SRBIJA Act

The Secretary of State could take part in the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue only if it addresses Serbia’s ties with Russia, China, and Iran; elections; corruption and rule of law; and democratic governance, press freedom, and freedom of assembly. At least 10 days before each dialogue, the Secretary would have to tell Congress in writing how those issues would be addressed; without that certification, State Department officials could not participate or spend funds on the dialogue.

The Secretary of State, working with other agencies, would send Congress a strategy on U.S.-Serbia engagement, including support for independent media, civil society, and judicial reform; investigations into the Novi Sad disaster and alleged force against protesters; Serbia’s ties with Russia and China; and the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. A separate report would examine Russian and Chinese influence in Serbia and potential risks to U.S. interests.

The bill would state that U.S. policy is to impose financial and visa sanctions on people who contribute to instability in the Western Balkans, including people involved in threats to regional peace, undermining democratic institutions, corruption, serious human rights abuses, or obstructing regional agreements. It cites existing executive orders and sanctions law; it does not specify particular people to sanction.

Additional assistance to Serbia would be authorized after the President certifies to Congress that Serbia has made significant and sustained progress on independent judicial accountability, media freedom, and alignment of its foreign and security policy with NATO and the European Union. The bill also expresses Congress’s view that the United States should strengthen ties and cooperation if Serbia takes steps toward that path.