RUSSIA IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: A RECEDING POWER

Abstract

This study explores Russia’s efforts to move closer to the Western Balkan states of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia which have expedited following the fall-out with the EU and the USA because of Crimea. Russia has intensified its dialogue with some political parties in these states, invested in key sectors of the economies of these countries’ and enhanced military cooperation with some of them. Russia’s efforts up to now have yielded mediocre results. The political influence of the EU in the region has increased to the detriment of Russia, Moscow has been surpassed by Brussels in the economic realm and all of these states with the exception of the Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina continue to maintain military relations with the EU and NATO.