PROBLEMS OF FOREIGN POLITICAL ORIENTATION OF THE BALKANSIN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN INTEGRATION PROCESSES

Abstract

The article analyzes the main problem points in the foreign policy orientation on the Balkan countries. As a result of comparing the positions of these countries, as well as the EU and NATO, on the issues of the Balkans integration into Europe, the study of Russia's current role in the subregion, the study of a number of documents, the author comes to the following conclusions. Due to the pressure, exerted by the EU and NATO, there is certain tension when the countries of the subregion try to follow a multi-vector approach and develop cooperation with Russia. The governments of a number of countries have already sacrificed or are about to sacrifice their national interests for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The author notes that, despite the fact that Russia's influence in the region is growing, the Balkan countries are not in a position to adhere to an independent foreign policy, and act in the wake of the EU and NATO policies.