Thorpe: US Congress could step up pressure over secessionism in BiH

Thorpe believes the new balance of political power in Washington will enable Congress to play a much more active role in overseeing US foreign policy towards the Western Balkans. However, key decisions will remain in the hands of the executive branch.

"I expect greater congressional engagement, including hearings on secessionism and the selection of a successor to the High Representative, budget provisions and funding for programs to protect and strengthen democracy and the rule of law, as well as pressure on the administration to enforce mandatory sanctions under the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act against those destabilizing the region, including networks linked to secessionist policies," Thorpe said.

She specifically pointed to the possibility of intensified congressional investigations into the Trump administration's actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including issues related to the Southern Interconnection project.

As an example, she cited a report by Democratic Congressman Bill Keating, currently the ranking Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, entitled "Pay for Play in the Balkans", which questions the Trump administration's handling of the Southern Interconnection project.

The report, published in September this year, questions the US administration's actions regarding decisions on the Southern Interconnection, as well as the lifting of sanctions against Milorad Dodik and individuals associated with him. It alleges preferential treatment of the political allies of President Trump and calls for more detailed congressional oversight of these decisions.

Thorpe stressed that the executive branch would continue to set the pace of US policy, but noted that Congress had traditionally played an important role in relations with the Western Balkans.

Commenting on the results of the US midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Thorpe said victories by Democratic candidates in key states represented a clear rejection of President Donald Trump's policies.

Regarding US relations with Europe and NATO, Thorpe expects Democratic members of Congress to advocate preserving the transatlantic partnership and supporting Ukraine strongly.

"Democratic members of Congress will speak forcefully about the value of transatlantic ties, the importance of NATO and the need to help Ukraine defend its country and sovereignty," she stressed.

According to her, a Democratic majority could strengthen institutional safeguards for the transatlantic partnership, including restrictions on the number of US troops stationed in Europe.

"A Democratic Congress can strengthen safeguards for the transatlantic partnership, including a floor of 76,000 US troops in Europe, as well as conditions or approval requirements related to the Pentagon's force posture review. It can also restore Congress's role as Europe's most reliable interlocutor in Washington," Thorpe told FENA.

Commenting on political changes in Serbia and their possible impact on regional stability, Thorpe said a Democratic majority in Congress could support a reform-oriented government in Belgrade while simultaneously increasing pressure over Russian influence in the region.

She stressed that the US role would remain extremely important as Serbia's new leadership defines its foreign policy priorities.

Asked whether the results of the US midterm elections marked the beginning of a long-term shift in the country's political landscape or were primarily a reaction to the Trump administration, she said that, for now, they mainly reflected dissatisfaction with the incumbent president.