EP concerned about Russia's ties with North Macedonia

Of particular concern, as the politicians note, are Russian investments allegedly flowing into the Balkan republic through third countries.

“(The European Parliament. -

) draws attention to the political, cultural, economic and energy ties of the government of the country (North Macedonia. -

) with Russia and expresses concern about the colossal growth of Russian investments flowing into North Macedonia through third countries, which hides the true scale the Russian economic footprint and creates energy dependence, since (Russia. -

) controls the only route of gas supplies to the country through the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, "the amendment says.

Bulgarian parliamentarian Angel Dzhambazki, Spanish MP Herman Tertsch and Charlie Weimers representing Sweden proposed to add this point to the resolution.

In addition, politicians suggested adding a clause stating that North Macedonia could become even "more vulnerable to investment from Moscow and Beijing."

This will lead to the fact that progress in achieving the rule of law will be canceled, they say.

MEPs also draw attention to the "growing danger" of an increase in Chinese and Russian influence on the Balkan region as a whole.

Another Spanish parliamentarian, Christian Sagarts, in turn, proposed calling on Skopje to join the EU's policy on restrictive measures against Russia.

In the West, they have previously stated about "Russian influence" in the Balkans.

For example, last year, the United States planned to hire a specialist at the embassy in Montenegro to counter Moscow's "harmful" activities.

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that Moscow does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same from states for which stability in the Balkans is important.