Statement Before Europe Subcommittee on U.S. Engagement in the Western Balkans

Statement

As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber, I want to express strong support for U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans as a geo-strategic region that is vital for peace and stability in Europe. I believe our positive engagement in the region will further encourage the democratic development of the Western Balkans based on the values of democracy, free press, human rights, fighting corruption, and the rule of law which must remain a top priority for actors in the Western Balkans.

I also want to echo Secretary of State Blinken and High Representative Borrell in encouraging the inclusion of the Western Balkans in the European Union and continue to support the launch of accession negotiations for North Macedonia and Albania. The eventual inclusion of the Western Balkans, as countries encircled by the European Union, is critical for long-term peace and stability within the transatlantic region.
To that end, I also want to condemn foreign and malign actors in the region that have sought to destabilize the region. Russia is actively working to sow division, spread disinformation, and disrupt any efforts toward Euro-Atlantic integration. At the same time, China continues to offer the region false economic promises, fuels further corruption through its non-transparent investment practices and has become entrenched in the region's infrastructure through the Belt and Road initiative.

At the same time, while acknowledging the obstacles preventing conflict resolution, I want to urge countries in the Western Balkans to continue to seek peace in the region and find solutions to outstanding disagreements.
First, I want to continue encouraging dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia and call on all parties to actively and in good faith continue negotiations to normalize their relations. Recent actions and heightened tensions in the region continue to highlight the fragility of the current situation and stand as a stark reminder of the need for reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia.
I also want to acknowledge the steps required of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue to maintain the peace achieved by the 1995 General Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as the Dayton Agreement. Alarming threats, divisive rhetoric, and corrupt activities are detrimental to the peace achieved by the Dayton Agreement. I call on all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage constructively and ensure the spirit and letter of the Dayton Agreement is fulfilled.

In addition, I want to signal support for initiatives to foster increased trade amongst Western Balkan nations, as I believe that economic links will only support peace and democratic development.
Finally, I support President Biden's efforts to fight corruption in the region, as outlined in the Administration's expansion of the Western Balkans sanctions program in June 2021. Those who destabilize the region or misappropriate public funds must be held accountable. We ask the Administration to consider further sanctions where appropriate in the Western Balkans in order to achieve U.S. policy goals and in support of democracy, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.

The Western Balkans remains a region with significant potential. Despite changing American leadership, Congress' commitment to finding long-term solutions in the region and maintaining our engagement and partnerships, from Skopje to Podgorica and from Pristina to Sarajevo, remains strong.

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