The Western Balkans countries, including North Macedonia, have expressed a strong desire to integrate into the EU and NATO as part of their pursuit of Euro-Atlantic security. However, Russia is reportedly opposed to the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU and NATO, and has been accused of engaging in cyberattacks, disinformation, and intimidation in the region to exert influence.
The EU and NATO have emphasized the importance of bringing the Western Balkans into the bloc, viewing the promise of EU accession as a tool for stabilizing and integrating the region. Furthermore, the Ukrainian crisis has intensified EU/NATO politics in the region, revealing varying degrees of solidarity with the anti-Russian course among Western Balkan states.
The strategic goals of the EU and the U.S./NATO in the Western Balkans include guaranteeing Kosovo’s independence and maintaining the unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overall, the Western Balkans’ aspiration for Euro-Atlantic integration and the implications of the Ukrainian crisis have brought to light the region’s significance in the context of transatlantic security and stability.
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
CO Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation – https://bit.ly/3Svas1G (purchases supplies for Ukrainian army, such as armor, ammunition, first-aid kits, cars and ATV, humanitarian aid for civilians, and food for animals);
UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army);
Phoenix Wings – https://bit.ly/3RvWSd0 (the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army).