Moldova to seizes Russian Lukoil assets amid sanctions
Moscow has criticized Chisinau for pursuing what it calls hostile policies, arguing that the moves undermine the rule of law and align Moldova with the European Union, which the country is seeking to join. EU candidate states are expected to harmonize their foreign policy with Brussels, including adherence to sanctions against Russian businesses.
The decision comes as EU leaders propose using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a measure Russia has denounced as theft. On Monday, Moldova’s state investment regulator rejected Lukoil Moldova’s plan to operate the aviation fuel terminal at Chisinau Eugen Doga International Airport and ordered the reversal of its 2005 privatization within 20 days.
Authorities cited the company’s corporate structure and sanction exposure as justification.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said, “The return of infrastructure to state ownership is necessary to ensure the safe operation of aircraft fueling and to protect national security and critical infrastructure.” Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea indicated that Lukoil Moldova is expected to challenge the decision in court and warned that the government may investigate the terminal’s privatization, alleging the company failed to meet its investment commitments. “It must be established how it came to be that all the airport's development possibilities depend on a single company,” he added.
For years, Lukoil’s Moldovan subsidiary has been a major player in the country’s energy sector and the sole supplier of aviation kerosene. In November, it signed an agreement granting free use of the terminal it owns.
Sanctions by the US, EU, and UK have complicated the company’s operations, blocking sales of foreign assets and disrupting energy supplies in some countries, although certain exemptions have been granted to nations like Hungary.
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