Thewesternbalkans
The US’ State Department elaborated very well on the bilateral relations between US and the WB’ countries. In the documents of the State Department there are following engagements:
U.S.-ALBANIA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Albania in 1922, following its 1912 independence from the Ottoman Empire. Diplomatic relations between the United States and Albania were reestablished in 1991.
Following the state department documents, the United States has been a strong partner and friend to Albania as it has made progress to consolidate democracy, to open up its economy, and to provide opportunity for all its people. Albania and the United States have signed and ratified a number of agreements, including a treaty on the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the promotion of defense and military relations; the Adriatic Charter on Euro-Atlantic integration; and an agreement regarding the non-surrender of persons to the International Criminal Court. The United States supports Albania’s European Union membership goal, as it did Albania’s pursuit of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership.
U.S. Government assistance aims to help Albania strengthen democratic institutions and rule of law; promote sustainable, broad-based economic growth; and integrate the country into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
The documents show that the United States will continue to address a significant developmental challenge – countering corruption – that is critical for the country’s success in improving transparency and governance on its path of EU integration. To advance this objective, the United States will soon launch a new multi-year project called the U.S.-Albania Transparency Academy. The Academy will focus on four programmatic pillars: Accountability and Oversight in Public Financial Management; Transparency and Ethics in the Private Sector; Youth Engagement in Promoting a Culture of Transparency; and Justice for All.
Trade with the United States accounts for a small part of Albania’s trade volume, and is focused on a narrow range of goods and services. Major imports from the United States include food (mainly meat), vehicles, machinery, and computer and electronic equipment, while the main exports to the United States include minerals, fuels and oil, agricultural products, footwear, and textiles. Albania is eligible to export certain products duty-free to the United States under the Generalized System of Preferences program. The United States and Albania have signed a bilateral investment treaty.
U.S.-BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992 following its independence from Yugoslavia. The 1992-95 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina ended with the crucial participation of the United States in brokering the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement. After leading the diplomatic and military effort to secure the Dayton Accords, the United States continues to lead the effort to ensure its implementation. The United States maintains command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Sarajevo.
The United States supports Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path toward full integration into Western institutions. In December 2019, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted to NATO its first annual Reform Program document, which outlines reform commitments, building upon the established partnership between the Alliance and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The United States supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to complete the reforms necessary to achieve EU candidate status and to progress in accession negotiations.
U.S. Government assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to fully anchor the country in European and Western institutions, strengthen multi-ethnic democratic institutions and civil society, support strong state-level judiciary and law enforcement sectors, bolster free and independent journalism, counter corruption, support civic education, promote a multi-ethnic and pluralistic society, and increase prosperity and attractiveness to foreign investors. The United States has provided over $2 billion in assistance since 1992.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a transitional economy that is pursuing membership in the European Union and the World Trade Organization. More than 50 U.S. and U.S.-affiliated companies have established a full-time presence in the country. In 2020, the United States exported $21.6 million in goods to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while goods imports from Bosnia and Herzegovina totaled over $98 million.
U.S.-KOSOVO RELATIONS
Since Kosovo’s independence in 2008, the United States and over 100 UN-member countries have recognized Kosovo as an independent, sovereign state. The United States continues to support a multiethnic, democratic Kosovo, fully integrated into the international community. This remains a key pillar of U.S. efforts to enhance stability in the Balkan region as part of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace. U.S. priorities in Kosovo include the comprehensive normalization of Kosovo’s relations with Serbia, centered on mutual recognition, strengthening governance and rule of law, and fostering economic growth and energy security.
European Union-facilitated Dialogue talks, launched in 2010 with U.S. backing, established a process for fostering reconciliation and normalization between Kosovo and Serbia. The United States continues to encourage Kosovo and Serbia to accelerate efforts to reach a comprehensive normalization agreement, which would benefit citizens in both countries. Normalizing Kosovo-Serbia relations would also enable both countries to realize their full potential and further integrate into the West.
The United States continues to support Kosovo’s aspirations for full Euro-Atlantic integration.
U.S. foreign assistance to Kosovo targets the three goals of peace, justice and prosperity.
Security assistance – such as military education, training, and equipment – advances U.S. national security goals in Kosovo, including the gradual, transparent transition of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to a multi-ethnic, modern NATO-interoperable force with a territorial defense mandate.
To expand prosperity, U.S. assistance advances private sector competitiveness, helps Kosovo to ensure its energy security, improves the enabling environment for investment, and seeks to unlock the power of an entrepreneurial class, including an energetic and growing tech sector.
The United States also partners with the Kosovo government to implement a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Program supporting accountable governance and a reliable energy landscape in Kosovo. The government of Kosovo and MCC are also jointly developing a new Compact program, focused on energy supply, has been approved in 2021.
U.S. troops continue to participate in the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all of Kosovo’s citizens. The United States is the largest KFOR contributor of the 28 troop-contributing nations.
U.S. investors in Kosovo are involved with projects in the construction, energy, health, information technology, and real estate development sectors. Kosovo is a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences program, which promotes economic development by eliminating duties on approximately 3,500 products imported from Kosovo.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo is one of the most active and well-respected business organizations in the country, and there are over 15 companies registered in Kosovo that have direct U.S. ties. Among the most active are Coca Cola, General Electric, KFC, Marriott, Cisco, Famous Famiglia, Burger King, Domino’s, TCI (a subsidiary of SPX Corporation), and Microsoft. There are also other U.S. goods being sold in Kosovo through distributors, as well as local UPS and FedEx offices.
U.S.-MONTENEGRO RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Montenegro in 1905 following its 1878 independence from the Ottoman Empire. The United States reestablished diplomatic relations with Montenegro in 2006 following the dissolution of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro.
U.S. policy toward Montenegro is structured to help the country transition to a prosperous, market-based democracy, fully integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions, including the European Union, with which it opened accession negotiations in 2012. Montenegro joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the twenty-ninth member in 2017. Montenegro has demonstrated its commitment to international peacekeeping efforts, including in Afghanistan where it has contributed troops to the International Security Assistance Force and Resolute Support Mission, as well as in Latvia and Kosovo.
U.S. Government assistance to Montenegro aims to help the country advance along its Euro-Atlantic integration path, improving its ability to fight organized crime and corruption, strengthening civil society and democratic structures, encouraging free and independent journalism, and promoting stability in the Balkans. The United States has provided over $450 million in assistance since 1998.
A number of U.S. companies are operating in Montenegro, and the Government of Montenegro has put an emphasis on attracting more U.S. investment. The Montenegrin Government counts the following as incentives for U.S. investors to do business in Montenegro: a business-oriented economic system, a high level of economic freedom, a stable currency (Euro), macroeconomic predictability, and openness to incentivized tax structures. Montenegro has been designated as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences program, which provides duty-free access to the U.S. market in various eligible categories.
Montenegro and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the World Trade Organization. Montenegro is also a participant in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program and the Adriatic Charter.
U.S.-NORTH MACEDONIA RELATIONS
The United States formally recognized North Macedonia in 1994, and the countries established full diplomatic relations in 1995. The United States strongly supports North Macedonia’s aspirations for full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and is committed to helping North Macedonia embrace inclusive democracy and citizen-responsive governance; fight corruption and discrimination; strengthen rule of law; continue to build upon achievements as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally and partner; strengthen and diversify its economy; promote media freedom; and build greater democratic institutions in a full, inclusive, multi-ethnic society.
The signing of the Prespa Agreement with Greece in June 2018 to resolve the name dispute, and the previous Treaty on Good Neighborly relations with Bulgaria signed in August 2017, opened the door for North Macedonia to join NATO as the Alliance’s 30th Ally in 2020. North Macedonia’s NATO membership bolsters security, stability, and prosperity across the entire Western Balkans region. North Macedonia hopes to commence effective EU accession negotiations as soon as possible, pending the resolution of bilateral challenges with neighboring Bulgaria.
U.S. Government assistance to North Macedonia focuses on strengthening North Macedonia’s resilience as a committed strategic partner. The United States supports North Macedonia’s continued development on the path toward full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community and Government of North Macedonia’s efforts to sustain economic and democratic reforms to build stability and prosperity.
North Macedonia has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2003 and has negotiated free trade agreements with many of its neighbors. In 2021, total trade between North Macedonia and the United States was $306 million, a 6.9-percent increase over 2020. U.S. electrical machinery and equipment have been particularly attractive to importers in North Macedonia. Principal exports to the United States are tobacco, apparel, iron, and steel.
The European Council endorsed the decision to open EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia on March 26, 2020. Bulgaria continues to block the start of North Macedonia’s accession talks, pending resolution of bilateral disputes.
U.S.-SERBIA RELATIONS
Serbia occupies a key strategic juncture in the Balkans at the social, political, and geographic crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. The United States seeks to strengthen its relationship with Serbia by deepening cooperation based on mutual interest and respect. The United States wants Serbia to be part of a stable Balkan region, and we pursue this by supporting Serbia’s integration into European institutions, helping normalize Serbia’s relations with Kosovo, strengthening the rule of law, partnering on security issues, and promoting economic growth.
Serbia opened EU accession negotiations in January 2014 and has embraced the goal of EU membership as its top strategic priority. The United States continues to support Serbia’s efforts to join the EU. Serbia’s accession is conditioned on significant rule of law and economic reforms, as well as normalization of relations with Kosovo via the EU-facilitated Dialogue, launched in 2011 with strong U.S. backing. The United States supports the efforts of Serbia and Kosovo to fully implement Dialogue agreements made thus far and to help move both sides toward full normalization, centered on mutual recognition. Normalization will benefit citizens of Kosovo and Serbia, contribute to regional stability, and enable both countries to realize their full potential and further integrate into the West.
U.S. foreign assistance supports Serbia in its integration into European institutions and builds U.S.-Serbian economic, security, and democracy cooperation. Robust programming strengthens the rule of law, fosters conditions for economic growth, increases government transparency, supports democratic political processes and civil participation, safeguards human rights, empowers civil society, promotes regional stability, energy independence, and fortifies independent media.
Since 1998, the United States has provided over $1.1 billion in assistance to Serbia to help it develop as a prosperous democracy, at peace with itself and its neighbors, and integrated into regional and Western institutions. U.S. defense cooperation strengthens the defense sector and our military cooperation, bolstering border security, aiding ongoing clearance of explosive remnants of war and the destruction of surplus ammunition, and helping local communities repair infrastructure. The U.S. Government also continues to provide support to strengthen the country’s asylum systems and to facilitate local integration of refugees and displaced persons from the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
The “Ohio National Guard”-led bilateral State Partnership Program is the cornerstone of our security relationship with Serbia. Throughout the 15-year partnership, Ohio and Serbia have worked together to enhance joint training opportunities, averaging about 20 events annually, held in either Serbia or Ohio, which have provided an effective platform for developing vibrant and close bilateral ties between the armed forces.
Serbia has also been an active participant in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program for more than a decade, and the United States has been a firm and consistent supporter of Serbia’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with NATO.
The United States values Serbia’s contributions to global peacekeeping efforts. The American Foreign Military Financing and Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) programs have provided approximately $28 million in security assistance to Serbia for defense modernization and peacekeeping operations equipment and training since 2009.
There is growing interest from potential U.S. investors in Serbia, in line with positive economic trends and with Serbia’s prospective EU accession. In September 2018, the United States and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in infrastructure projects and in 2020 Serbia signed the Washington Commitments to promote economic normalization with Kosovo. To deliver the additional jobs and growth its citizens demand and to catch up with EU standards, Serbia has to move forward with economic reforms to strengthen its private sector, reform its public administration, resolve state-owned enterprises, and improve the rule of law.
U.S. firms have invested around $4 billion in Serbia and employ more than 20,000 workers there. Among the leading U.S. investors in the country are NCR, Philip Morris, Molson Coors, Ball Packaging, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Cooper Tire, Ametek, and Van Drunen Farms. Many other leading U.S. firms, from a broad variety of industrial and service sectors, have a significant presence. There has been increased interest from U.S. information technology (IT) companies, with specific emphasis on opportunities in e-government, cloud computing, digitization, systems integration, and IT security. NCR, Microsoft, Oracle, FIS, and IBM all have significant IT-related operations in Serbia, along with a growing number of IT start-ups. Serbian IT professionals are highly sought after.
Serbia participates in NATO’s Partnership for Peace.
Comments: The main goal of this study is to analyze the opinion of some political researchers, the real engagement of the US administration in the Western Balkans and to try to make some conclusions.
Political scientists speak of a short-term full commitment and leading role of the USA in the Western Balkans with decreasing intensity and transfer of responsibilities for the geopolitical control of the region to the EU.
Documents from the US State Department show that such a commitment exists regardless of which administration is involved (the previous one of Donald Trump or the current one of Joe Biden). The directions to the US missions in the Western Balkan countries are particularly detailed, which shows that the US has long-term goals and priorities in the Western Balkans region and is unlikely to give up the EU’s initiative to control these countries.
