Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Moldova

KEY POINTS

Restrictive measures (sanctions)

European Union (EU) Member States must impose a travel ban and freeze the funds and economic assets of individuals, entities or bodies (listed in Annex I to the regulation) and their associates, carrying out the following activities:

• obstructing or undermining the democratic political process, including elections, or attempting to destabilise or overthrow the constitutional order;
• planning, directing, engaging or supporting violence;
• carrying out serious financial misconduct and illegal export of capital.

Exemptions

The decision and regulation contain certain exemptions from the sanctions. These allow:

• Member States to permit travel if they are:
  • the host country of an international intergovernmental organisation, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or a conference organised by the United Nations,
  • bound by a multilateral agreement on privileges and immunities,
  • covered by the 1929 Treaty of Conciliation (Lateran Pact) between the Holy See and Italy;
• travel on the following grounds:
  • urgent humanitarian need,
  • attendance at intergovernmental meetings promoting the aims of the restrictive measures,
  • required for a judicial process;
• the release of frozen funds, under certain conditions, to cover:
  • basic needs, such as food and medical expenses, for the individuals listed and their dependent family members,
  • professional fees and service charges,
  • extraordinary expenses,
  • financial liability in a court case.

Persons and entities subject to sanctions (Annex I)

The legislation states that:

• the Council of the European Union, acting unanimously, draws up and amends the list of individuals covered;
• the Annex includes the grounds for listing the natural and legal persons, entities and bodies;
• the list of names is reviewed regularly and at least every 12 months.