Latest Articles about Balkans

Balkan Training Camps Reflect Moscow’s Expanding Definition of War

Executive Summary: A recent joint investigation by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and Moldovan outlet CU SENS confirmed that Moscow had established secret paramilitary camps in the Balkans to train Moldovan citizens in destabilization tactics ahead of Moldova’s October 2024 presidential elections. The Kremlin... MORE

Romania Attempts to Modernize Naval Forces

Executive Summary: Romania’s new government, sworn in on June 23, appears committed to modernizing the Romanian Naval Forces, but its naval forces remain severely underfunded and outdated. Bucharest has made some questionable decisions in its effort to regain lost time and opportunities to develop and... MORE

Romania Avoids Far-Right Pivot as Pro-Europeans Win Presidential Ballot

Executive Summary: Pro-EU candidate Nicușor Dan secured Romania’s presidency in the election’s second round on May 18, defeating far-right leader George Simion amid fears Simion would shift Romania’s foreign policy and weaken ties with Ukraine and the European Union. The election highlighted Romania’s democratic resilience... MORE

Bulgaria Continues to Experience Chronic Political Disarray

Executive Summary: In Bulgaria, the seventh round of parliamentary elections in three years is projected to produce a heavily fragmented parliament again and a slim prospect of forming a government for a full mandate. Russian propaganda has specifically targeted pro-Western political parties in Bulgaria while... MORE

Serbia Bolsters Connections With Russia and China

Executive Summary: Serbia’s new government is bolstering its connections with Russia through the appointment of Kremlin-linked ministers. Belgrade is also expanding its economic and media links with China following the visit of Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping. The Aleksandar Vučić administration continues to... MORE

Azerbaijan and Serbia Expand Defense Partnership

Executive Summary: Serbian President Alexander Vučić confirmed a new $300 million defense contract with Azerbaijan on February 6, following years of strategic agreements between the two countries. The new defense contract will give Azerbaijan a foothold in the Balkans, providing Baku with a path to... MORE