Russia is still present in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, and this influence has not diminished even after three years of aggression in Ukraine. The “high impact at low cost” formula continues to lead Moscow to realize its agenda on the European continent. Through the Orthodox churches in the region, where it has a decisive influence, Russia continues to strengthen the image of the “defender of the essence of the Slovenian people”, for whom the autocephalous church is one of the most important pillars of identity. At the same time, it uses disinformation and propaganda to polarize the political scene in the countries of the region and align public opinion with positions in favour of its geostrategic interests.

This penetration is then followed by support for pro-Russian political forces, which has led to the growth of these parties in North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, but also in Moldova and Georgia. What all these countries have in common is that they are among the nine EU accession candidates, which also include Albania, Kosovo and Turkey. There has also been an increase in the political power of pro-Russian parties in Bulgaria, where they are expected to be decisive in forming a government after last week’s elections.

This situation is undoubtedly........

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