Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act seeks to strengthen U.S. ties with seven countries in the region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) by promoting democratic reforms, economic development, and countering Russian and Chinese influence. The bill requires the State Department and USAID to develop a comprehensive 5-year strategy within 180 days focused on combating corruption, improving cybersecurity, and boosting regional trade and investment, while maintaining existing sanctions on destabilizing actors. Key initiatives include a new trade promotion program to support small businesses and startups, infrastructure investment through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and a "Young Balkan Leaders Initiative" offering fellowships and professional development to emerging leaders ages 18-35 in governance, business, technology, and journalism. The legislation also authorizes expanded educational exchange programs, Peace Corps operations, and university partnerships while establishing requirements for government reports on cybersecurity support, foreign interference operations, and disinformation threats in the region. The bill reaffirms U.S. opposition to ethnicity-based border changes and supports the 2023 Kosovo-Serbia normalization agreement.
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