Several European foreign ministers have called on the EU to impose sanctions on oligarchs involved in “destabilization attempts” in Moldova and Georgia amid growing fears of possible Russian interference.
“These two countries are facing destabilization attempts that require our utmost vigilance. It will be justified for us to start targeting those responsible for these experiments,” said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
Moldova gained EU candidate status with Ukraine last June, while Georgia must first implement several reforms, including cracking down on oligarchs’ political and economic influence.
Ilan Shori is considered a pro-Russian oligarch in Moldova who is accused of financing protests against the pro-European government of Moldova.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former leader and founder of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, is also considered a pro-Russian oligarch by the EU.
