The United States Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, is scheduled to address the Subcommittee of the US Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington today, which will discuss stability and security in the Western Balkans, and provide assessments of American policy in the region.
In a published address by Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Subcommittee on Europe), hearing on US engagement in the Balkans, it is stated that US policy in the Western Balkans is based on a simple principle: the continued integration of the region into Euro-Atlantic structures.
That integration strengthens Europe as a geostrategic partner, strengthens democratic governance and the rule of law, and makes the countries of the Western Balkans safer and more prosperous – and thus the region better security and trade partners for the United States.
“We understand that the obstacles to this process are enormous – including stalled progress in democratization, corruption, reducing dependence on Russian energy, ethno-nationalist politics and harmful foreign influence and disinformation.
However, these obstacles are not insurmountable, the Western Balkans must take the necessary steps to qualify for membership. Our engagement helps them fight corrosive corruption and misinformation that fosters susceptibility to malicious influence – from authoritarian states like Russia and the PRC, but also from bad actors from within. Our engagement is aimed at resolving existing tensions that threaten this road and greater regional stability,” Escobar’s report states.
In the part of the report that talks about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Escobar states that “unfortunately, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik remains focused on unpacking the Dayton Peace Agreement and the state constitution.”
“Dodik’s persistent, secessionist and anti-democratic actions threaten the stability, security and prosperity of the country and the wider region. We will continue to sanction these actions and hold accountable anyone who undermines the Dayton Peace Agreement or threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of the country. We will also continue intensive efforts to strengthen the commitment of the international community to support Dayton, including by mobilizing support for the European Union mission EUFOR ALTHEA. Furthermore, we remain firm in supporting the use of the Bonn powers of the Office of the High Representative to counter threats to the Dayton Agreement,” emphasizes Escobar.
Citizens of the Western Balkans want a better future for their children – one where stronger, more transparent democracies and governments are held accountable, support for human rights is strong, and where everyone benefits from greater economic prosperity and security. Our engagement helps make this dream a reality, and continued bipartisan engagement in Congress remains key to its success, according to Escobar’s report.
