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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Official request to US for postponement of sanctions on NIS

Belgrade, 4 February 2025

The Ministry of Mining and Energy announced today that Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) has sent an official request for a postponement of sanctions to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The statement reads that the request, supported by the governments of Serbia and Hungary, refers to obtaining general or special licences that would allow NIS to maintain operations while an acceptable solution to the ownership structure and management is being sought, with the aim of allowing the company, which is regionally and strategically important for energy stability, to continue its operations.

The Government of Serbia supports the request for issuing such a licence to NIS because sanctions would impair the company’s ability to supply the citizens of Serbia with oil and oil derivatives.

Given the importance of NIS for the Serbian and regional economy, we urgently request that OFAC consider immediate assistance in the form of a suspension of sanctions for a minimum of 90 days, while a sustainable solution is considered that would lead to the lifting of sanctions.

NIS employees and citizens have no reason to worry, since the state leadership will, as before, protect the interests of Serbia.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy recalls that US officials have repeatedly clearly reiterated that the sanctions are not directed against Serbia and its citizens.

Accordingly, we hope for a constructive continuation of the dialogue, so as not to disrupt the energy stability of Serbia, but also of the entire region, the statement added.