EU extends sanctions against those who threaten the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend until 29 April 2026 the restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for actions that destabilize, undermine, or threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova. The sanctions currently apply to 16 persons and two entities. Those included in the EU sanctions list are subject to an asset freeze, a ban on receiving funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, and a ban on entering or transiting through the territories of EU member states.
A total of 16 individuals and 2 entities have been included in the sanctions list for involvement in activities that undermine the sovereignty, independence, democracy, rule of law, stability and security of the Republic of Moldova. According to the authorities, these individuals and organizations are involved in illegal financing, political destabilization, promotion of Russian propaganda and organization of violent protests.
Among the sanctioned individuals are:
Ilan Shor, leader of the former Shor party, sentenced in 2023 to 15 years in prison for fraud and money laundering in the “Bank Fraud” case. He is accused of illegally financing pro-Kremlin activities and undermining democracy by organizing violent protests.
Gheorghe Cavcaliuc, former deputy of the General Inspectorate of Police and leader of the “PACE” Party, accused of organizing and coordinating a paramilitary group that supported violent demonstrations.
Marina Tauber, deputy and vice-president of the former "Sor" Party, investigated for illegal financing of the party and organizing violent protests in 2022–2023.
Vladimir Plahotniuc, former politician and businessman, accused of involvement in "Bank Fraud" and other acts of corruption, seriously affecting the democratic process in the Republic of Moldova.
They were included in the sanctions list on May 30, 2023.
Also included on the list are people close to Ilan Shor, such as Maria Albot, Victor Petrov, Evghenia Guțul (Governor of Gagauzia), and propagandists or financiers of destabilization campaigns, such as Arina Corșicova and Dumitru Chitoroagă.
Two organizations were also sanctioned:
People's Shield, a paramilitary organization founded by Chiril Guzun, accused of supporting violent protests against the constitutional authorities.
Eurasia, a Russian organization that promotes Kremlin propaganda and finances projects aimed at destabilising the Republic of Moldova, including in the autonomous region of Gagauzia.
According to official documents, these individuals and entities are responsible for actions such as organizing violent protests and attempts to overthrow the constitutional order, illegally financing political parties, manipulating public opinion through disinformation and pro-Russian propaganda, and undermining democratic elections and the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
The European Union notes that attempts to destabilize the Republic of Moldova, intensified in the context of the war launched by Russia in Ukraine, represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the EU's external borders.
