A bipartisan bill addressing Serbia has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, with its sponsors proposing measures aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and stability in the Western Balkans.
The legislation, S.5611, was introduced by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on September 30, according to the official Senate records.
The measure, known as the Supporting the Rule of Law, Building Institutional Justice, and Accountability Act (SRBIJA Act), is intended to address what its sponsors describe as democratic backsliding in Serbia, while also addressing foreign influence and regional stability.
Among its proposed measures, the legislation would support the strengthening of Serbia’s democratic institutions and rule of law and provide for the use of existing sanctions authorities against individuals involved in corruption, serious human rights abuses, undermining democratic institutions or threatening peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
Grassley said the legislation was intended to prevent Russia, China and Iran from influencing Serbia in ways that could contribute to regional instability.
Blumenthal said the bill would provide the U.S. administration with additional tools to sanction individuals whom the legislation identifies as contributing to democratic backsliding, while linking the U.S.-Serbia relationship to democratic standards.
The legislation also proposes conditions on additional U.S. assistance to Serbia. Under the bill, such assistance would be linked to a presidential certification that Serbia has made significant and sustained progress on judicial accountability, media freedom and alignment with the European Union and NATO.
House Initiative
The Senate legislation follows a similar initiative introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson and Democratic Congressman William Keating.
Wilson welcomed the Senate action, saying that Serbia’s elections should be free and fair and criticizing what he described as efforts by President Aleksandar Vučić’s government to remain in power.
The House version proposes measures targeting individuals who contribute to destabilization in the Western Balkans or threaten peace, security, stability or territorial integrity in the region.
It also calls for greater scrutiny of Serbia’s relations with Russia and China and would require the U.S. government to develop a broader strategy for engagement with Belgrade.
Focus on Democracy and Foreign Influence
The Senate sponsors say the bill responds to concerns over the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom and corruption in Serbia, as well as the government’s response to sustained student-led and civic protests.
The legislation also calls for an assessment of Russian and Chinese political, economic, energy and security ties with Serbia and their implications for U.S. interests. It would require continued U.S. participation in the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue while establishing requirements for how that engagement should address the concerns identified in the legislation.
The bill has now entered the legislative process in the Senate. Its introduction does not mean the proposed measures have become law; the legislation would have to advance through Congress and ultimately receive presidential approval before taking effect.
