Grassley, Blumenthal Work to Strengthen Democracy and Stability in Serbia

Grassley, Blumenthal Work to Strengthen Democracy and Stability in Serbia

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA - U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced bipartisan legislation to address democratic backsliding in Serbia, improve treatment of student-led and civic protests, and combat the authoritarian influence of Russia, China and Iran. The Supporting the Rule of Law, Building Institutional Justice, and Accountability Act (SRBIJA) would help strengthen Serbia's democratic institutions, advance the rule of law and promote accountability in the U.S.-Serbia relationship. The legislation would sunset five years after enactment.

"Serbia plays a critical role in preserving peace and security in the Western Balkans. It's critical to prevent Russia, China or Iran from influencing Serbia and destabilizing the region. Our bipartisan legislation would help strengthen Serbia's democratic institutions, and it contains key accountability measures like sanctions to promote the country's return to a strong democracy," Grassley said.

"This bipartisan measure recognizes that the U.S.-Serbian relationship must embody shared democratic values and commitment to combating autocracy. Since taking power, the current government in Serbia has deepened its ties to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. This legislation will give the administration new tools to sanction individuals who enable democratic backsliding and show that the United States remains a defender of democracy. I am proud to help lead this effort in the Senate," Blumenthal said.

The SRBIJA Act expresses Congress's concern about Serbia's serious democratic backsliding, including in the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom and corruption. The measure specifically cites the government's response to sustained student-led and civic protests, as well as the November 2024 collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy. The concerns are especially timely given the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in Serbia on October 25, 2026. Last Sunday, Aleksandar Vucic resigned as Serbia's president, laying the groundwork to keep his grip on power by taking over as prime minister if his governing party wins the election.

The legislation supports Serbia's democratic institutions by conditioning additional U.S. assistance on a presidential certification that Serbia has made significant and sustained progress toward judicial accountability, media freedom and alignment with the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Additionally, the SRBIJA Act would:

• Combat bad actors by supporting the use of existing sanctions authorities against individuals engaged in corruption, serious human rights abuses or who are undermining democratic institutions or threatening peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
• • In July 2026, the Serbian government sent a cabinet minister to Tehran to attend the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, joining delegations from Russia and China at a time when most European governments were not represented.
• Evaluate the impact of Russian and Chinese influence by requiring a report to Congress about Russia and China's political, economic, energy and security ties with Serbia and its implications on American interests. The measure also includes clear, verifiable requirements for the State Department to continue its participation in the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue.
• Require a detailed strategy for U.S. engagement with Serbia that addresses these concerns.

Click HERE for text of the legislation.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation was introduced by Helsinki Commission co-chairman U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and by U.S. Rep. William Keating (D-Mass.).

Background:

Grassley has consistently worked to advance peace and stability in the Western Balkans, including efforts to address Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitutional and political crisis.

Serbia's political, economic and historical ties to Republika Srpska in Bosnia make the country an important factor in Bosnia and Herzegovina's ongoing constitutional and political crisis. Serbia's growing ties with Russia and China also impact the broader strategic and security environment in the Western Balkans.

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