Governor of Gagauz autonomy included in list of sanctions of EU’s Foreign Affair Council for ” destabilization actions in Moldova”

The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council has added Eugenia Gutsul, the bashkan (governor) of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia), to its sanctions list for “actions destabilizing Moldova.”

“Moldova faces direct and significant attempts by Russia to destabilize the country, compounded by challenges from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat.

“This is a direct threat to a sovereign country, its democracy, and its path toward the European Union. The EU will continue to fully support the legitimate aspirations of the Moldovan people,” Borrell emphasized.

Other individuals sanctioned include Mihail Vlah, deputy to the bashkan and media relations adviser; Iurii Cuznetov, deputy head of the Gagauz foreign affairs department; and Ilia Uzun, deputy head of the executive committee and member of the Gagauz People’s Assembly.

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Additionally, the EU sanctioned Evrazia, a Russia-based non-governmental organization promoting Moscow’s interests abroad, with its director and founder, Nelli Parutenco.

The sanctions include asset freezes within the EU and a direct or indirect ban on receiving funds or economic resources.

This brings the total number of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures to 18 (16 people and two entities).

“This important step strengthens Moldova’s resilience and counters malign influence,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi, responding to the EU Council’s decision.