Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) has become one of the defining tools of Russian foreign policy, especially in regions where Moscow seeks to slow down or block Euro-Atlantic integration. The Western Balkans is a critical arena in this struggle. Positioned on the geopolitical fault line between NATO and the European Union, on one hand, and its historical ties with Russia and
Slavic-Orthodox solidarity on the other, the region provides fertile ground for information operations and influence campaigns.

This case study is designed to support government representatives, security analysts, and policymakers working on counter-disinformation, national security, and regional cooperation. It is also aimed at journalists, researchers, civil society organizations promoting media literacy and democratic resilience, as well as the broader public interested in understanding how foreign influence campaigns operate in the region. The study aims to provide a structured, evidence-based overview of how foreign information manipulation unfolds.

The study offers an evidence-based analysis of Russian Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in North Macedonia, and presents key turning points in Russia’s FIMI activities and identifies the main channels, narratives, and methods employed. The study also outlines how bilateral disputes between Bulgaria and North Macedonia create openings that enable or amplify Russian influence operations. These disputes have become a strategic entry point for disinformation, enabling Russian actors to exploit existing tensions and shape public narratives.