U.S. Congress introduces bill to review Balkan military ties with Russia and China

U.S. Representatives Ritchie Torres and Joe Wilson have introduced the Balkan Security Cooperation Act (HR 10748) in the House of Representatives. The legislative initiative calls on the Pentagon and the State Department to conduct a detailed review of military, security, and intelligence cooperation between Balkan nations and Russia, China, the United States, and NATO.

The proposed act requires the Secretary of Defense, with approval from the Secretary of State, to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The scope of the review includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.

Specifically, the Pentagon is tasked with identifying Russian and Chinese weapon systems, military equipment, and technology valued at $1 million or more acquired by these nations since 2012. The report must also document military training, security force training, signed agreements, and intelligence cooperation with Moscow and Beijing. Additionally, the legislation highlights the Russian Humanitarian Center in Niš, requesting an assessment of its operations and potential coordination with Russian intelligence agencies.