Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) would encourage increased trade and investment between the United States and the countries in the Western Balkans.
“The Balkans are countries with a rich and varied heritage, and they also occupy an increasingly important position in European affairs,” said Sen. Wicker. “This bill would send a strong bipartisan signal that the United States is committed to supporting diplomacy in the region.”
The Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which was also introduced by U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), would support economic development in the region through initiatives on infrastructure, trade, and anti-corruption, including codification of sanctions to deter destabilizing activity in the Western Balkans, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Amid Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine and Putin’s clear ambitions to spread malign influence across Eastern Europe, the United States’ relationship with the Western Balkans is pivotal,” Sen. Shaheen said. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce new bipartisan legislation that strengthens trade and investments between the U.S. and Western Balkans, while rooting out local corruption and codifying sanctions against destabilizing actors – all of which pave the way for greater Euro-Atlantic integration.”
If enacted, the bill specifically would establish a regional trade and economic competitiveness initiative to support democratic resilience, economic development, and prosperity in the region; establish an anti-corruption initiative that directs the U.S. Secretary of State to provide technical assistance for each country in the Western Balkans to develop a national anti-corruption strategy; and codify two U.S. executive orders that would grant authority for sanctions against those who threaten peace and stability in the Western Balkans and are engaged in corrupt behavior, among other provisions, according to the bill’s text.
“The Balkans region is critical to Europe’s security, and we must deepen existing engagement with our partners as Russia continues its illegal war against Ukraine and threatens our NATO allies,” said Sen. Tillis, who in the spring visited Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Belgium with Sen. Shaheen to meet with their leaders to relay the importance of expanding economic opportunity and combating corruption.
“This bipartisan legislation will demonstrate our support for their efforts to advance democracy,” Sen. Tillis said, “and I will work with my colleagues to build support and pass it out of Congress.”