Balkan Gateway: How RT Circumvents EU Sanctions to Spread Kremlin Propaganda in Serbia

Although the European Union has banned Russia’s state-run RT from broadcasting within its borders, RT Balkan continues to push Kremlin-aligned content throughout the Western Balkans, most notably from its base in Belgrade. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns that this ongoing media operation poses a serious threat to the EU’s efforts to combat disinformation and safeguard media integrity.

Operating outside the jurisdiction of EU sanctions, Serbia has allowed RT Balkan to flourish. From Belgrade, the outlet publishes a steady stream of pro-Russian narratives that are widely picked up by local media in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Influential platforms—including Pink, Kurir, and even Serbia’s public broadcaster, RTS regularly reprint or air RT Balkan stories without scrutiny, lending legitimacy to Moscow’s messaging.

RT Balkan adapts its propaganda to suit regional sensitivities. It repackages Russian talking points in ways that resonate with Serbian audiences—for instance, by casting doubt on Ukraine’s democratic institutions or promoting anti-Western sentiment. This strategy gives RT’s output a local flavor, making it more persuasive and difficult to identify as foreign state propaganda.

Beyond traditional media, RT Balkan has built a large online following. Its social media accounts, especially on Facebook and Telegram, allow it to bypass conventional restrictions and reach audiences directly. Researchers suspect coordinated amplification efforts, such as the use of fake accounts or bots, to boost visibility and engagement.

RSF is urging the EU to strengthen its response by expanding sanctions to include online content and pressuring candidate countries like Serbia to align with European media standards. It also calls for better oversight of local media partnerships that facilitate the spread of foreign disinformation.

If left unaddressed, RT Balkan’s presence will continue to undermine regional media freedom and give Russia a powerful tool for shaping public opinion. As Serbia moves toward potential EU membership, its willingness to act—or not—on foreign propaganda should become a central point of negotiation. RT’s unchecked influence is not just a local issue—it’s a European one.