American congressman Joe Wilson has called on Serbia to immediately end its energy dependence on Russia and clearly distance itself from Moscow, Beijing and Tehran, embracing a full Western orientation. In an interview with the Balkan Service of Radio Free Europe, he stressed that Belgrade must align its policies with Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Wilson reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Kosovo’s independence and sharply criticized what he described as continuous threats from Serbia. According to him, such behavior is unacceptable in the 21st century and Belgrade must follow in the footsteps of former Yugoslav republics that have already successfully integrated into the European Union and NATO.

Regarding the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the American congressman has sponsored a resolution in Congress aiming to move the 2027 annual session from Belgrade to Charleston, South Carolina. As reasons for this initiative, he cited not only the desire to host the meeting in the United States, but also serious concerns about Serbia’s closeness to authoritarian regimes and its attitude toward its neighbors.

Wilson clarified that the technical obstacles that had led to the initial selection of Belgrade have now been overcome. According to him, Charleston has sufficient food capacities, a large volunteer base from institutions such as The Citadel and the College of Charleston, as well as real possibilities to provide translation services. He added that the OSCE itself provides interpreters, which makes the American city even more suitable as host.

Speaking about Serbia’s relations with major powers, the congressman emphasized that the influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he called a “war criminal,” remains the main concern. He pointed out that the Serbian state oil company NIS is Russian-owned and that Belgrade continues to buy gas and oil from Moscow. Beyond that, he warned about the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the communications and investment sectors, as well as ties with the Iranian regime.

Asked whether Serbia’s negotiations with Russia to stop oil imports constitute a positive step, Wilson bluntly replied that negotiations are not enough. He argued that Belgrade can act unilaterally, without waiting for anyone’s approval, following the example of Hungary and Bulgaria which have already reduced Russian energy dependence. According to him, financing Putin’s regime through oil and gas purchases is unacceptable.

Regarding the future of the Parliamentary Assembly, the congressman suggested a possible compromise: the United States to host in 2027 and Belgrade to organize the meeting a year later, in 2028. He reiterated that his main priority remains holding the session in America and that his initiative is not directed against Serbia, but aims to promote the values of freedom and democracy in the region.

Wilson concluded by expressing hope that the Serbian people will choose the path of Western integration and break away from totalitarian influences, stressing that the world is changing and authoritarian regimes are in retreat. He cited as examples the fall of Assad in Syria, the imprisonment of Maduro and the losses of the Iranian regime, arguing that now is the time for Serbia to align itself on the winning side of history.

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American Representative Joe Wilson stated that Serbia should end its dependence on Russian energy sources, distance itself from the orbit of Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran, and fully align its positions with those of Western institutions.

During a conversation with the Balkan Service of Radio Free Europe, Wilson reaffirmed his support for Kosovo’s statehood and sharply criticized Belgrade for what he described as incessant threats.

According to him, Serbia’s path toward membership in the European Union and NATO requires a clear break from authoritarian regimes.

The Republican lawmaker has proposed a resolution in Congress aiming to relocate the 2027 Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly from Belgrade to Charleston, South Carolina.

Although he stressed that the primary priority remains organizing the proceedings in the United States, he cited Serbia’s close relations with Russia, China, and Iran, as well as its treatment of Kosovo, as concerning reasons against Belgrade’s role as host country.

On the other hand, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly announced that the American delegation had previously notified them that Charleston was unable to host the session, leading to Belgrade’s selection through standard procedures.

Wilson clarified that the initial logistical obstacles, including those related to food, support staff, and translation, have now been overcome, suggesting that the Serbian capital could host the event in 2028.

Continuing the interview, he directly linked the influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Serbia’s current positioning. “A concern I have about holding the meeting there is the excessive influence of the war criminal Putin,” Wilson said, mentioning Belgrade’s purchase of Russian oil and gas and Moscow’s ownership of the NIS company.

The congressman added that besides ties with Moscow, concerning are also the investments of the Chinese Communist Party in the communications sector, as well as the closeness with the Iranian regime, which he described as a threat aimed at destroying America.

He stressed that former Yugoslav countries such as Slovenia and Croatia are moving forward successfully and expressed hope for the future of Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, whose independence he considers essential. According to him, Serbia’s ongoing threats are unacceptable in the 21st century.

Wilson argued that Belgrade should act unilaterally to sever ties with Moscow, without waiting for the conclusion of long negotiations, citing Bulgaria and Hungary as positive examples in reducing Russian energy dependence. “Negotiations are not enough. They do not need permission from Donald Trump,” he said.

Referring to the Parliamentary Assembly, the American lawmaker reiterated that Charleston already has all the necessary capacities, including culinary services, numerous volunteers from the academic and military community, and easy access to translators because they are provided by the OSCE itself.

Regarding regional politics, he assessed that a short-term solution would be for Belgrade to be the host in 2028, underscoring that President Trump has succeeded in unifying Europe against Russian aggression. In closing, Wilson called on the Serbian people to choose the path of freedom and democracy, distancing themselves from the totalitarianism of Putin and Beijing, so that Serbia may be on the right side of history.

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According to the announcement, the meeting included discussion of Kosovo’s relations with the United States of America, as well as recent developments in the region.

“Ambassador Dugolli had the honor of meeting with Congressman Michael Baumgartner.

For a substantive discussion on Kosovo-US relations and developments in the region,” the embassy wrote on Facebook.

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