ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 14033Executive OrderBiden · D

Executive Order 14033

Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans

This executive order expands a 2001 national emergency to block U.S.-based assets and suspend entry into the United States of individuals and entities deemed responsible for destabilizing activities in the Western Balkans, including threats to peace, democratic backsliding, obstruction of peace agreements, human rights abuses, and corruption. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to designate targeted persons and implement sanctions.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 31079

Key directives

  • Block all property and interests in property of designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction
  • Suspend immigrant and nonimmigrant entry of designated noncitizens
  • Prohibit donations of specified articles to designated persons
  • Prohibit evasion, avoidance, and conspiracy to violate order provisions
  • Authorize Treasury to promulgate implementing rules and regulations
  • Direct State Department to establish visa implementation procedures
  • Direct Homeland Security to establish entry implementation procedures

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Asset blocking takes effect upon designation
  • Entry suspension effective immediately for designated persons
  • Prior notice requirement waived for constitutional presence cases

Near term (90d)

  • Treasury/State Department designation determinations expected
  • Implementation procedures for visa and entry restrictions to be established

Long term

  • Ongoing sanctions enforcement and potential designations
  • Potential expansion of sanctions list based on evolving conduct in Western Balkans

Risks & tensions

  • Vague 'democratic processes or institutions' standard (section 1(a)(ii)) creates broad discretion for designation
  • Corruption definition includes 'otherwise related to' government, potentially sweeping in private sector actors with unclear nexus
  • Waiver authority for entry suspension (section 4(a)) rests with Secretary of State or DHS, creating potential for inconsistent application
  • No prior notice requirement (section 7) raises due process concerns for U.S.-connected designees
  • Reliance on 2001 emergency declaration tests temporal limits of NEA authority
Executive Order 14033: Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans · Executive Orders