Young: I will encourage Serbia to promote stability and prosperity, including normalization of relations with Kosovo

Michael Young, whom US President Donald Trump nominated to serve as US Ambassador to Serbia, said during his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that, if confirmed, he would encourage Serbia to promote security, stability and prosperity throughout the Western Balkans, including through the process of normalizing relations with Kosovo.

Young stressed that he would lead the US Embassy team in Belgrade in deepening defense and security cooperation to advance US interests, expanding trade and investment ties to increase American prosperity, strengthening regional stability and continuing to build a partnership with Serbia that would better advance US interests in this strategically vital region.

“I will continue to strengthen our bilateral engagement and deepen our economic and commercial ties, steering Serbia toward energy independence and improved energy infrastructure. I will encourage Serbia to embrace a political and economic future that benefits the United States, rather than competitors such as Russia and China. There is tremendous potential for US companies in Serbia, and deeper economic ties with the United States are very much in both our and Serbia’s interests. I will work to ensure a favorable business climate and a level playing field in which they can compete and succeed,” Young said.

He announced that he would prioritize deepening security and defense cooperation with Serbia, building on the already strong ties Serbia had developed with the Ohio National Guard over the past 20 years through the State Partnership Program, which he described as a cornerstone of the bilateral security relationship.

“I will ensure that US industry is well positioned to respond to Serbia’s growing interest in meeting its defense needs through US equipment and cooperation with the US defense industry,” Young said.

If confirmed as Ambassador to Serbia, Young said he would work with the Serbian Government to counter global threats and support shared priorities and interests.

“I will encourage Serbia to promote security, stability and prosperity throughout the Western Balkans, including through the process of normalizing relations with Kosovo,” Young said.

He added that he would continue working with Serbia to ensure that it used its influence to preserve regional stability, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of efforts to maintain the peace established by the Dayton Agreement.

“Finally, if I am given this great honor and opportunity to serve as US Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, I will work with the Serbian public to strengthen our partnership through public diplomacy, strategic communications and people-to-people ties, as we look ahead to the tremendous opportunity presented by Expo 2027 in Belgrade,” Young stressed.

He said that the safety and security of US Embassy personnel in Belgrade and all US citizens in Serbia would be his highest priority.

Young stressed that it was an honor to represent the United States before the world.

“If confirmed, I pledge to justify that trust and work closely with this Committee and Congress to protect and advance US interests in Serbia, promote American priorities and build a bilateral relationship that contributes to a safer, stronger and more prosperous United States. Service to our great nation and the American people has been deeply rooted in my family for generations and has represented the greatest privilege and honor of our lives,” Young said.

He recalled that both of his parents had served during World War II.

“My father served in the infantry and fought in some of the most difficult battles in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. My mother served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots, ferrying bombers and training pilots,” Young said.

He noted that his son, Stuart, had served in the US courts and as an Assistant US Attorney for nearly two decades and now served as Deputy Attorney General for criminal matters in the state of Utah, while his daughter, Katherine Owen, and son-in-law, Guidon Owen—both graduates of the US Air Force Academy—had together served around the world for more than three decades as US Air Force officers.

“I, too, have had the privilege of serving in all three branches of our government. And I am truly honored and deeply humbled to have my nomination considered today for this particular position, which carries enormous responsibility and represents a sacred duty,” Young said.

Addressing Young, Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch stressed that, given the numerous challenges Serbia faced regarding the rule of law, political freedoms and countering malign foreign influence, US engagement should focus on helping Serbia address those issues and overcome divisions—both within the country itself and in its relations with its neighbors.

“Russia and China also have footholds in Serbia, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. If Belgrade wants to advance its relationship with the United States, it will not achieve that by continuing to work with our adversaries. I look forward to hearing your plan for how you intend to persuade Serbia to move in the right direction if you are confirmed as Ambassador,” Risch stressed.

The White House nominated Michael Young as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Serbia in early June this year.