European Parliament Condemns Russia’s Electoral Interference in Moldova, Calls for Sanctions and EU Support

Parliament Criticizes Russia's Meddling in Moldova

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On Wednesday, members of the European Parliament passed a resolution that strongly cautions Russia against ongoing efforts to disrupt Moldova's path towards European integration.

The document, which received the support of 508 votes with 53 against and 104 abstentions, strongly denounces Russia's increasing hostile actions, interference, and hybrid tactics in the lead-up to Moldova's presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration scheduled for October 20. Members of the European Parliament emphasize the involvement of various harmful actors, including pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and Russia's state-backed RT network, in executing voter fraud operations, cyber activities, and information warfare. They also urge the European Union and its member states to provide Moldova with all necessary support to enhance its institutional mechanisms and capacity to counter hybrid threats.

Russia's actions that are causing instability in Moldova

Members of the European Parliament have reported that Moldovan security services recently revealed Russia's expenditure of around €100 million to disrupt the upcoming elections, aiming to sway Moldovans against strengthening relations with the European Union. On October 3, 2024, Moldovan officials discovered an extensive voter manipulation scheme allegedly funded by Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor. This scheme involved the distribution of $15 million to 130,000 Moldovans as a form of electoral bribery. In response, Parliament has denounced these actions and urged Russia to respect Moldova's sovereignty, halt provocations, and remove its military presence from the country. Additionally, the Parliament reiterated its earlier demands for the destruction of all ammunition stored in the Cobasna depot, located in the separatist region of Transnistria.

Members of the European Parliament urge for more sanctions targeting political figures causing instability in Moldova.

Amid rising Russian meddling, the resolution urges the Council to impose more EU sanctions on those threatening Moldova's sovereignty. Members of the European Parliament also appeal to nations and regions sheltering Moldovan fugitives, such as Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, to hand them over to Moldova for prosecution.

Further backing for Moldova's entry into the European Union

The European Parliament has once again expressed its backing for Moldova's journey towards becoming a member of the European Union. It urged the European Commission to add Moldova to the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and to focus on providing financial support to EU candidate countries in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) set for 2028-2034. As discussions on Moldova's EU membership have already started, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are advocating for a more expedited screening process and for the prompt scheduling of the following intergovernmental meetings.

To enhance Moldova's ability to withstand hybrid threats, the Parliament calls on the EU to further reinforce its partnership with Moldova. This includes efforts in strategic communication, backing for journalists and civil society, and the encouragement of independent media content in the Russian language.

Context

The European Union has earlier enforced sanctions against Moldovan oligarchs and individuals with pro-Russian affiliations, such as Ilan Shor, Vladimir Plahotniuc, Igor Ceaika, Gheorghe Cavaliuc, and Marina Tauber. Moldova submitted its application for EU membership in March 2022 and achieved candidate status by June 2022. By December 2023, the European Council consented to initiate accession talks with Moldova.

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Viktor ALMQVIST

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