Eight European states align with EU sanctions against separatist leaders in Tiraspol

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine have announced that they are aligning themselves with European Union sanctions against representatives of the separatist administration in Tiraspol. The states have committed to implementing the restrictive measures extended by the EU Council until October 31, 2027.

According to a statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the eight countries will align their national policies with the decision adopted by the Council of the European Union on October 26, 2026. Brussels welcomed this commitment.

The sanctions include, among other measures, travel bans to European Union member states for the individuals concerned. The restrictive regime was established in 2003 to pressure the Transnistrian separatist administration, which was accused of blocking negotiations to resolve the conflict.

The list of sanctioned individuals was subsequently expanded and includes representatives involved in intimidating Romanian-language schools in the Transnistrian region. The measures are periodically extended by the EU Council.