Handelsblatt: Battle for influence in the Western Balkans
German daily Handelsblatt said Russia, China and Turkey are fighting for influence over the Western Balkans along with the European Union.
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German daily Handelsblatt said Russia, China and Turkey are fighting for influence over the Western Balkans along with the European Union.
Not to nitpick, but it feels off!
In the Western Balkans, where all EU hopefuls (bar Turkey) are located, the year ahead will be dominated by Europe’s quest for a vaccine and efforts to restart the economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. No significant breakthrough is expected in terms of the EU’s enlargement agenda this year. But the EU’s ability to assuage the region’s feelings of vaccine abandonment will be crucial for keeping the bloc’s credibility in the Western Balkans. From Belgrade to Tirana, vaccinations and economic revival will be key to political progress. Unless both succeed, continued flight o...