28/04/2023 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU on Friday 28 April adopted a framework for targeted restrictive measures against persons responsible for supporting or carrying out actions that undermine or threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova as well as the country’s democracy, rule of law, stability or security (see EUROPE 13168/3). This framework, which is currently empty, will allow the EU to target, for example, individuals who obstruct or undermine the democratic political process, including the holding of elections, or attempt to overthrow the constitutional order, including through acts of violence. Persons who commit serious financial misconduct involving public funds and the unauthorised export of capital, insofar as they could take control over or seriously influence the activities of state authorities, may also be sanctioned. (CG)