US Congress Serbia bill — Two US congressmen, Joe Wilson and William Keating, have introduced a bill in the US Congress concerning Serbia, proposing potential sanctions and criticizing Belgrade’s democratic practices and its relationships with Russia, China, and Iran. The bill comes just a month after the US government initiated a strategic dialogue with Serbia in mid-July 2026.

The proposed legislation, currently in its early stages and far from adoption by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, urges US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to pressure Belgrade into ensuring free and fair elections, intensifying the fight against corruption, upholding the rule of law, and altering its stance towards Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran. The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Congressman Wilson stated in a written declaration that the US remains consistent in its policy, expecting Serbia to adhere to the rule of law, cease regional destabilization efforts, and respect freedom of speech and assembly. The bill suggests that if these issues are not adequately addressed, including an independent and transparent investigation into the tragedy in Novi Sad and the excessive use of force against demonstrators, the US should consider suspending the strategic dialogue.

Jay C. Lintzenich of the German Marshall Fund in Washington commented that Washington is observing events in Serbia for multiple reasons, driven by concern and specific issues. He emphasized the need for Serbia to be above reproach to avoid providing grounds for negative accusations.

In the past two years, Serbian authorities have faced anti-corruption protests demanding accountability for the deaths of 16 people in a canopy collapse in Novi Sad, alongside calls for early elections. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced elections for late October 2026 and has repeatedly denied claims that the government obstructs judicial processes related to the Novi Sad tragedy.

Simultaneously, Serbia continues its foreign policy of maintaining good relations with both the European Union, the US, Russia, and China. Recent events in August 2026 highlighted this balancing act: Serbian President Vučić hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Serbia later sought assistance from Russia, which sent an Ilyushin aircraft to help combat wildfires.

Richard Kraemer, a professor at the American University in Kyiv, suggested to the BBC that Zelensky’s visit might signal Serbia’s potential shift towards the West. He posited that the congressmen might be urging Serbian authorities and President Vučić to move from words to actions, rather than engaging in another insincere political performance.

The bill also criticizes Serbia’s relationship with China and Iran, specifically mentioning the presence of Serbia’s Minister of Information, Boris Bratina, at the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the US-Iran conflict. Bratina explained that he was sent to Tehran by the government and acted with their knowledge.