Britain’s decision to reduce overseas aid spending has resulted in a 40% cut to funding aimed at countering Russian influence and hybrid threats in the Western Balkans, a region Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called critical to European security.
Funding through the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) for the Western Balkans, which includes programmes to combat misinformation, cyber-attacks and support democratic institutions, will fall from £40 million in the previous year to £24 million in 2025-26, according to Cabinet Office figures.
The ISF addresses priority national security threats at home and abroad. Last year’s allocation helped respond to malicious cyber activities and strengthen independent media in the region, encompassing Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
The reduction stems from the government’s plan to gradually lower Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, freeing resources for increased defence spending.
ODA-specific funding for the region under the ISF drops from £31.91 million in 2024-25 to £17 million, with an additional £1.15 million cut in non-ODA allocations.
Critics argue the timing risks undermining Britain’s influence as Russia seeks to exploit divisions.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs select committee, said after a recent visit: “The Western Balkans are on the frontline against Russian disinformation and interference. More support for independent media is needed, not less.”
Kate Ferguson, co-executive director at NGO Protection Approaches, warned that Britain’s strong record in the region should not be weakened amid intensifying Russian efforts to challenge democratic norms.
A government spokesperson said the reported figures represent only part of broader UK investment in the Western Balkans, including on organised crime and hostile state activity, adding that ISF spending adapts to evolving priorities.