To share spheres with Russia: why do Erdogan and Vučić need the Balkan summit?

Erdogan intends to hold the Turkey—Serbia—Bosnia and Herzegovina summit, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić, according to Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, "is ready to take part”. The place, time and agenda have not yet been announced.

Turkey is not a guest in the Balkans. It considers this region a part of its cultural and civilisational geography. But up to a certain point in building its policy there, it followed Germany in the second echelon, demonstrating its ability to promote "soft power" through economic and cultural cooperation. Only a small Turkish military contingent is currently in Kosovo.

But recent events in Europe, especially the Ukrainian crisis, have pushed Ankara to raise its status on the continent. She is not even afraid of the risk of encountering larger players.

At the same time, Turkey will remain among Russia's most important partners in the coming years in the context of security problems in Europe and the aggressive policy of Brussels towards Moscow. If we objectively assess the geopolitical situation, then the interests of Moscow and Ankara do not directly clash, and in the Balkans they could share spheres of influence.

On the one hand, it will help to protect Serbia, which is surrounded by enemies. On the other hand, it will strengthen Russia's position in Europe. Do not forget that the Balkans are one of the last parts of the continent where there are still islands free from EU domination.

So Vučić's agreement to take part in the Balkan summit proposed by Erdogan is not a coincidence.

Elena Panina, Director of the RUSSTRAT Institute