S.Amdt. 2283

This amendment adds a new title to the bill called the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act. Its main purpose is to boost peace, stability, economic growth, and democratic reforms in seven specific countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

The amendment aims to change and add several initiatives to the bill, including:

• Codifying Sanctions: It locks in existing U.S. sanctions and authorities related to the Western Balkans from specific executive orders, while providing clear exceptions for things like humanitarian aid, law enforcement, and intelligence.

• Economic and Anti-Corruption Efforts: It requires the creation of a 5-year strategy for economic development and democratic resilience, establishes a regional trade and development initiative, and mandates an anti-corruption initiative to support transparent governance and independent media.

• Cybersecurity and Resilience: It calls for reports and strategies to improve cyber defenses, protect critical infrastructure, and defend against malicious cyber activity and foreign interference.

• Educational and Youth Programs: It authorizes university partnerships, a Peace Corps review, and expands the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative to provide fellowships, training, and a flagship public engagement center.

• Countering Foreign Malign Influence: It requires regular reports detailing malign influence operations and campaigns carried out by Russia and China in the region.