Russian Influence on the European Integration Process of the Western Balkan Countries: A Comparative Analysis
Session
Security Studies
Description
This paper examines the relationship between the Russian influence and the EU integration process of the Western Balkans countries. Specifically, the focus is to analyze and measure the impact that the Russian influence — expressed in political, economic and cultural means — has on the region’s integration into the EU. It is considered that the Russian foreign policy toolkit inhibits the EU accession process for the six countries of Western Balkans as it interferes with the internal functioning of these countries, which additionally affects the fulfillment of the requirements from the EU. Using a comparative case approach, we have found evidence that Western Balkans’ Russian cultural, political and financial support negatively affects the latter’s European integration as it obstructs this process. Moreover, the findings of this research confirm the argument that WB countries with Slavic populations are more predisposed to be influenced by Russian influence.
Keywords:
EU integration, Western Balkans, Russian influence, strategic threats, EU-Russia relations.
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-550-50-5
Location
Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
29-10-2022 12:00 AM
End Date
30-10-2022 12:00 AM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2022.22
Recommended Citation
Marleku, Alfred and Aliu, Dafina, "Russian Influence on the European Integration Process of the Western Balkan Countries: A Comparative Analysis" (2022). UBT International Conference. 22.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2022/all-events/22
Russian Influence on the European Integration Process of the Western Balkan Countries: A Comparative Analysis
Lipjan, Kosovo
This paper examines the relationship between the Russian influence and the EU integration process of the Western Balkans countries. Specifically, the focus is to analyze and measure the impact that the Russian influence — expressed in political, economic and cultural means — has on the region’s integration into the EU. It is considered that the Russian foreign policy toolkit inhibits the EU accession process for the six countries of Western Balkans as it interferes with the internal functioning of these countries, which additionally affects the fulfillment of the requirements from the EU. Using a comparative case approach, we have found evidence that Western Balkans’ Russian cultural, political and financial support negatively affects the latter’s European integration as it obstructs this process. Moreover, the findings of this research confirm the argument that WB countries with Slavic populations are more predisposed to be influenced by Russian influence.