Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
Sponsored By: Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Introduced
Summary
Strengthen democratic and economic resilience in the Western Balkans by expanding U.S. trade and investment, codifying sanctions, and funding programs to fight corruption, boost cyber defenses, and support civil society.
Show full summary
- Codifies and preserves U.S. sanctions authorities tied to Executive Orders 13219 and 14033, allows presidential waivers with committee notice, and sets an 8-year sunset on those sanctions.
- Requires a regional economic development and democratic resilience strategy within 180 days and creates a Regional Trade and Development Initiative to grow U.S. exports, support small and medium enterprises, and mobilize diaspora and private investment.
- Funds anti-corruption programs and independent media support, rebrands and expands a Young Balkan Leaders Initiative with fellowship elements, and mandates a one-year interagency cyber report plus biannual unclassified reports on Russian and Chinese influence.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Regional trade help for small businesses
If enacted, the State Department and USAID would coordinate a regional trade initiative covering the Western Balkans. It would help small businesses export more, find investors, and get training and export support. The program would connect startups, diaspora investors, and help governments make fair investment rules. The law does not set funding amounts.
New anti-corruption program for Balkans
If enacted, the U.S. would set up an anti-corruption program for each Western Balkans country. It would fund training for police, judges, election and procurement officials and strengthen laws on open records and procurement. The program would boost cyber defenses and support independent media and investigative journalism. Help would depend on each country agreeing to make a new national anti-corruption plan.
Fellowships and training for young leaders
If enacted, the existing BOLD program would expand across the Western Balkans and be rebranded the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative. Young people ages 18 to 35 would be eligible for fellowships, training, networking, and professional development. Programs would teach business, tech, cybersecurity, agriculture, civic engagement, and counter-disinformation skills. Expansion would depend on available appropriations.
Codify and continue Western Balkans sanctions
If enacted, this would codify and continue U.S. sanctions authorities tied to the Western Balkans for 8 years. People already listed would remain designated unless waived or removed. The President could grant waivers for up to 180 days with at least 15 days notice to Congress. Transactions for food, medicine, medical devices, and humanitarian aid would be exempt. The rule would not require sanctions on imports of goods.
U.S. university partnerships in Balkans
If enacted, the Secretary of State could provide grants to link U.S. universities with Western Balkans universities. Grants could fund research on foreign policy, cyber resilience, and disinformation, plus teacher training and English instruction. The program would support exchanges and help underserved communities and people with disabilities. Funding must follow existing foreign assistance rules and the law does not set dollar amounts.
DFC consider a Balkans regional office
If enacted, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation would be required to consider adding a regional office for the Western Balkans within one year. The DFC must coordinate with the State Department on this review. Any actual office or new financing would depend on Congress approving appropriations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Jeanne Shaheen
NH • D
Cosponsors
Roger Wicker
MS • R
Sponsored 5/22/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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