The UK government’s 2025 announcement to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) indicates a move from “global Britain” towards a defensive stance. Yet, in the Western Balkans, this impacts security objectives by creating vulnerabilities to disinformation, cyberattacks, and Russian influence operations targeting Euro-Atlantic integration. At the same time, reduced funding pushes local elites toward Chinese infrastructure lending, increasing debt dependence and political leverage.

The European Union has shifted focus to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) to diversify supply chains, assert geopolitical influence, and foster relations with Eurasia. This article examines the motivations of both parties and their challenges. Despite practical, financial, and geopolitical obstacles, the Middle Corridor offers the EU an opportunity to expand its presence in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, demonstrating its ability to engage with the region.