GEO-POWER-EU Talks | Corrosive Capital: Investment, Influence and Accountability in Europe’s Neighbourhood
This episode examines how “corrosive capital” operates across the Western Balkans and the Associated Trio, and how foreign investment can become a channel for political influence, opaque governance and democratic backsliding.
Drawing on the GEO-POWER-EU report Foreign Influence Challenges: corrosive capital and disinformation in the Western Balkans and Associated Trio, the discussion explores how foreign investors and domestic political elites often co-produce governance arrangements that weaken accountability, undermine public trust and reshape local politics. Focusing on case studies including the concession of Chișinău International Airport in Moldova and mining projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this episode looks at how strategic investments in transport infrastructure, energy, mining and real estate can create long-term political and economic dependencies. It also explores the link between corrosive capital and disinformation, and what the EU can realistically do to strengthen oversight, transparency and democratic resilience across the region.
Speakers:
Dr. Sonja Stojanović Gajić, Senior Researcher, University of Rijeka
Mihai Turcanu, Researcher, Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) “Viitorul”
Host:
Asuman Kubra Bas, Head of Projects and Research, European Neighbourhood Council
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