US Congressman Joe Wilson urges 2027 OSCE session move from Belgrade to South Carolina

Joe Wilson OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session relocation Serbia Charleston

U.S. Representative Joe Wilson called on Serbia to end its dependence on Russian energy and to distance itself from Russia, China and Iran, saying such steps are needed for Serbia to align with Western institutions. Wilson, a strong supporter of Kosovo’s independence, criticised what he described as ongoing Serbian threats toward Kosovo.

Wilson sponsored a U.S. congressional resolution (H.Res.1451) that urges the Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly to hold its 2027 annual session in Charleston, South Carolina, rather than in Belgrade. The resolution was introduced by Wilson and co‑signed by roughly 40 Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Wilson argued that the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence – including the purchase of Serbia’s state oil company NIS – as well as excessive influence from the Chinese Communist Party and close ties to Tehran, make Belgrade an unsuitable venue. He suggested that if the 2027 meeting cannot be moved, Serbia could host the session in 2028.

The OSCE secretariat acknowledged the U.S. resolution and reiterated that the Assembly follows its own procedural rules when deciding on meeting locations.

Entities: Belgrade · Charleston, South Carolina · Faton Bislimi · Joe Wilson · OSCE Parliamentary Assembly · Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly · Serbia · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 10 SOURCES] Wilson claims the Chinese Communist Party has excessive influence over Serbia’s communications and investments. (multiple articles)
[● 2 SOURCES] The OSCE secretariat says it is aware of the U.S. resolution and that venue decisions follow the Assembly’s procedural rules. (RFE/RL and OSCE statements)
[● 10 SOURCES] Wilson says Serbia has close ties to the dictatorial regime in Tehran. (multiple articles)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The resolution was co‑signed by roughly 40 Republican and Democratic U.S. lawmakers. (Faton Bislimi article)
[● 10 SOURCES] Wilson says Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence includes the purchase of Serbia’s state oil company NIS. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] Joe Wilson said Serbia should end its dependence on Russian energy and distance itself from Russia, China and Iran. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] Wilson sponsored a U.S. congressional resolution (H.Res.1451) calling for the 2027 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session to be held in Charleston, South Carolina instead of Belgrade. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] If the 2027 meeting cannot be moved, Wilson suggested Serbia could host the OSCE session in 2028. (multiple articles)