Rep. Keating Accuses Trump Admin of Profiting from Serbia Deals

Western Balkans Stability and US Policy

• 🇺🇸 The US must continue to support the Dayton Accords to uphold Bosnia's sovereignty and multithnic character, especially given increased regional tensions.
• ⚠️ Weakening the Office of the High Representative (OHR) would embolden separatist actors in Bosnia.
• ⚖️ The bipartisan Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act aims to codify sanctions against bad actors and expand people-to-people ties in the region.

Sanctions and Disruptive Behavior

• 🚫 Rep. Keating expressed disagreement with the Trump administration's decision to remove all sanctions on Miller Dodic, his family, and affiliates, stating it removed US leverage.
• 🇷🇸 Dodic, despite no longer being president of Republica Srpska, remains a powerful figure, and sanctions should be reinstated due to his ongoing disruptive behavior.

US-Serbia Bilateral Relationship

• 🇷🇸 Serbia's President Vučić has eroded the rule of law and strengthened ties with Russia and China.
• 🤝 Instead of condemning Belgrade's actions, the Trump administration upgraded the US-Serbia bilateral relationship, rewarding malign relationships with Beijing and Moscow.
• 🚫 The administration has been urged to prioritize anti-corruption and rule of law regimes in Serbia and make clear that closer ties with Moscow and Beijing are incompatible with EU aspirations.

Allegations of Self-Enrichment

• 💰 The Trump administration is accused of using the White House to enrich its friends and families through political deals.
• 🏨 Specifically, Serbian officials approved legislation for Jared Kushner to develop a former defense ministry building into a hotel resort, openly stating it was to make inroads with the US administration.
• 🌍 This practice of using the White House for private business dealings is condemned, not only in Serbia but also in Russia and crypto markets.

Broader Regional Engagement

• 🇪🇺 Increased US engagement in the Western Balkans, including progress in the EU-brokered dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, would move countries closer to EU membership.
• 🛡️ The US must reassure allies of its continued engagement, including maintaining a military presence in KFOR and fully implementing the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact in Kosovo.
• 💻 Support for cybersecurity efforts and ensuring Montenegro, North Macedonia, and others are prepared for EU membership are also crucial.
• 🏛️ Concern was raised that the subcommittee has not held any hearings with a Trump administration official, urging oversight of the administration's policy towards Europe.