The United States has emphasized the need for full implementation of the Ohr Agreement, signed in February 2023 under EU mediation, as a key step toward normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. This directive is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18.
The act stresses that both countries must advance quickly on the annex of the agreement, while the U.S. should consider initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations, including strategic dialogue, economic cooperation, and investment promotion.
The NDAA reaffirms that any final comprehensive agreement between Kosovo and Serbia must be based on mutual recognition, rejecting territorial exchanges, division, or ethnic-based border changes. It also calls for support of pluralistic democracies in the region to prevent a return of ethnic conflicts.
The Ohr Agreement includes provisions such as self-governance for the Serbian community in Kosovo, mutual recognition of state symbols, non-obstruction of Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, and the obligation for both sides to implement prior agreements from earlier dialogue rounds.
The act allocates a record $901 billion for U.S. military spending, covering everything from ships, aircraft, and missile systems to pay increases for troops and responses to geopolitical threats.
It also addresses energy dependence in the Western Balkans, noting that reliance on Russian fossil fuels and gas ties regional economies and politics to Moscow, hindering European integration. The act expresses concern about Chinese influence in the region, calling for regular reporting to Congress on the malign influence of Russia and China.
The NDAA highlights concerns about democracy in Serbia, citing OSCE/ODIHR reports of irregularities during the December 17, 2023 elections, including unequal application of protective measures, overcrowded polling stations, violations of ballot secrecy, and group voting practices. It warns that Serbian officials blaming peaceful protesters, opposition parties, and civil society could threaten the security of Serbian society.
Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. supports maintaining EUFOR’s full mandate and encourages NATO and the EU to review and adjust missions to ensure proactive security roles.
On Euro-Atlantic integration, the act emphasizes that the Western Balkans – Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – are vital for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, linking democratic and economic progress directly to U.S. interests.
Congress instructs the U.S. to support EU and NATO integration, reduce dependence on Russian energy, strengthen democratic reforms, combat corruption (especially political and judicial), promote independent media, encourage regional trade and investment, and expand U.S. assistance for civil society and economic development.
William Keating, the Democratic representative behind the legislation for the Western Balkans, stated that its approval by both chambers of Congress demonstrates that the Balkans remain a U.S. priority. He emphasized that America continues to focus on the region and that U.S. policymakers view the Balkans as strategically important.
