In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential impact of upcoming elections in the Czech Republic, Germany, and France on the European Commission's stance towards China and Russia. Concerns were raised about the growing influence of far-right parties in these nations, which could complicate the Commission's efforts to implement a derisking strategy regarding relations with these countries.

The dialogue highlighted the significant role of Serbia as a key player in the Western Balkans, with its leadership under President Aleksandar Vučić serving as a model for other nations in the region. The meeting underscored the risk of a domino effect, where countries like Hungary and Slovakia might follow Serbia's lead in adopting more favorable positions towards Russia and China, potentially destabilizing the European Union's unified approach.

Additionally, the discussion turned to the concerning rise of disinformation campaigns, particularly those orchestrated by China. Initially focused on promoting positive narratives about Chinese culture, China's strategy shifted around 2018-2019 to align more closely with Russian tactics, fostering distrust in European governments and institutions like NATO and the EU. This convergence of interests between Russia and China poses a significant challenge for European stability.

Officials noted that China has been engaging with both far-right and far-left political movements across Europe, providing financial support and amplifying their narratives. A recent incident involving a member of the German far-right party, Alternative for Deutschland, highlighted the extent of Chinese influence, as an aide was caught sharing sensitive information with Chinese operatives. This incident raises alarms about the effectiveness of counterintelligence efforts, which are currently more focused on Russian threats.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased vigilance and a reassessment of strategies to counteract the growing influence of both Russia and China within Europe, particularly in light of the upcoming elections that could shift the political landscape.