Torres: Russian, China deinformation threatens Western Balkans' stability, Kosovo must react more strongly

In a recent report on Kosovo's security, the European Parliament has highlighted the growing threat posed by Russia and China's deinformation campaigns, aimed at destabilising the region and obstructing the Western Balkans' integration process in the European Union.

According to the report, foreign actors like Russia are actively working to undermine Kosovo's sovereignty and prevent its path towards EU membership through co-ordinated deinformation efforts.

About dezinformation by Russia and China, while stressing that they are intent on destabilizing the region has spoken on Kosovo in the European Parliament, Riho Terras.

He in a post on the X platform writes that in his report on Kosovo, special attention has cost security.

In my report on Kosovo, “gives special attention to security. Dezinformation from Russia and China aims to destabilise the region and undermine the Western Balkans' path towards the EU. The European Parliament urges Kosovo to react more strongly to these external threats”, he writes.

The European People's Party Group (EPP) has stressed the urgent need for Kosovo to develop stronger measures against these external threats. These dezinformation campaigns, often spread through media channels and social networks, aim to polarise public opinion, create division and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.

Presenting the latest European Parliament report (PE) has highlighted the apparent differences in the approach the European Union (BE) has towards Serbia and Kosovo in the process of European integration.

In the report for Serbia, the EU has shown an extremely critical tone, citing even the possibility of disrupting the integration process.

EP rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picaula sharply criticised the Serbian government's stance on recent protests and blockades, as well as decisions on foreign policy, including President Aleksandar Vuciq's recent visit to Moscow.

Responding to the criticism, Vuciq said that “if the EU wants punishment, let it punish me, not the whole country”, but analysts say it does not stand. Dragoslav Raseta from the organisation “New Third Street” estimates the report The EP uses the harshest language so far and suggests that Serbia's European integration is perceived as a stalled process.

According to Rasetta, the report calls for radical reforms in numerous areas, otherwise Serbia will not achieve its goals for 2026.

He also stresses that the EP recommends that the European Commission review financial assistance for Serbia if it continues to pursue policies that conflict with EU values and principles.

Vuciqi's “Retoric is an indication of autocratic tendencies, which the report itself warns,” said Raseta, adding that the visit to Moscow aims to mobilise the nationalist and Russian electorate in Serbia, at the expense of the country's European perspective.

On the other hand, the Kosovo report was noticeably milder and focused on its progress towards European integration.

The EP reiterated the need to resume Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and implement signed agreements, but also stressed Kosovo's progress in the process.

Serbian People's Movement Speaker Milija Bisevac named the Kosovo report as not entirely representatives of reality on the ground.

According to her, although the EU insists on dialogue, the lack of a clear strategy and its focus on the crisis in Ukraine have caused the process to stalled.

Bisevac added that the Serbian List has no real role in Kosovo institutions, and the lack of adequate representation of Serbs is a serious problem.

“It is a disgrace to society that Serbs, who may be a constructive factor in Kosovo's policymaking, remain marginalised,” he declared. /Periscope/