New Third Way Conducts Research on Energy Security and NIS Sanctions under a U.S. Embassy–Supported Project

New Third Way is currently implementing a research component as part of a project supported by the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade since December 2024, focused on public perceptions of Serbia’s energy situation and the impact of international sanctions on NIS (Naftna industrija Srbije).

This phase of the project combines qualitative focus groups with citizens and systematic media monitoring, aiming to better understand how energy-related developments, sanctions, and geopolitical narratives are perceived by the Serbian public and reflected in domestic media discourse.

Focus Groups and Media Monitoring

Through structured focus group discussions, New Third Way is collecting in-depth insights into citizens’ views on energy security, fuel prices, supply stability, and the broader economic and political implications of sanctions targeting NIS. Particular attention is paid to how responsibility for the energy situation is assigned and how these issues shape public attitudes toward Serbia’s international positioning.

In parallel, New Third Way is conducting continuous media monitoring, analyzing how energy-related topics and NIS sanctions are framed across national media. The monitoring focuses on dominant narratives, shifts in tone, and the presence of misinformation or oversimplified explanations in public debate.

Next Steps

The results of the focus groups and media analysis will be integrated into a comprehensive analytical report, which will be published in the coming period. The report will present key findings on public sentiment and media narratives, contributing to a more informed discussion on energy security and sanctions in Serbia.