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Morelli, Serbia Background and US. Relations US. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Fiscal Year 2018 (May 23, 2017). Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, PL. No. 115-44, § 254 (Enacted Aug. 2, 2017). US. Department of State, Background Information on Belgrade provided to Committee Staff, June 30, 2017. US. Department of State Office of the Historian, Presidential and Secretaries Travel
Abroad: Jimmy Carter (1980). challenging political environment, there is no doubt that Serbia faces pressure in trying to sit on two chairs But leadership matters, and if Serbia wants to join the EU, it needs to take steps to counter the Russian asymmetric arsenal. Without any significant defense, Russian propaganda will continue to have an impact on public opinion in Serbia.
• The United States Must Reengage with Resources U.S. assistance to Serbia has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. According to the Congressional Research Service, the United States provided $22.9 million in FY, $14.2 million in FY, and $16.8 million in FY. For FY, the Obama Administration requested approximately $23 million. The FY budget from the Trump Administration requested
$12.1 million.
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In light of substantial assistance increases authorized in the 2017 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, USAID missions across the region must reorient towards a more robust effort to counter Russian malign influence.
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For years, these missions have been on a glide path to wind down operations with insufficient focus on the threat posed by Russian malign influence. The challenge faced by the United States and its allies across the Balkans and throughout Europe requires a reorientation of assistance. In approaching this reality, the United States must reverse years of thinking about shrinking its footprint, and instead work towards an expansive and entrepreneurial approach that makes long-term investments in building resiliency and strengthening democratic institutions, including their ability to counter disinformation. The United States should also continue to support Serbia’s efforts to become more energy independent, and work with the EU on comprehensive efforts across there- gion.
• U.S. Officials Need to Show Up In addition to aid, countries like Serbia also need senior level and consistent US. diplomatic engagement. The United States must send a clear message that it is willing to spend the time and effort necessary to support those who want a democratic future in Europe.
High-level attention by the United States has been noticeably diminished in the region since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, more than 17 years ago. Russian engagement with Serbia’s leadership stands in stark contrast to that of the United States. President Vucic has met with President Putin at least twelve times since The last US. President to visit Belgrade was Jimmy Carter in To fill this void, senior US. officials, including members of Congress, should regularly travel to the region and host high profile visitors to Washington. The United States needs to send a clear message that
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88 it is back and ready to work seriously in cooperation with host countries and allies across Europe to defend against malign influence and help countries complete the integration process.
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89 Heather A. Conley et al., Center for Strategic & International Studies, The Kremlin Play-

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