US lawmakers introduce Serbia Act targeting Vucic over democracy, Russia ties
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A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced the Serbia Act on August 27, targeting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over democratic backsliding and ties with Russia, China, and Iran. The bill proposes visa bans and sanctions on individuals undermining Western Balkan stability. It also calls for suspending the US-Serbia Strategic Dialogue if Belgrade fails to address corruption and foreign influence.
Key Facts
- The Serbia Act was introduced on August 27 by Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Bill Keating, both members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
- The bill would impose visa bans and sanctions on individuals who undermine the stability of the Western Balkans or the territorial integrity of any state in the region.
- The legislation calls for an investigation into the 2024 railway tragedy in Novi Sad that killed 15 people and sparked student-led protests.
- The bill directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press Belgrade on free elections, anti-corruption, and ties with Iran, Russia, and China.
- If Serbia fails to address these issues, the bill calls for suspending US participation in the US-Serbia Strategic Dialogue held in Washington in July.
The Serbia Act
Republican Representative Joe Wilson and Democrat Bill Keating introduced the Serbia Act on August 27, citing 'serious setbacks' in democracy and the rule of law under President Aleksandar Vucic. The bill would impose visa bans and sanctions on individuals who undermine the stability of the Western Balkans or the territorial integrity of any state in the region. It specifically calls out Vucic over the excessive use of force against recent student-led protests and demands an investigation into the 2024 railway tragedy in Novi Sad. The measure must pass the full House and Senate before being sent to the president for signature.
US-Serbia Relations
The bill text states that the United States has an enduring interest in a stable, democratic, and sovereign Serbia anchored in Euro-Atlantic institutions and free from malign external influence. It directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press Belgrade on ensuring free and fair elections, fighting corruption, and addressing Serbia's ties with Iran, Russia, and China. If those issues are not adequately addressed, the bill calls for suspending US participation in the US-Serbia Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Washington in July. President Vucic, in office since 2017, has sought to balance Serbia's EU aspirations with historically close ties to Russia.
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