The United States Department of the Treasury has, for the fifth time, postponed the imposition of sanctions on Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS) for a further 30 days.
Djedović Handanović: Fifth 30-Day Postponement of Sanctions on NIS Is Good News for Citizens
28 July 2025
“At this time, it was not possible to obtain a longer postponement. This is a matter of global politics, international relations, and negotiations between world powers, which are very complex. Based on these postponements, Serbia has so far avoided becoming collateral damage, but the situation remains highly uncertain. We will continue to protect the interests of our citizens and our economy,” said Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović Handanović.
The Minister also stated that concrete measures are being taken to reduce uncertainty in NIS operations. The Government of Serbia is also doing everything that is within our power, so on July 24, new members of the NIS Board of Directors were appointed. For the first time, a Vice President was elected to the Board, appointed by the Government of Serbia.
Additionally, the process of selecting two independent members of the Board of Directors is underway, in line with OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department) requirements related to corporate governance.
The sanctions have been postponed through difficult and persistent diplomatic efforts by members of the Government and the President of Serbia, but the most important thing is that we have succeeded in securing this fifth postponement. This is important and positive news for the citizens of Serbia, as they will continue to bear no consequences — just as they have not so far. Despite operating under complex conditions, NIS continues to ensure regular supply of all types of petroleum products and remains committed to maintaining energy stability,” the Minister emphasized.
Djedović Handanović also expressed gratitude to the Government of Hungary for its support of NIS.
“As a state, our top priority is to ensure a stable supply of petroleum products. Our ultimate goal is to have NIS removed from OFAC’s sanctions list. The most critical factor in achieving this will be progress in the dialogue between the United States and Russia,” concluded the Minister of Mining and Energy.
