U.S. Senators introduce bipartisan ‘SRBIJA Act’ targeting Serbia

Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers have introduced the ‘SRBIJA Act’ (Supporting the Rule of Law, Building Institutional Justice, and Accountability Act) in the Senate. The bill, proposed by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, follows a similar version previously introduced in the House of Representatives.

The legislation aims to increase accountability in Serbia regarding the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and corruption. It specifically calls for investigations into the Novi Sad railway station roof collapse that killed 16 people, as well as the use of force against protesters.

Key provisions include the potential for financial and visa sanctions against individuals who obstruct international agreements vital to Western Balkan stability or undermine democratic institutions. The act also seeks to align Serbia’s foreign policy more closely with NATO and the EU by encouraging a distancing from the influence of Russia, China, and Iran. Furthermore, the bill proposes conditioning future U.S. aid on Serbia’s demonstrated progress in institutional accountability and media freedoms.