Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, see http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Serbia is available on the Serbia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SERBIA RELATIONS
Serbia occupies a key strategic juncture in the Balkans at the social, political, and geographic crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. The United States seeks to strengthen its relationship with Serbia through deepening cooperation based on mutual interest and respect.
In 1999, the United States broke off relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), a predecessor state that included Serbia, when it launched an ethnic cleansing and deportation campaign against noncombatant citizens. This was followed by a bombing campaign of the FRY by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that lasted nearly 78 days until the FRY Government agreed to allow the establishment of a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), which allowed displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes. The United States formally reopened its embassy to FRY in 2001. In 2003, the state union of Serbia and Montenegro succeeded the FRY, which in turn dissolved in 2006 when following a referendum Montenegro became independent. Following a UN-backed process to determine the province’s future status, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, which the U.S. recognized, but Serbia rejected. Consequently, Serbia withdrew its ambassador to the U.S. from February to October 2008. Pursuant to its constitution, the Government of Serbia still considers Kosovo to be part of its territory and has not recognized Kosovo’s independence, although more than 85 countries have done so.
In 2011, a European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue on practical issues, such as the mutual acceptance of university diplomas, began between Serbia and Kosovo, a process that the U.S. supports. Greater European integration is beneficial for Serbia, Kosovo, and the entire region.
U.S. Assistance to Serbia
The U.S. Government's assistance goals in Serbia are to strengthen institutional capacity of key government bodies, promote transparency through the improvement of adherence to the rule of law, support civil society development, and create opportunities for economic growth. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Serbia can be found here.
Bilateral Economic Relations
In March 2012, Serbia was granted European Union candidate country status. Its designation as an EU candidate could help spur renewed interest in the country both in terms of investment potential and as an export market for U.S. goods and services. Serbia also seeks to join the World Trade Organization. The country's accomplishments in modernizing legislation to conform to EU and international standards in nearly all areas affecting the economy, from intellectual property rights to foreign trade, have been impressive.
Among the leading U.S. investors in Serbia are Philip Morris, Ball Packaging, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Van Drunen Farms. Ohio’s Cooper Tire has signed an agreement to invest in Serbian tire manufacturer Trayal. Ball Packaging has increased investment in its aluminum can factory in Zemun, effectively doubling its production capacity and adding new jobs to the local economy. Many other leading U.S. firms, from a broad variety of industrial and service sectors, have a significant presence in Serbia.
Serbia's Membership in International Organizations
Serbia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Serbia is a member of the Council of Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Serbia is Mary Burce Warlick; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Serbia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2134 Kalorama Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-332-0333).
More information about Serbia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Serbia Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Serbia Page
U.S. Embassy: Serbia
USAID Serbia Mission Page
History of U.S. Relations With Serbia
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Yugoslavia (Former))
Travel and Business Information
