Luxembourg, 14 October 2024
The Council adopted today restrictive measures against five individuals and one entity responsible for actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova.
Moldova faces massive direct attempts from Russia to destabilise the country, as well as challenges arising from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This is a direct threat to a sovereign country, to its democratic life, to its path towards the European Union. The EU will continue providing all its support to the legitimate aspirations of the Moldovan people. Today’s listings are yet another contribution to the resilience of Moldova.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The new listings include Evghenia Guţul, who is the Governor (‘Bashkan’) of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, and is responsible for promoting separatism in that region, thereby attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and threatening the sovereignty and independence of Moldova.
Today’s listings also include other individuals for their destabilising actions in Gaugazia: Mihail Vlah, the deputy to the Bashkan and media relations advisor, Iurii Cuzneţov, the deputy head of department for external affairs of the region, and Illia Uzun, the deputy president of the executive committee and member of the Gagauz National Assembly.
Evrazia, a Russia-based non-governmental association whose goal is to promote Russia’s interests abroad, including in Moldova, is also sanctioned, as well as its director and founder, Nelli Parutenco.
Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze and a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources to them, directly or indirectly. Additionally, the sanctioned individuals are subject to travel bans to the European Union.
Restrictive measures under this regime now apply to a total of 16 individuals and 2 entities.
The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Background
In April 2023, the EU established a framework for targeted restrictive measures against persons responsible for supporting or implementing actions which undermine or threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, and the democracy, stability and security in the country.
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.
The EU remains unwavering in its support for the Republic of Moldova and its peace, resilience, security, stability, and economic growth in the face of destabilising activities by external actors. The EU is also a major donor in Gagauzia, supporting the region’s modernisation, civil society and economic development.
- Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2701 of 14 October 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova
- Consolidated Text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 of 28 April 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova (30 April 2024)
- Republic of Moldova: EU prolongs restrictive measures for those trying to destabilise, undermine or threaten the independence of the country (press release, 26 April 2024)
- EU relations with the Republic of Moldova (background information)