EU sanctions seven individuals and three entities for actions destabilising Moldova

The Council of the European Union on 15 July imposed restrictive measures against seven individuals and three entities responsible 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 designations target close associates of Ilan Shor, already listed by the EU due to his involvement in the illegal financing of political parties in the Republic of Moldova and for incitement to violence. The listings include leaders and members of successor entities to the outlawed ȘOR political party. Some of the persons listed have been actively involved in vote buying schemes, in the context of the presidential elections and of the constitutional referendum on EU accession of 2024, and bribery to corrupt several politicians from the Republic of Moldova.

The Council also listed A7, a company with multiple ties to Moscow that has been linked to efforts to influence the Presidential elections and the 2024 Constitutional referendum on EU accession. Additionally, the Council listed the Victory/Pobeda Political Bloc, established by Ilan Shor and involved in spreading false information and in-vote buying schemes. The Cultural Educational Centre of Moldova has been listed for facilitating electoral interference in the 2024 Presidential elections.

With the latest listings, the EU restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova now apply to a total of 23 individuals and 5 entities.

Those listed are subject to an asset freeze. It is also prohibited to make available funds or access economic resources to them, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a travel ban applies to the natural persons listed, preventing them from entering and transiting through the territories of Union Member States.

EU restrictive measures were first introduced in April 2023 at the request of the Republic of Moldova in order to target persons responsible for supporting or implementing actions which undermine or threaten its sovereignty and independence.

Efforts to destabilise Moldova have noticeably increased since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the external borders of the EU.

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Press release