The Western Balkans needs greater support for independent journalism and fact-checking to counter Russian and Chinese information influence, researcher Adam Fivenson has said.
Speaking in an interview with The Geopost, Fivenson said Russia relies on propaganda and information operations, while China seeks to expand its influence through relationships with political elites and cultural institutions.
He argued that cuts to US funding for independent media and organisations working to combat disinformation have weakened efforts to counter these activities across the region.
Fivenson stressed that the European Union should increase investment in independent media, media literacy and the strengthening of democratic institutions throughout the Western Balkans.
He added that building resilient societies is essential to countering propaganda, protecting public trust and helping citizens distinguish reliable information from disinformation.
