EU Extends Sanctions Against 23 Individuals and 5 Entities for Moldova Destabilization Until April 29, 2027

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for actions aimed at destabilizing Moldova until April 29, 2027. This was reported by the press service of the EU Council, according to «European Pravda».

Currently, these EU restrictive measures apply to 23 individuals and 5 entities. The sanctions include the freezing of assets of sanctioned subjects within the EU territory. EU citizens and companies are prohibited from directly or indirectly providing any funds or resources to listed individuals. Furthermore, individuals on the list are prohibited from entering or transiting through EU member states.

The decision of the EU Council reaffirms unwavering support for Moldova amidst ongoing hybrid attacks from Russia. The European Council conclusions of October 23, 2025, emphasized the importance of strengthening the country's resilience against the Kremlin's destabilizing activities aimed at undermining democratic institutions.

The legal framework for these restrictive measures was first introduced in April 2023 at Moldova's request. It allows the EU to impose sanctions against individuals responsible for supporting or carrying out actions that undermine or threaten Moldova's sovereignty and independence, as well as its democracy, rule of law, stability, or security. Since the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine, efforts to destabilize Moldova have intensified, posing a direct threat to the stability and security of the EU's external borders. Among those targeted by these sanctions are the fugitive Moldovan oligarchs Vladimir Plahotniuc and Ilan Shor, as well as top MP of the «Shor» party, Marina Tauber. The sanctions were originally set to expire on April 29, 2026.