Two US congressmen, Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Bill Keating, have increased the pressure on Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, introducing a bill that provides for sanctions and visa bans for individuals who undermine democratic processes, peace, stability and territorial integrity in the Western Balkans.
Wilson and Keating, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, demand that Serbia make progress in the fight against corruption, reform the rule of law, and sever ties with Russia, China, and Iran.
“During Vučić’s presidency, Serbia has deliberately moved away from the rule of law and has become closer to enemies of freedom like Vladimir Putin, the Chinese Communist Party, and the terrorist regime in Tehran. Despite widespread protests against corruption, Vučić’s government threatens to destabilize the region and beyond. The people of Serbia deserve better,” Wilson told The Hill.
Keating also said that the draft law clearly stipulates that Vucic and other Serbian officials must make progress in the fight against corruption and limit the influence of Iran, Russia and China.
"Democracy, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption must remain the main pillars of US-Serbia relations," he said.
The draft law supports student protests against corruption in Serbia, calls for an investigation and accountability for the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station, where 16 people lost their lives in November 2024, and expresses concern about the use of force against protesters.
The initiative comes on the eve of the announced elections in Serbia. Vučić has announced that the parliamentary and presidential elections could be held on October 18 or 25, while the bill requires the US to raise with Belgrade the issue of free and fair elections, judicial reform, media freedom and the right to assemble.
