On March 19, 2024, the conference “The Future of U.S.-Serbia Relations and U.S. Policy Toward the Western Balkans” was organized by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (SAFC) and East West Bridge (EWB). The conference highlighted the significant progress Serbia has made and discussed future cooperation and development opportunities between Serbia and the U.S.
Matthew Palmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Special Representative for the Western Balkans, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey, as well as SAFC founders Vladimir Marinković and Jovan Kovačić, discussed various aspects of U.S.-Serbia relations, including regional, economic, and infrastructural potentials of Serbia and the region.
Vladimir Marinković expressed satisfaction with the current strong friendship between Serbia and the U.S., while noting that there is still room for growth.
"Strengthening cooperation with the U.S. is crucial for the faster development of our country and the Mini Schengen area. It is important for us to maintain a proactive stance on economic and political cooperation, new investments, military and defense collaboration, and other key areas. On the other hand, I am firmly convinced that the U.S. has no more reliable partner and ally in the region than Serbia. This forms a solid foundation for a stable strategic partnership between our two countries. As an economic leader in the Balkans, Serbia undoubtedly deserves even better bilateral relations and new American investments. The U.S. shares this view, as evidenced by the Washington Agreement and the continued work of the DFC in our country. In addition to economic issues, we count on our partners in Washington to support us in resolving the Kosovo issue through constructive dialogue,” Marinković stated.
U.S. Ambassador Anthony Godfrey thanked SAFC for its successful collaboration since the organization’s inception and emphasized the importance of deepening the strong bilateral relations.
“The depth of cooperation between Serbia and the U.S. sometimes goes unnoticed. SAFC, through its work, showcases this good cooperation to the Serbian public, and we are grateful for that. We are also pleased that the Serbian public appreciates the economic cooperation between our two countries and the support that the U.S. provides Serbia in its quest for better economic development. This cooperation benefits not only Serbia but also the U.S., and it remains in the interest of the U.S. that Serbia stays on the path of economic development. This interest has not changed with the new administration in the White House; rather, President Biden’s administration continues with the same approach,” Godfrey said.
During his discussion with EWB founder Jovan Kovačić, Matthew Palmer addressed several key topics for the Western Balkans, including Serbia's European path and economic development, the resolution of the Kosovo issue, the Mini Schengen initiative, regional connectivity, and DFC and American investments in Serbia.
Reflecting on Serbia from 1993, when he first visited, to today, Palmer highlighted the evident progress made. He noted that during his recent visit, he observed more optimistic and positive people, a stark contrast to the difficult conditions of the mid-1990s, such as war and sanctions. Palmer emphasized the visible progress Serbia has made in recent years and noted that there is still room for improvement, with optimism shared by both Serbia and the U.S.
“My impression from recent discussions with Serbian officials is that fundamentally, the bilateral relations between the two countries are strong, but there is also a clear shared vision for the future and Serbia’s future as an EU member, with all the qualifications that make it an economically strong state,” Palmer said, reiterating U.S. support for Serbia’s European path.
Regarding Euroskepticism in Serbia, Palmer acknowledged that it is understandable given that reforms can be challenging, but ultimately, they prove to be worthwhile. He expressed confidence that Serbia will see the benefits of EU membership, which will increase public support for the European path.
On the Mini Schengen initiative, Palmer stressed the importance of regional connectivity and initiatives that further encourage growth and prosperity. He praised Serbia’s constructive role in regional initiatives like Mini Schengen and expressed a desire to see support from the entire region for such initiatives focused on solidarity and connectivity.
When asked about the significance of the DFC for U.S.-Serbia relations, Palmer stated that the arrival of the American development agency is the best indicator of the U.S.'s good intentions.
“The arrival of the DFC in the Balkans shows that the U.S. is committed to developing the Western Balkans, including Greece. The DFC in Belgrade is working and open to new business challenges, which is an important opportunity for the entire region and the U.S. to develop economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and other critical areas that will help integrate the Balkans into the West,” Palmer said. He added that American companies in Serbia have a very positive impression of the country, being satisfied with the conditions and the high quality and creativity of the workforce, particularly in scientific and technological fields.
EWB founder Jovan Kovačić concluded the conference by stating that this is just the beginning of ongoing traditional activities aimed at supporting and understanding the common goals of both countries.
SAFC and EWB previously signed a Declaration confirming their joint cooperation in areas such as transatlantic cooperation and integration, regional stability, free movement of people, goods, capital, and services, gender equality, and other topics.
