Djedovic Handanovic: All parties losing patience in NIS talks

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Wednesday that, even though a US licence for the completion of talks on an acquisition of a Russian-majority stake in the Serbian oil company NIS by Hungary's MOL had been extended for 30 more days, all parties were "losing patience" in the process and that Serbia had done everything in its power to avoid being a stumbling block.

"Even though NIS and Hungary's MOL have been given an additional 30 days to complete the talks and NIS received an additional 30 days of continued, unobstructed operations - which we do respect - all parties are losing patience in this process. Serbia has done everything in its power to avoid being a stumbling block. What is very important is that, over the past 18 months, we have maintained our relations with both the US and the Russian Federation, which is not easy at all amid the current geopolitical challenges," Djedovic Handanovic said.

It is important that, in spite of all the difficulties, there have been no shortages whatsoever, she said.

"Let me remind you - this has been going on for 18 months, which is by no means a short period of time," the minister said.

She said her ministry was watching the situation and continued to work responsibly and with great dedication, continuing to inform the public in a transparent manner.

"Over the next 30 days, we will give this another chance to see whether the talks between the Russian owners and Hungary's MOL will be concluded in a more successful manner," Djedovic Handanovic said.

Since October 9, 2025, NIS has been under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership.

On Tuesday evening, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) extended the operating licence for NIS for 30 days - until July 31.

The licence for the MOL-Gazprom neft talks was also extended until the same date.

Both licences were valid until July 1.