EU hits Moldova’s pro-Russian figures with new sanctions
Photo: EU sanctions pro-Russian politicians and organizations in Moldova (Getty Images)
The Council of the European Union has imposed a series of individual sanctions against pro-Russian individuals and organizations responsible for actions aimed at destabilizing Moldova, according to the EU Council’s press service.
Seven individuals and three organizations were sanctioned for actions "aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence as well as democracy, the rule of law, and stability of the Republic of Moldova."
The new sanctions specifically target close associates of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor. The list includes leaders and members of organizations that are successors of the banned political party ȘOR. It is noted that some individuals actively participated in voter bribery schemes during the 2024 presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on EU membership, as well as in efforts to corrupt several Moldovan politicians.
The EU also sanctioned the company A7, which has "multiple ties to Moscow" and is linked to attempts to interfere in the 2024 presidential elections and the EU accession referendum.
In addition, the EU Council added the Victory/Pobeda Political Bloc founded by Shor, which has been involved in spreading disinformation and organizing voter bribery schemes.
The list also included the Cultural and Educational Center of Moldova "for facilitating electoral interference in the 2024 Presidential elections."
EU sanctions over Moldova destabilization
On May 30, 2023, the European Council approved sanctions against individuals undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, as well as its democracy, rule of law, stability, or security.
Among those already under sanctions are fugitive Moldovan oligarchs Vladimir Plahotniuc and Ilan Shor, as well as Marina Tauber, a lawmaker from the pro-Russian ȘOR party, among others.
In February 2024, the EU Council imposed sanctions on six more individuals and one paramilitary organization for actions aimed at destabilizing, undermining, or threatening Moldova’s sovereignty and independence.
