On May 30, 2023, the Council of the EU adopted Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1045 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1046 to sanction seven individuals under two separate sanctions frameworks: the recently-established Moldova sanctions regime and the Ukraine sanctions regime. The Republic of Moldova has been affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including attempts to destabilize the country and threaten the security of its external borders. Consequently, at Moldova’s request, the EU established a new framework on April 28, 2023 that authorizes the EU to impose sanctions targeting persons responsible for engaging in actions that undermine or threaten the sovereignty and independence of Moldova. The new regime subjects designees to restrictive measures, including asset freezes and travel bans, and it prohibits the making of funds available to designated individuals and entities.
Of the seven newly-sanctioned individuals, five were designated under the Moldova sanctions regime and two were designated under the Ukraine sanctions regime. Among the designees are three businesspersons/politicians sanctioned under the Moldova regime for their alleged involvement in a bank fraud and money laundering case that caused significant economic losses for the Republic of Moldova. Two other individuals were designated under the Moldava sanctions regime for their alleged involvement in planning violent protests against the Moldovan government and engaging in financial misconduct aimed at bringing Moldova under the Kremlin’s control.
The Ukraine designations include a Moldovan politician who reportedly travelled to Ukraine to support Russian military forces there, and a Russian/Moldovan businessperson accused of organizing patriotic events in occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.
Council of the EU Press Release | Official Journal of the EU – May 30, 2023 (L140I) | Council of the EU Press Release – April 28, 2023