America drafts corruption fighting bill in Western Balkans

The project, also known as the Act on Democracy and Happiness in the Western Balkans, has been presented by Democrat Senator Jeanne Sahen, deputy commission for Europe and Regional Security Co-operation and Republican Senator Roger Wuecker.

The initiative comes amid increased concerns in the region due to the war in Ukraine. Senator Shaheen says that the United States' relations with the Western Balkans are essential at this point, where President Putin's intentions to spread malicious influence throughout Eastern Europe are evident.

The new biparty bill strengthens trade and investment between the US and the Western Balkans, simultaneously fighting corruption through the adoption of a special sanctions legislation against destabilising actors. All these pave the way for a broader Euro-Atlantic integration”, said Mrs. Shaheen in presenting the initiative on her website.

The project instructs the State Secretary to provide technical assistance to any Western Balkan country to develop a national anti-corruption strategy.

It also envisions the return to the law of two executive orders, which would guarantee competence for sanctions against those who threaten peace and stability in the Western Balkans and are involved in corrupt acts.

Similarly, the promotion and university partnership is aimed at encouraging the commitment of the Peace Corps in the region, the establishment of an initiative for youth leader in the Balkans, and how required by the Development Financial Corporation to open a previously announced office in the region.

Mrs. Shaheen was at the helm of a group of American senators who visited Kosovo in April, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, amid concerns about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine in the Western Balkans. Their visit was aimed at strengthening ties between Washington and the Western Balkans, in the face of foreign efforts to undermine peace.

Senator Wuecker said the bill “would send a strong two-party signal, that the United States is committed to supporting diplomacy in the region”.

Likewise senators Dick Durbin, Thom Tillis, Chris Van Hollen, Ben Cardin and Chris Murphy are supporters of this bill.

For Senator Tillis, at a time when Russia continues its illegal fight against Ukraine and threatens NATO allies, the Western Balkan region is critical of Europe's security.

Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the Commission for Security and Co-operation in Europe, known as the American Helsinki Commission, said that “at a time when Western Balkan countries have taken major steps towards democratic governance, since the end of the wars in the former Yugoslavia, political divisions and increasing corruption threaten to erode this progress.

“We must continue to support our democratic partners and allies in the Western Balkans. This two-party bill will advance regional stability and anti-corruption efforts by creating programmes that encourage comprehensive economic development, national anti-corruption strategy and hold those who threaten peace in the Western Balkans”, he said.

US senators see the project as an opportunity for further strengthening relations between the US and the Western Balkans, enhancing economic opportunities, as well as supporting efforts to advance democracy and eradicate corruption. /American Voice/