Serbia is seeking EU membership while simultaneously strengthening its economic and military ties with China and Russia

A hearing of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee discussed in detail the situation in the Western Balkans, including Russian and Chinese influence and corruption issues in the region. Congresswoman Young Kim emphasized Montenegro’s strategic importance to NATO and the EU, adding that Russian narratives about Serbia were damaging Montenegro.

“Montenegro has rejected Russian demands and joined NATO, denying Russia a strategically important port on the Adriatic Sea. But Russian narratives, conveyed through its strategic partner Serbia, are damaging Montenegro and dividing the country—just when this small country has the best chance of joining the EU,” Kim said. On the other hand, Chinese investment in the region was cited as a serious risk.

“The risk is very high,” said Max Primorac, adding that Chinese investment often comes with corruption and prohibitive financing conditions and creates political dependence.

He cited the case of Novi Sad, where a Chinese-built project exploded, triggering mass protests.

He then addressed Serbia’s two-sided politics.

“Serbia is officially seeking EU membership, but at the same time is strengthening its economic and military ties with China and Russia. We should not be fooled by this.”

When asked about the lifting of sanctions against politician Milorad Dodik, Luke Coffey, senior fellow at the Center for Europe and Eurasia, and Edward P. Joseph, lecturer at Johns Hopkins University in the US and expert on conflict management, described the decision as a strategic mistake.

“Lifting these sanctions will only lead to more instability,” Joseph said, adding that the move sends a negative signal to allies and sets a precedent for corruption and foreign influence.

With regard to organized crime and corruption, Coffey emphasized: “Corruption is the breeding ground for transnational criminal organizations and makes these countries a gateway for drugs, weapons, and money laundering. This threatens security in Europe and the United States.” US Representative Sarah McBride from Delaware criticized the Trump administration’s lack of a coherent strategy.

“While the Western Balkans region often receives little attention, the tensions there pose a direct threat to American and European interests,” she said. Finally, the congressmen discussed the need to put pressure on Serbia to comply with the agreements with Kosovo, protect minorities, and ensure regional stability. Rep. Kim announced a bill that would require the US State Department to report on Serbia’s treatment of Albanian minorities, citing the passivation of addresses in the Preševo Valley. /TheGeoPost