U.S. Senators Propose Bill on Western Balkans

EU-Western Balkans Summit (BETAPHOTO/European Council/Alexandros Michailidis)

U.S. foreign policy is refocusing on the Western Balkans and is now ready to provide political and economic support to the region to keep it on the Euro-Atlantic path, far from the influence of Russia and China, says website Demostat and adds that this is the guiding idea behind a bill recently proposed by a group of senators from the Democratic and Republican parties.

The joint Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which was unveiled in early August, aims to support economic development, trade and the fight against corruption in the Western Balkans. 

The draft act envisages the strengthening of trade and investment between the Western Balkans and the U.S., support to existing regional initiatives, diversification of energy resources and a reduction of dependence on Russian natural gas, aid in the struggle against corruption, but also sanctions against those who jeopardize the region's stability or are involved in corruption.

The bill also foresees combating disinformation campaigns, partnership between universities in the Western Balkans and the U.S., reinstallation of Peace Corps missions in the region, as well as youth leadership programs, strengthening the rule of law, civil society, independent media, and support to the Western Balkan countries' faster accession to the EU and NATO.

According to the draft act, Demostat reports, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which opened an office in Belgrade two years ago, will play a key role in connecting the Western Balkans and the U.S.