On 15 July, the European Council expanded the EU sanctions list to include nine individuals and three organisations, all of whom are implicated in actions that threaten Moldova’s sovereignty and independence. All of them are associated with the fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor (or Ilan Shor).
In its conclusions dated 26 June 2025, the European Council reiterated its commitment to collaborating closely with the Republic of Moldova in order to enhance the country’s resilience and stability against ongoing destabilising activities orchestrated by Russia, including hybrid attacks targeting democratic institutions. The EU introduced restrictive measures in April 2023 at the request of the Republic of Moldova to sanction those responsible for actions that undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The efforts to destabilise Moldova have notably intensified since the initiation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. They also represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the EU’s external borders.
According to the EU Council, the current sanctions list includes leaders and members of organisations affiliated with the disbanded Șor party. Some individuals on the list have been identified as actively participating in vote-buying schemes related to the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum concerning EU accession in 2024, as well as bribing local politicians.
The list includes Alexandru Beshkieru, leader of the Alternative and the Power of Salvation of Moldova party, Victoria Furtuna, leader of the Moldova Mare party, Alexandru Nesterovsky and Irina Lozovan, fugitive members of Parliament, Natalia Parasca, chair of the Rebirth party, Alexei Lungu, leader of the Chance party, Vadim Grozavu, leader of the Pobeda party, Dmitry Buimistru, a journalist for the Russian online TV channel MD24, established by Ilan Șor and Veaceslav Valko, involved in pro-Russian destabilisation efforts.
The sanctions also encompass the A7 company, which has connections to Moscow and is suspected of attempting to influence the 2024 presidential elections and constitutional referendum on EU accession. Furthermore, the Pobeda political bloc, founded by Șor, and the Cultural and Educational Centre of Moldova, which facilitates interference in the 2024 elections, have also been included.
The assets of the individuals on the sanctions list will be frozen, and the provision of funds or access to economic resources, either directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Additionally, individuals listed are barred from entering or transiting through the territories of EU Member States.
The EU sanctions list related to the destabilisation of Moldova now comprises 23 individuals and five legal entities, including the fugitive oligarchs Ilan Șor and Vladimir Plahotniuc.