The two guests analyzed China’s growing influence in the Western Balkans, as well as its impact on Europe’s economic security and strategic autonomy. At the same time, they explored the strategic importance of the region and how Chinese activities affect the EU’s neighborhood policy and economic security.
Ana Krstinovska pointed out that China is preparing to respond to any eventuality regarding the European future of the Western Balkans. As she said, it is crucial to understand that China is shaping its position in the region regardless of the course of these countries’ EU membership. In the event of their accession, countries like Hungary will gain allies in the Union’s foreign policy decisions, particularly in states like Serbia, which have close relations with Beijing. However, even outside the EU, China is exploiting these countries in a way that undermines Europe’s strategic autonomy and economic security.
You can hear the podcast here.
Experts
