Facts & Findings

Propaganda and Disinformation in the Western Balkans: How the EU Can Counter Russia’s Information War

by Sophie Eisentraut, Stephanie de Leon

In recent years, Russia has ramped up its influence operations in the Western Balkans. Utilizing propaganda and disinformation, Moscow stirs lingering regional tensions and undermines the EU’s credibility in Western Balkans nations. It is in the EU’s vital interest to confront Russian efforts to destabilize this region – European security relies on peace, prosperity, and stability in the Western Balkans. The following analysis makes concrete policy recommendations how to push back Russian propaganda while reaching out to Western Balkan nations.