On 14 October 2024, the European Union introduced new sanctions targeting the leader of the autonomous region of Gagauzia in Moldova, along with several other individuals and one organisation, for actions aimed at destabilising the country.
This decision, detailed in an official press release from the EU Council, represents an ongoing effort to counter threats to Moldova’s sovereignty and independence.
The sanctions list includes five individuals and one organisation, with the most prominent figure being Evghenia Gutsul, the head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia, a region in southern Moldova known for its pro-Russian sentiments. Gutsul has been accused of promoting separatism, attempting to undermine Moldova’s constitutional order, and posing a direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and independence.
In addition to Gutsul, the EU’s sanctions also apply to several other individuals linked to the Gagauz administration. These include:
- Mikhail Vlah, Deputy Head of Gagauzia and Adviser on Communications.
- Yuriy Kuznetsov, Deputy of the External Relations Department in the Gagauz administration.
- Illya Uzun, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee and Member of the Regional Parliament of Gagauzia.
The EU has also sanctioned the Russian-registered non-governmental organisation “Eurasia” and its founder, Nelli Parutenko, for their roles in fostering instability in Moldova.
Scope of the Sanctions
The sanctions, which have already been published in the EU’s Official Journal, include asset freezes, a travel ban to the European Union, and a prohibition on providing the listed individuals and entities with financial or other economic resources. This action is part of a broader EU sanctions regime established in April 2023 to target individuals involved in efforts to destabilise Moldova.
Background on Gagauzia and Evghenia Gutsul
Gagauzia is a largely autonomous region in southern Moldova, primarily inhabited by ethnic Gagauzians, a Turkic-speaking group with strong pro-Russian leanings. The region has historically had tense relations with the central Moldovan government, and its leadership often advocates for closer ties with Moscow.
Evghenia Gutsul, elected in recent regional elections, represents the pro-Russian “Șor” party, a populist political force. Gutsul, who had no prior involvement in political or civic activities before her election, won with significant backing from the “Șor” party.
Her administration has been criticised for its close ties to Russia. Gutsul has made several trips to Moscow and is part of the “Victory” coalition, a pro-Russian opposition alliance created in the Russian capital. Additionally, she is under investigation in Moldova for alleged illegal political financing, adding to the controversies surrounding her leadership. In a parallel development, Gutsul has also been sanctioned by the United States for similar activities related to destabilising Moldova.
EU’s Sanction Regime and Moldova’s Security
The latest sanctions form part of the EU’s broader strategy to safeguard Moldova’s fragile political environment. Moldova, a small country situated between Romania and Ukraine, has faced significant political and economic challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the war in neighbouring Ukraine and the ongoing influence of Russia in its internal affairs.
The establishment of a dedicated sanctions regime in April 2023 allowed the EU to target individuals and organisations involved in attempts to destabilise Moldova. This regime was introduced in response to concerns over increasing foreign interference in Moldovan affairs, particularly from pro-Russian factions within the country and their external backers.
Gagauzia has long been a focal point for such interference. With its population expressing strong support for Russia, the region often serves as a flashpoint in Moldova’s broader geopolitical struggle between aligning with Western Europe or continuing its historically close ties with Moscow. The region’s leadership, under Gutsul, has drawn considerable attention for its overt alignment with Russian interests, including Gutsul’s open support for Moscow-backed initiatives.
Read also:
Putin’s Promise to Gagauzia: A Challenge to Moldova’s Integrity
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