Redefining the Western Balkans’ politico-economic horizon: China and the European Union’s role in focus

There has been extensive discussion surrounding China’s expanding influence in the Western Balkans, particularly in the context of its global economic strategies, with a special focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Simultaneously, the European Union’s engagement with the region, particularly the process of EU membership for these countries, remains a central topic. However, a key question has yet to be answered: how do these two global actors perceive the Western Balkans, and how are their constructed identities and approaches reflected in the region? This article seeks to address these questions by arguing that China, despite lacking geographic, historical and cultural commonalities with the region, has begun to shape and define a shared identity. In contrast, the EU, despite its multi-layer ties with the Western Balkans, is fostering a growing sense of alienation. This variance is particularly evident in their different approaches: China’s engagement emphasises sovereignty, while the EU’s approach often resembles hegemony. As a result of these abstract processes, a competitive identity environment has emerged, prompting the Western Balkans to align itself accordingly.