US Senate receives “SRBIJA” Act targeting Serbian democratic standards

The “SRBIJA” Act, a legislative proposal aimed at supporting the rule of law and institutional accountability in Serbia, has reached the United States Senate. Introduced by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, the bill follows a similar version previously submitted to the House of Representatives by Representative Joe Wilson.

The legislation criticizes the current Serbian administration for democratic backsliding and its close ties to Russia and China. It proposes that the United States pause strategic dialogue with Serbia unless issues regarding free and fair elections and relationships with Beijing and Moscow are addressed. If the State Department fails to act, the bill suggests Congress could withhold budget approvals for such activities.

The bill is currently before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It has received bipartisan support in the House from members including Pete Sessions, Maria Elvira Salazar, Mark Veasey, and Emanuel Cleaver. While the bill faces a lengthy legislative process, proponents emphasize the need to address political developments in the region.