; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Sense of Congress. Sec. 4. Definitions. Sec. 5. Codification of sanctions relating to the Western Balkans. Sec. 6. Democratic and economic development and prosperity initiatives. Sec. 7. Promoting cross-cultural and educational engagement. Sec. 8. Peace Corps in the Western Balkans. Sec. 9. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative. Sec. 10. Supporting cybersecurity and cyber resilience in the Western Balkans. Sec. 11. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Sec. 12. Reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations and campaigns in the Western Balkans. 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Western Balkans countries (the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Kosovo, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia) form a pluralistic, multi-ethnic region in the heart of Europe that is critical to the peace, stability, and prosperity of that continent. (2) Continued peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Balkans is directly tied to the opportunities for democratic and economic advancement available to the citizens and residents of those seven countries. (3) It is in the mutual interest of the United States and the seven countries of the Western Balkans to promote stable and sustainable economic growth and development in the region. (4) The reforms and integration with the European Union pursued by countries in the Western Balkans have led to significant democratic and economic progress in the region. (5) Despite economic progress, rates of poverty and unemployment in the Western Balkans remain higher than in neighboring European Union countries. (6) Out-migration, particularly of youth, is affecting demographics in each Western Balkans country, resulting in population decline in all seven countries. (7) Implementing critical economic and governance reforms could help enable investment and employment opportunities in the Western Balkans, especially for youth, and can provide powerful