Proposal would condition U.S.-Serbia talks, aid, and engagement

The Secretary of State would have to stop U.S. participation in any dialogue meeting unless the required issues are addressed during it. Each meeting would have to address Serbia’s foreign ties, elections, corruption and rule of law, and democratic freedoms. The written certification would have to confirm that the issues will be addressed and explain how. Without it, State Department staff could not participate or spend federal money on the meeting. The certification would be due at least 10 days before each meeting, and these requirements would stop applying beginning five years after enactment.

The Secretary of State would prepare a Serbia engagement strategy and a report on Russian and Chinese influence in Serbia. The report would examine foreign influence and risks to U.S. interests. The strategy would cover U.S. goals, democratic reforms, Serbia’s investigations and foreign alignment, and the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. The Secretary would coordinate the report with intelligence and defense leaders, and the strategy with other relevant federal agencies. Both submissions would be unclassified, with classified annexes allowed. The strategy would be due within 90 days after enactment, and the report within 180 days after enactment.

The proposal would authorize additional assistance to Serbia when the President sends Congress the required certification. The certification would cover significant, sustained progress toward independent court accountability, media freedom, and foreign and security policy aligned with the European Union and NATO. The text would allow added aid after certification but would not require that aid be provided. Congress also recommends stronger relations, exchanges, and defense cooperation after Serbia takes related steps, but these are policy recommendations. The authority would begin when the President submits the certification and stop applying beginning five years after enactment.

The proposal would state a U.S. policy of supporting democracy in Serbia and using existing sanctions powers in the Western Balkans. The policy covers people who destabilize the Western Balkans or support Russia’s harmful actions, including through corruption and attacks on democracy or human rights. Deeper U.S. engagement with Serbia would depend on credible, verifiable progress in democratic accountability and rule of law. The text relies on existing executive orders and federal law; it does not name a person for sanctions. This policy statement would stop applying beginning five years after enactment.