Brussels, 28 April 2023
Today the Council adopted a new framework for targeted restrictive measures which provides the EU with the possibility of imposing sanctions against persons responsible for supporting or implementing actions which undermine or threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the country’s democracy, the rule of law, stability or security.
As one of the countries most affected by the fallout of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, we witness increased and continued attempts to destabilise Moldova. The new sanctions regime will give us the possibility to continue strengthening Moldova’s resilience by targeting those who try to destabilise the country. This is an important political signal of the EU’s support to Moldova in the current difficult context.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Thanks to this new framework the EU will be able to target for instance individuals who obstruct or undermine the democratic political process, including the holding of elections, or attempt to overthrow the constitutional order, including through acts of violence. Future restrictive measures could also target individuals who engage in serious financial misconduct concerning public funds and the unauthorised export of capital, insofar as they could take control over or seriously influence the activities of state authorities.
Sanctions will consist of an asset freeze and prohibition to make funds available for individuals and entities, and a travel ban to the EU for natural persons.
The efforts to destabilise the Republic of 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.
This framework for targeted restrictive measures was adopted at the request of the Republic of Moldova.
Background
On 23 June 2022 the European Council granted the status of candidate country to the Republic of Moldova.
The current leadership of the Republic of Moldova has made important progress in its reform agenda. At the same time it has been increasingly faced with direct threats to its stability coming both from internal groups with vested interests, and from Russia, which often collude to derail the country from its reform path. In this context, at the 23 March 2023 European Council EU leaders pledged to continue to provide all relevant support to the country, including to strengthen its resilience, security, stability, economy and energy supply in the face of destabilising activities by external actors.
On 24 April 2023, the EU launched the EU civilian mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the Common Security and Defence Policy with the aim of strengthening the resilience of Moldova’s security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference.
European Council, 23-24 June 2022
Moldova: EU sets up a civilian mission to strengthen the resilience of the security sector (press release, 24 April 2023)
Source – EU Council
Moldova: EU strengthens cooperation for better European crisis response
Brussels, 28 April 2023
Today Moldova starts its path towards joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – a European solidarity initiative designed to support countries in times of crisis and disaster.
During his visit to Chișinău, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, presented Moldova with a pathway document for joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This important step serves to further strengthen the partnership between the country and the EU in the area of disaster prevention, preparedness, and response. During his visit, the Commissioner held official meetings with President Maia Sandu and Minister of Internal Affairs Ana Revenco.
Moldova has benefitted from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to cope with large-scale displacement triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Once Moldova has officially joined the Mechanism, it will also be able to offer solidarity and assistance to other countries in need.
Due to the interdependence of electricity systems in Moldova and Ukraine, Russia’s heavy shelling of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has caused occasional country-wide blackouts in Moldova and left its energy system partially exposed to further interruptions. The EU is now deploying its rescEU energy reserve to send 36 power generators to Moldova. The generators will be distributed between 30 hospitals across the country.
Finally, the EU is allocating over €10 million in humanitarian funding to support Ukrainian refugees and their host families in Moldova. Additionally, EU-funded humanitarian partners are providing emergency services to vulnerable Ukrainian refugees on the move, including medical care, psychosocial support, hygiene material, and protection services. This contribution brings the total EU humanitarian response in Moldova to more than €48 million since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Background
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism aims to strengthen cooperation between the 27 EU countries and 9 Participating States (Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and most recently Ukraine) on civil protection to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters.
When an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country in Europe and beyond, it can request assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission plays a key role in coordinating the disaster response worldwide. Since its inception in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated for more than 600 emergencies and crises inside and outside the EU.
Since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, over 700,000 people have fled to Moldova, and the country currently hosts more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. The EU is funding humanitarian projects in Moldova to support vulnerable Ukrainian refugees and the local families hosting them
EU partners have been at the centre of the humanitarian response in the country. They have provided protection assistance, warm clothes, transportation services, medical care, and psychosocial support to vulnerable people on the move. EU-funded cash assistance helps refugees and host families meet their basic needs like food, shelter, and health care.
Moreover, 18 EU Member States and Norway have offered in-kind assistance to Moldova through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. It includes amongst others, shelter items, medical aid, food and energy supplies. Given the magnitude of needs, the Commission has also mobilised medical equipment from the rescEU medical stockpiles based in Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands.
For more information:
EU humanitarian aid in Moldova
Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)
Quotes
Today marks a significant milestone for Moldova and its people. A year ago, after Russia’s brutal attack against Ukraine, Moldova proved itself to be a reliable neighbour and partner, hosting and sheltering thousands of Ukrainians fleeing from the war. Moldova’s progress in strengthening its civil protection capabilities is evident and inspiring. As I stand here in Chișinău, I am proud to hand over European Commission’s pathway to Minister Revenco inviting Moldova to join the Mechanism. Joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism will represent the next crucial step for the country and for the entire European continent’s resilience in the disaster management. By becoming a Participating State, Moldova will further reinforce its ability to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters, while also benefiting from the support and solidarity of the European Union.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management – 28/04/2023
Source – EU Commission