Bloomberg alarms: Europe, US not to launch Putin, Balkans

The US agency Bloomberg, in the article “Balkan, is kept off Putin's road”, estimates that this should be a time of optimism for the countries of the former Yugoslavia, but states that good news in the Balkans is undesirable to the Russian president because of strengthening the ties of this region to Western Europe.

In that sense, Bloomberg remembers Montenegro becoming 29th member NATO and that Macedonia is working to resolve the name dispute with Greece, that in BiH this year more peacefully have passed general elections than in 2014, and that peace talks on Kosovo are progressing even though they are not being held regularly. ” However, for Vladimir Putin, all these are unwanted news, such as stabilising the Balkans and strengthening its relations with Western Europe. The Russian president thinks Western countries embrace the Balkan part of efforts to surround Russia and deprive its world power. Therefore, Moscow makes every effort to prevent this, ” writes Bloomberg. The text cites Russia's alleged actions, claiming to present a problem for Europe and the Balkans, destabilising the southeastern part of the continent and pointing to the steps the EU should take, Kosovas broadcasts.

As one of them, it is cited that the EU should encourage peace negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, helping to resolve the dispute between the two sides over taxes on import of goods. The agency also estimates that NATO can share its expertise with Balkan countries in fighting hackers' attacks, as well as organise major military exercises to reduce the consequences of disasters and non-NATO member states, and not only with Montenegro. The importance of official visits by senior European and American officials should not be overlooked. In the fight against Russian propaganda, every aspect of Western moral support is very useful. To continue progress towards peace and stability, the Balkans must make sure that Europe and the US will not leave them vulnerable to Putin's manipulations “, Bloomberg concludes.