The European Council on 15 July imposed asset freezes and EU-wide travel bans on seven individuals and three entities it said were involved in efforts to destabilise the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty and democratic institutions. Those listed include close associates of fugitive pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor, as well as the Victory political bloc he founded, Moscow-linked company A7 and the Cultural Educational Centre of Moldova. Brussels accuses them of orchestrating disinformation campaigns, vote-buying and other bribery schemes during the 2024 presidential election and referendum on EU accession. The move expands the bloc’s special sanctions regime for Moldova, created in 2023 at Chisinau’s request, to 23 individuals and five entities. All are barred from entering or transiting the EU and are cut off from European financial resources. EU officials said the measures underscore the bloc’s commitment to support Moldova—an EU candidate since 2022—against external interference, particularly as the country faces heightened pressure linked to Russia’s war in neighbouring Ukraine.