EU Mulls Georgia Sanctions, Targets Moldova’s Pro-Russia Figures

Ministers to Vote on Restrictive Measures Amidst Political Tensions

European Union foreign ministers are set to convene on July 15, with Georgia’s deepening political crisis and Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition squarely on the agenda. Discussions are expected to focus on potential new sanctions against individuals and entities linked to destabilizing activities in both Eastern European nations.

EU Considers Harder Line on Georgia

The deteriorating political landscape in Georgia, marked by recent arrests of opposition politicians, is prompting EU ministers to consider more decisive action. Previous measures, such as visa restrictions for Georgian diplomatic passport holders and redirected funding away from the government to civil society, are seen as insufficient.

Brussels is now weighing the imposition of sanctions, including potential visa bans and asset freezes. However, consensus among the 27 member states remains a hurdle, with Hungary and Slovakia previously vetoing such measures. More than ten member states, including France, Sweden, and the Baltic trio, are reportedly pushing for sanctions.

A key point of contention is whether to target individuals accused of “instrumentalization of the justice system.” Some EU officials suggest that sanctioning a few Georgian judges, rather than high-profile politicians, might pave the way for agreement.

Visa Liberalization Suspension Debated

Alternative measures under discussion include the suspension of visa liberalization for Georgian citizens, a move requiring a qualified majority. Sweden has advocated for this, citing the worsening situation. However, countries like Greece and Slovenia express reservations, deeming it a last resort that could disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.

Other options include national entry bans coordinated among member states or, more drastically, the suspension of Georgia’s candidate status, though this would require unanimous approval and has no precedent for unilateral reversal by the EU.

A more immediate proposal involves assessing the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, with potential implications for trade provisions, requiring only a qualified majority for suspension.

Moldova Faces New EU Sanctions

The EU is also expected to approve new sanctions against individuals and entities accused of destabilizing Moldova. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to counter Moscow-backed influence. Seven individuals and three entities, primarily linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, are reportedly on the proposed list.

Ilan Shor, outlawed in Moldova, is accused of vote-buying schemes and a major bank fraud. His new political bloc, Victory/Pobeda, is among the entities slated for sanctions. Shor’s company, A7, is also targeted for allegedly facilitating financial transfers for Russian clients and engaging in vote-buying.

The “Cultural Educational Centre of Moldova” is also on the list for allegedly distributing vouchers to voters and promoting propaganda. Several individuals, including party leaders Alexandru Beșchieru, Victoria Furtuna, Alexandr Nesterovschi, Irina Lozovan, Natalia Parasca, Vadim Grozavu, and Alexei Lungu, are also proposed for blacklisting due to their alleged connections to Shor’s network.

Notably, Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban was recently barred from entering Romania for national security reasons, including a ban on access to the Schengen area. This action, however, does not automatically translate to an EU-wide ban, as individual countries can still grant him entry.

Looking Ahead: EU Budget Debates

The European Commission is set to unveil its draft proposal for the next long-term EU budget (2028-2034) on July 16. This will initiate months of negotiations among member states regarding spending allocations, with a particular focus on funding for EU foreign policy and enlargement initiatives as the bloc anticipates new members.