membership but without undermining close ties with Russia and China.

The election results drew that winner, securing him a second five-year term.

"I think Aleksandar Vucic is a politician who knows no limits, interested in preserving power. It is dangerous and undemocratic, because these individuals, when they feel that their survival is under risk, attack by engaging in activities and behaviors that could hit Atlantic interests" said Richard Kraemer from the European Values Centre for Security Policies.

After the start of the war in Ukraine, voices have been added in support of Kosovo's NATO membership. But Reuf Bajrovic, vice-president of the US-Europe Alliance, an organisation in Washington, said this goal is difficult to achieve, because Kosovo initially needs the recognition of all NATO member states.

"I think Kosovo is paying the bill of the West's efforts to keep Vucic on their side," he said.

Four of NATO's 30 countries, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain, have not recognised Kosovo's independence.


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