2025-12-26
"Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act"
The United States Congress has introduced a new bill titled the “ Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act ”, which aims to increase American trade, investment, and political support for the Western Balkan countries .
The bill, filed on September 10, 2025 in the House of Representatives, includes Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia , and qualifies the region as key to the peace, stability, and security of Europe.
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Main points of the draft law:
Strengthening democracy and fighting corruption, including support for the judiciary, public procurement and independent media.
Increasing American trade and investment in the region, especially in clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and small businesses.
Reducing dependence on Russian energy, promoting energy diversification and renewable sources.
Codification of US sanctions on individuals and entities that undermine stability, democracy and the rule of law in the Western Balkans.
Mandatory reports on destabilizing Russian and Chinese influence, including disinformation campaigns, political interference, and cyber threats.
Support for cybersecurity and digital infrastructure protection in countries in the region.
Expanding educational programs and exchanges, including universities, the Peace Corps, and youth initiatives.
Creation of the “Young Balkan Leaders Initiative”, an expanded program for the development of young leaders (18–35 years old) in the fields of business, technology, governance and journalism.
Support for Euro-Atlantic integration, reaffirming US support for EU and NATO membership of countries that meet the criteria.
Although the draft law does not mention Albania by name or specific cases, it clearly includes the country in the analysis and policies for the Western Balkans, placing strong emphasis on several issues that directly affect official Tirana.
The main problem according to the US Congress: corruption and institutional weakness
The Congress identifies corruption, especially at high political levels, as the main obstacle to the democratic and economic development of the region. Albania, as part of the Western Balkans, is included in this concern, especially in:
public procurement and tenders,
independent institutions and elections.
The bill emphasizes that corruption fuels insecurity, discourages American and European investment, and weakens citizens' trust in democracy.
US Congressional Report on the 7 Western Balkans Countries: HR5274 – Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
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