SRBIJA Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to leverage U.S. engagement and potential assistance to compel Serbia towards democratic reforms and alignment with Euro-Atlantic institutions, while imposing conditions on bilateral dialogue and reporting on foreign influence.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "SRBIJA Act," aims to address democratic backsliding and malign foreign influence in Serbia. It mandates reports and strategies on Russian and Chinese influence, conditions U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue on specific issues like free elections and anti-corruption, and authorizes additional assistance to Serbia only upon certification of significant progress towards democratic accountability and alignment with Euro-Atlantic policies. It also expresses a Sense of Congress regarding specific concerns like the Novi Sad disaster and ties with Iran.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue the bill is crucial for promoting democracy, rule of law, and stability in the Western Balkans by holding the Serbian government accountable for democratic backsliding, corruption, and deepening ties with adversarial nations like Russia, China, and Iran. They believe it provides a clear framework for U.S. engagement, encouraging Serbia to reinforce its Euro-Atlantic path and counter malign external influences.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill's conditional approach could alienate Serbia, potentially pushing it further into the orbit of Russia and China rather than drawing it closer to the West. They might contend that imposing strict conditions on dialogue and assistance could undermine diplomatic efforts and stability in a sensitive region, and that a more flexible engagement strategy would be more effective.
The bill is relatively concise and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core objectives and mechanisms within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3
Congressional Assessment of Serbia's Democratic and Foreign Policy Trajectory
This section outlines Congress's view that Serbia is experiencing democratic decline, citing issues with rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and corruption, as well as the government's response to protests. It also notes Serbia's deepening ties with Russia, China, and Iran, and calls for investigations into the Novi Sad disaster and excessive force against protesters.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this section clearly articulates U.S. concerns, setting the stage for conditional engagement and signaling strong support for democratic values and accountability in Serbia.
Critics contend
Some might argue that such a strong public condemnation could be perceived as overly confrontational, potentially hindering diplomatic efforts and strengthening anti-Western sentiment within Serbia.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need to express strong disapproval of current Serbian government actions with the desire to maintain influence and encourage a Euro-Atlantic path.
Section 4
U.S. Policy on Supporting Serbian Democracy and Imposing Sanctions
This section declares U.S. policy to support democratic governance in Serbia, linking deeper U.S. engagement to verifiable progress on accountability and rule of law. It explicitly states the intent to impose financial and visa sanctions on malign actors in the Western Balkans under existing Executive Orders (14033, 14024) and the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act (22 U.S.C. 10704) for actions undermining peace, democracy, human rights, or regional agreements.
Section 5
Mandated Report on Foreign Influence and U.S. Strategy for Serbia
This section requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with intelligence and defense officials, to submit a report within 180 days on the extent of Russian and Chinese political, economic, energy, and security influence in Serbia, and its implications for U.S., NATO, and EU interests. It also mandates a detailed strategy within 90 days outlining U.S. objectives for bilateral engagement, assessing resources for independent media and judicial reform, evaluating Serbia's investigations into the Novi Sad disaster and protester force, and examining Serbia's foreign and security policy alignment.
Section 6
Conditional Participation in U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue
This section mandates that the Secretary of State must cease participation in the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue unless specific issues are addressed, including Serbia's relations with Russia, China, and Iran; ensuring free and fair elections; anti-corruption and rule of law reform; and strengthening democratic governance, press freedom, and freedom of assembly. A certification must be submitted to Congress 10 days prior to any dialogue iteration, detailing how these issues will be addressed. Failure to certify results in cessation of funding and participation.
Section 7
Conditional Authorization of Additional U.S. Assistance to Serbia
This section authorizes additional assistance to Serbia only after the President certifies to Congress that Serbia has made "significant and sustained progress toward independent judicial accountability, media freedom, and alignment of its foreign and security policy with that of the European Union and NATO." A Sense of Congress also states that upon such certification, the President should take steps to improve bilateral relations, enhance people-to-people contacts, and expand security and defense cooperation.
Section 8
Five-Year Sunset Provision
This section stipulates that the entire Act will cease to have any force or effect five years after its date of enactment.