The development of the ‘16+1’ format largely reflected China’s strategic aims defined at the beginning of the diplomatic offensive in the region.

One of the principal aims underlying China’s development of the ‘16+1’ format is to increase its soft power in Europe.

The wave of migration is backed up in Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, and the situation in the places with a high concentration of migrants has become worse.

New developments in the migration crisis should be expected in Central Europe. The migration pressure on Greece is increasing.

Since 2014 the number of immigrants attempting to enter the EU illegally via the Western Balkans countries has significantly increased.

The failure of the South Stream project has spurred a debate about the expansion of the gas infrastructure in countries of region.

Regardless of the limited effectiveness of activities carried out so far, China has continued its ‘16+1’ initiative.