Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans
This executive order, titled “Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans,” amends Executive Order 14033. It broadens U.S. sanctions against individuals and entities tied to the Western Balkans by allowing the Treasury, in consultation with the State Department, to block the property of people who threaten peace, stability, territorial integrity, or democratic governance in the region (and who otherwise fall into a list of specified criteria). The order also targets those who assist, sponsor, or act for blocked persons, including the spouses or adult children of blocked individuals. It builds on and extends prior sanctions authorities (including IEEA and NEA) and previous Western Balkans measures, continuing to prohibit transfer or dealing with blocked property and to apply to property in the United States or under U.S. control. The order preserves the basic structure of existing authorities, while expanding who can be designated and under what grounds. In short, it strengthens and broadens the U.S. sanctions framework for the Western Balkans to deter corruption, undermine anti-democratic actions, and undermine efforts to destabilize the region, by expanding who can be blocked from accessing or moving property and by clarifying how the measures are to be applied.
Key Points
- 1Amends EO 14033: The order replaces a portion of Section 1 in EO 14033 with new language to broaden sanctions authority over Western Balkans figures and networks.
- 2Blocked persons and property: It blocks all property and interests in property of individuals designated by the Secretary of the Treasury (in consultation with the Secretary of State) who meet any listed criteria, and who are in the United States, come within U.S. possession or control, or come within the control of a U.S. person.
- 3Ground for designation (list of criteria): The Secretary can designate individuals who are:
- 4- Responsible for or complicit in actions that threaten peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any Western Balkans area or state.
- 5- Involved in undermining democratic processes or institutions in the Western Balkans.
- 6- Involved in violations or obstruction of regional security frameworks or accountability mechanisms (including references to the Prespa Agreement, Ohrid Framework Agreement, UN SCR 1244, the Dayton Accords, and related peace mechanisms and tribunals).
- 7- Responsible for serious human rights abuses in the Western Balkans.
- 8- Involved in corruption linked to Western Balkans governments or officials.
- 9- Leaders, officials, or members of entities that have engaged in the activities described above or whose property is blocked.
- 10- Those who have provided material support or services to blocked persons.
- 11- Those owned or controlled by blocked persons, or who act for or on behalf of blocked persons.
- 12- Anyone who owns or controls a person who is blocked.
- 13- Spouses or adult children of blocked persons.
- 14Prohibition scope: The prohibitions apply to property and interests in property blocked under subsection (a) and to dealings by U.S. persons unless licenses or exceptions are issued. This includes transfers, payments, exports, or other dealings with blocked property, subject to applicable statutes and regulations.
- 15General provisions: The order preserves existing authorities and clarifies it does not impair other executive powers, is to be implemented in accordance with law and appropriations, and does not create legal rights for any party beyond U.S. sanctions authorities.
- 16Authority and context: The action relies on IEEA, NEA, INA, and related authorities; it is designed to complement and extend EO 13219 (Western Balkans sanctions) and EO 14033 (the broader blocking and entry-suspension framework).