The European Union is holding a summit in Croatia on Wednesday in an effort to woo Balkan nations who have praised China and Russia for their assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, raising concerns in Brussels that the two powers are poised to further entrench themselves on the continent.
The leaders of Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and North Macedonia will connect with the 27 EU member state leaders to encourage closer relations, at a time when non-EU member Europeans are looking further afield for economic and political opportunities. The six Balkan nations have long sought to join the EU, but China and Russia have been trying to peel the region away from Brussel's sphere of influence through investment and diplomacy. Membership discussions will play second fiddle to the coronavirus crisis as the leaders meet, but EU officials are reportedly keen to push back against eastern encroachment.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a right-wing strongman whose brand of populism has caused concern among Europe's more liberal democracies, praised China as"the only one who can help us" after Beijing sent supplies and doctors to the country in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. Vucic was even pictured kissing the Chinese flag.
Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: girlshealth - 🏆 146. / 63 Read more »
Source: HHSGov - 🏆 147. / 63 Read more »