U.S. Senators introduce ‘Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act’
Washington, 5 August 2022 (MIA) – A new bipartisan bill called the ‘Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act’, which has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, aims to support economic development in the region through initiatives on infrastructure, trade and anti-corruption, including codification of sanctions to deter destabilizing activity in the Western Balkans.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senators Chris Murphy and Thom Tillis to the Balkans, together with Senator Roger Wicker, introduced the new bipartisan legislation.
“Amid Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine and Putin’s clear ambitions to spread malign influence across Eastern Europe, the United States’ relationship with the Western Balkans is pivotal. That’s why I’m proud to introduce new bipartisan legislation that strengthens trade and investments between the U.S. and Western Balkans, while rooting out local corruption and codifying sanctions against destabilizing actors – all of which pave the way for greater Euro-Atlantic integration,” said Shaheen.
The bill would establish an anti-corruption initiative that directs the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to provide technical assistance for each country in the Western Balkans to develop a national anti-corruption strategy.
In addition, it would boost university partnerships, encourages Peace Corps engagement in the region, creates a Balkans Youth Leadership Initiative and requires the Development Finance Corporation to open a previously announced office in the region.
Senator Murphy said maintaining peace in the Balkans is critical to European security. He stressed that the legislation will strengthen U.S.-Balkan ties, expand economic opportunity, and support efforts to advance democracy and root out corruption.
