Not adopted
This amendment was never taken up, and the bill finished without it. It was never voted on.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Pending Consideration
- Failed
What this amendment would do
This amendment adds a new title to the bill called the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act. Its main purpose is to boost peace, stability, economic growth, and democratic reforms in seven specific countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The amendment aims to change and add several initiatives to the bill, including:
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Codifying Sanctions: It locks in existing U.S. sanctions and authorities related to the Western Balkans from specific executive orders, while providing clear exceptions for things like humanitarian aid, law enforcement, and intelligence.
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Economic and Anti-Corruption Efforts: It requires the creation of a 5-year strategy for economic development and democratic resilience, establishes a regional trade and development initiative, and mandates an anti-corruption initiative to support transparent governance and independent media.
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Cybersecurity and Resilience: It calls for reports and strategies to improve cyber defenses, protect critical infrastructure, and defend against malicious cyber activity and foreign interference.
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Educational and Youth Programs: It authorizes university partnerships, a Peace Corps review, and expands the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative to provide fellowships, training, and a flagship public engagement center.
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Countering Foreign Malign Influence: It requires regular reports detailing malign influence operations and campaigns carried out by Russia and China in the region.
- 6/2/2025
- Senate amendment submitted
This bill has no cosponsors