Mystery Presidential Document About Western Balkans Reveals Nothing
Published Date: 1/13/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is stepping up to protect peace in the Western Balkans by blocking property and freezing assets of people who threaten stability, break laws, or dodge sanctions. This means anyone involved in messing with the region’s peace or corrupt activities will have their U.S. assets frozen and can’t do business here. These changes take effect right away, showing the U.S. means business when it comes to supporting democracy and security.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
U.S. Freeze and Blocking of Property
Beginning January 8, 2025, all property and interests in property in the United States, or within the possession or control of any United States person, that belong to persons the Secretary of the Treasury (in consultation with the Secretary of State) determines meet the listed criteria are blocked. Blocked property may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in under this order.
Who Can Be Designated and Blocked
The order authorizes blocking property of persons determined to have engaged in actions such as threatening Western Balkans peace or territorial integrity; undermining democratic institutions; violating or obstructing regional peace or accountability agreements (for example, the Prespa Agreement (2018), the Ohrid Framework Agreement (2001), United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, and the Dayton Accords); committing serious human rights abuse; or engaging in corruption. It also covers persons who materially assist, are owned or controlled by, or act for blocked persons.
Spouses, Adult Children, and Entities Included
The order explicitly includes as blocked persons a spouse or adult child of any person whose property is blocked under subsections (1)(a)(i)-(v), and it covers entities that are owned or controlled by, or act for or on behalf of, blocked persons. Those spouses, adult children, and associated entities are subject to the same blocking prohibitions.
Prohibitions Apply Despite Prior Contracts
The order states the prohibitions on dealing in blocked property apply notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of this order. That means pre-existing contracts or licenses do not override the blocking rules unless a statute or subsequent license/regulation provides otherwise.
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