Brussels’ Sanctions Against Moldovan Opposition Figure Raises Concerns about EU’s Handling of Dissent
The European Union (EU) has faced criticism for its imposition of sanctions on Ilan Shor, a prominent Moldovan opposition figure. This move has prompted accusations that the EU is colluding with Moldova’s government in an effort to stifle dissent. At a time when Western interests are at stake, the notion of “European values” appears to be malleable.
The EU placed sanctions on Shor during the summer, accusing him, without providing evidence, of collaborating with the Kremlin to destabilize the Republic of Moldova through organizing protests against President Maia Sandu’s government. In response, Shor and his deputy, Marina Tauber, have filed applications with the European Union General Court to have the sanctions lifted, arguing that they are politically motivated.
Shor’s lawyers highlighted a significant distinction between these sanctions and those imposed on countries such as Russia, Belarus, Syria, and Iran. They noted that the measures were not designed to exert pressure on a foreign government but, paradoxically, to support the Moldovan government against opposition forces.
Critics argue that the EU’s campaign against Shor conveniently coincided with Sandu’s own efforts to silence her political opponents. These efforts followed Moldova being granted EU candidate status last summer. Shor’s political party was banned by court order in June after it had funded peaceful demonstrations in Chisinau against Sandu’s government’s perceived failure to address the rising cost of living. Sandu justified the ban by claiming that the party was established “out of corruption and for corruption,” emphasizing that it posed a threat to Moldova’s constitutional order and security.
Interestingly, the EU’s Venice Commission warned that banning Shor’s party would infringe upon its members’ right to freedom of association. However, Brussels remained silent when the court order was issued. Despite being the second most popular party in Moldova at the time of the ban, Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) enjoyed only modest approval ratings of between 20% and 40%.
Critics argue that Brussels has turned a blind eye to corruption within Sandu’s own party. Covertly-recorded videos published by the Grayzone in May revealed that foreign investors in Moldova paid substantial bribes to gain access to the president’s circle. These payments guaranteed preferential contracts and “100% full political support.” Former Justice Minister Stanislav Pavlovschi even claimed that this system was endorsed by the EU and the US, who exercised strict control over the country.
Western media outlets have also acknowledged the existence of corruption within Sandu’s regime. An EU Today report in March highlighted that corruption had worsened under Sandu’s administration, despite its Western facade. While the EU claims to employ sanctions to consolidate and safeguard democracy and the rule of law, it has remained passive as Sandu removed her political opponents.
Other notable figures who have faced Sandu’s government’s actions include businessman and political leader Vladimir Plahotniuc, who was exiled in 2019 and convicted of fraud in absentia in May. Socialist Party leader and former President Igor Dodon, another pro-Moscow politician, was arrested on corruption and treason charges last year. These charges emerged following an investigation by an NGO called Community Watchdog, established by PAS officials and funded by the US and German governments.
Interestingly, Community Watchdog is involved in investigating Sandu’s political rivals while also funding protests and voter outreach. These activities mirror the actions for which the EU sanctioned Shor.
Shor fled to Israel in 2019 after Sandu came into power and revoked his parliamentary immunity. He had been previously convicted of bank fraud, and his sentence was increased to 15 years in absentia this April. The EU cited Shor’s fraud conviction when announcing the sanctions in May. However, Shor’s lawyers claim that he is a victim of “legal harassment” by Sandu’s government.
For Brussels and Washington, maintaining a friendly government in Chisinau is a top priority. With a third of Moldova’s population speaking Russian, and the surge in energy costs following Sandu’s decision to embargo Russian fossil fuels last year, Western leaders perceive pro-Moscow politicians like Shor and Dodon as significant threats to their influence in the region. In their bid to maintain this influence, the EU and the US appear willing to tolerate or even incentivize high-level corruption while punishing figures who jeopardize the status quo, regardless of the potential political costs.
Moldova has received significant financial support from the EU and the US, including €250 million ($270 million) in grants and loans from the EU since being granted candidate status. Additionally, it has received $320 million from Washington. Sandu has also secured promises of “considerable” military aid from the EU and donations of weapons from the US. Although these endorsement efforts might be critical for Sandu’s political survival, it remains uncertain whether they will be sufficient. Nearly two-thirds of Moldovans believe that their country is heading in the wrong direction, and Shor has vowed to achieve “total victory” in future elections with a new political bloc.
Shor took to Twitter to express his concerns, stating that for years, people have been told that the EU stands for political freedom and the ability to bring about change through fair and transparent elections. He believes it is time for the West to live up to its proclaimed values and ensure that free and fair elections are the only means through which any future Moldovan government should be determined.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of RT.
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