Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act

This bill, the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, aims to strengthen democratic institutions and economic prosperity across the seven Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It establishes concrete mechanisms including anti-corruption initiatives, regional economic development programs focused on reducing Russian energy dependence, cybersecurity support, and youth leadership development. The bill requires reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations in the region and codifies sanctions against those undermining democracy, while providing pathways for sanction termination. It emphasizes supporting European integration, promoting cross-cultural educational exchanges, and fostering regional trade and investment opportunities to address high poverty and youth out-migration in the region.