In the final quarter of 2024, the information environment in the Western Balkans was heavily saturated with disinformation, particularly anti-democratic narratives featuring anti-Western and anti-EU rhetoric. These were largely fueled by the region’s domestic political developments, from protests to electoral cycles, as well as the U.S. presidential election. Although disinformation
about Russia’s war against Ukraine became less prominent in public discourse, the conflict remained a key theme underlying broader attacks on the West and the NATO and EU—often
portraying them as aggressive, hypocritical, or untrustworthy.
Dissemination of disinformation aimed to increase Euroscepticism and dissatisfaction with the EU continued during this period, particularly regarding the slow accession process, amplifying external influence over political agendas. Kosovo-Serbia tensions remained a focal point, further inflamed by three attacks in northern Kosovo, which fueled mutual accusations and
disinformation.
The November 1 collapse of the concrete canopy of Novi Sad railway station, resulting in 15 dead, initiated widespread student-driven protests against government corruption in Serbia. Progovernment media initiated swift disinformation campaign aimed to delegitimize the movement by framing the protests as orchestrated by foreign powers, including Croatia and Kosovo, even
attributing it to NGOs and blaming Kosovo PM Albin Kurti.
Disinformation narratives targeting the EU aim to portray the Euro-integration process as not based on merit, but on unfair conditions and pressure over governments during elections,
portraying pro-European actors as instruments of foreign control and influence. Such narratives also use Kosovo’s independence issue for drawing parallels in justification of Russia’s actions
in Ukraine.
Disinformation related to the U.S. Presidential elections proliferated during November and December, with claims undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process, alleging vote theft or election interference. This was followed by allegations that Trump’s victory would lead to partition of Kosovo, alongside speculations about Serbia’s role in helping Trump win.
Anti-West and anti-EU sentiments remain in the heart of the observed disinformation campaigns, fueled by local political agendas tied to global events, affecting the geopolitics of the region.
