February 12, 2026 — The United States is expected to impose sanctions on individuals and companies across the Western Balkans by mid-March, according to political analyst Dušan Janjić.
Janjić stated that US President Donald Trump is obligated to introduce sanctions within 90 days of the adoption of the Western Balkans Democracy Law, targeting individuals in government and businesses allegedly linked to organized crime, corruption, money laundering, and election interference.
He emphasized that sanctions will apply to those undermining democratic institutions or threatening peace, security, stability, and territorial integrity in the Western Balkans. Janjić also claimed that individuals allegedly involved from Belgrade in interference in the 2020 US presidential elections could also face penalties.
The announcement follows Trump’s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 19, 2025, which includes provisions related to Serbia and the Western Balkans.
According to Janjić, Washington is expected to impose sanctions before appointing a new US ambassador to Belgrade, a position that has remained vacant for over a year. He added that an experienced female diplomat is currently considered the leading candidate for the role.
Janjić further noted that the decision on sanctions is expected within the next 15 to 20 days, stressing that the law received bipartisan support in the United States, aiming to address governance and democratic concerns in the region.
