Dr Rumena Filipova gave an interview to Bulgarian news agency BGNES discussing the impact of foreign influence on regional stability and security, with a particular focus on the Western Balkans and Bulgaria.
Dr Filipova identified the concept of the “Serbian World” as a significant source of destabilisation in the Western Balkans, highlighting its implications for regional sovereignty and European integration. She also examined Serbia’s geopolitical positioning between the EU, Russia and China, and the potential implications of its evolving domestic political landscape.
The interview further explored the risks associated with China’s expanding economic and academic presence in the region, including concerns over national security and intellectual property. On Russia, Dr Filipova highlighted the continued importance of disinformation and historical narratives as instruments of political influence, despite Moscow’s declining leverage in traditional areas such as energy and defence.
She also stressed the need for Bulgarian institutions to strengthen cooperation with civil society and independent experts, particularly in assessing foreign influence and addressing emerging security challenges.