Moldova aligns its foreign policy with international sanctions: Foreign Affairs Ministry to have decision-making authority

The parliament has approved, in the first reading, a draft law aimed at clarifying and streamlining the national mechanism for implementing international restrictive measures, especially the ones established by the European Union.

The document provides for the regulation of restrictive goods which are of   significant importance, including for national security. The draft also aims to restrict and monitor the activities of legal entities owned or controlled by the subjects of restrictions, as well as to improve a mechanism for applying restrictive measures on strategic goods.

According to the document, the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be the institution in charge of adopting the decision to align Moldova with international sanctions, after consultation with the prime minister and other relevant public authorities and institutions. In complex cases, the subject may be examined by the Inter-Institutional Supervision Council before an official decision is adopted.

The draft also sees the list of goods subject to restrictions, stipulating that, if even one item is considered a "strategic good," the specific procedure for this type of goods will be applied.

At the same time, the document proposes clarifying the responsibilities of the State Tax Service regarding the freezing of funds and economic resources belonging to entities targeted by sanctions. A deadline is also introduced for implementing decisions issued by the Inter-Institutional Supervision Council, in order to ensure a prompt and efficient enforcement of restrictive measures.

The legislative draft, developed by a group of MPs of the Action and Solidarity Party’s (PAS) faction, is to be examined in the second reading. The initiative is part of the process of adjusting the national legislation to European Union’s standards and practices, in the context of Moldova’s European integration.