The European Union is preparing new sanctions targeting Moldovan politicians involved in efforts to destabilize the Republic of Moldova, particularly through vote-buying and attempts to influence the outcomes of last fall’s presidential elections and referendum. The sanctions target leaders of the pro-Russian “Victory” bloc, who face accusations of buying votes and trying to rig the 2023 elections. According to Europa Libera, cited by IPN, EU foreign ministers may officially approve the sanctions during their meeting on July 15.
Europa Libera, which reviewed the draft resolution, reports that the sanctions list includes deputies Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan—members of the “Renaissance” Party, considered the successor of the outlawed “Shor” Party. The document states that they played key roles alongside their party leader, Natalia Parasca, who also appears on the EU sanctions list for alleged involvement in vote-buying during the fall 2024 electoral campaigns.
The EU may also sanction leaders of other parties affiliated with the “Victory” bloc. Many of them recently attended the bloc’s congress held in Moscow on July 6. Among them is Alexandru Beschieru, president of the “Alternative and Salvation Force of Moldova.” Notably, his party’s candidate, Tatiana Cociu, won the mayoralty of Orhei in the 2023 local elections.
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Additional individuals reportedly facing sanctions include Vadim Grozavu, leader of the “Victory” Party; Alexei Lungu, head of the “Chance” Party; and Victoria Furtuna, leader of the “Greater Moldova” Party.
According to the source, the Russian firm A7, owned by Ilan Shor, is also listed among the entities facing sanctions. EU officials state that this company allegedly facilitated vote-buying during last fall’s presidential elections and referendum. The EU also expects to sanction the “Victory” bloc and the Moldova Cultural-Educational Center in Moscow, which Shor and his associates founded.
The EU made these sanctions possible by adopting a new sanctions regime at Moldova’s request. Vlad Plahotniuc, Ilan Shor, and Marina Tauber challenged the measures in the European Court of Justice. The court upheld the sanctions imposed on Shor and Tauber but sided with Plahotniuc in October 2024, citing a lack of sufficient grounds for the measures. Meanwhile, the EU has renewed its sanctions framework.