Politics
Moldovan President Maia Sandu: Moldovan priests must respect the laws of the country they serve
Moldovan President Maia Sandu commented on March 31 on information that fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, under the guidance of Moscow, is using Moldovan priests to advance his interests in the country’s parliamentary elections. The head of state condemned the priests who contacted Shor, stressing that breaking the law leads to punishment, Moldovan media outlet NewsMaker.md reports. “They serve in this country and must respect both the country and its laws,” Sandu added.
On the air of the program “La 360 de grade on Radio Moldova,” Sandu was asked how situations in which priests get involved in political games can be prevented. In response, she stressed that priests are citizens of Moldova and must respect its laws. “Priests should know that they are citizens of this country and have the same obligations as any other citizen. If they follow orders coming from outside, it means they are breaking the law and will be punished like everyone else. They should understand that they serve in this country and must respect the country and its laws,” said Sandu.
When asked whether such priests could be held accountable, she replied that all those who break the law should be punished. “Using foreign money for election purposes is a violation of the law,” added Maya Sandu.
We recall that in September of last year, information appeared that dozens of priests from the Metropolitanate of Moldova had made a pilgrimage to Moscow, and upon their return, they received Promsvyazbank cards, to which they were promised to transfer salaries and financial assistance to the church. The travel expenses were borne by Ilan Shor. A media investigation indicated that the priests were thus bribed before the presidential elections in Moldova and the upcoming referendum.
In January of this year, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police, Viorel Cherneucanu, reported that Shor – under the direction of Moscow – had organized and paid for a trip of Moldovan priests to Serbia under the pretext of pilgrimage.
Initially, the Metropolitanate of Moldova condemned the actions of the priests and promised to monitor their participation in propaganda and political actions. However, it was later stated that the trip of the Moldovan priests to Moscow had been organized and paid for by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Subsequently, President Sandu called on Moldovan priests not to interfere in politics and not to participate in actions aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.
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EU and UAE Deepen Strategic Ties as Fourth High-Level Political Dialogue Concludes in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI — In a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between Europe and the Gulf, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates concluded their Fourth High-Level Political Dialogue on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The talks marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to intensify collaboration not only through trade but also on pressing regional and global security issues.
Co-chaired by Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service for Political Affairs Olof Skoog and H.E. Lana Nusseibeh , Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and the Foreign Minister’s Envoy for the EU, the dialogue underscored the growing strategic alignment between the two partners amid shifting global dynamics.
One of the most anticipated outcomes of the meeting was the landmark announcement of the launch of free trade negotiations between the EU and the UAE — a move that promises to deepen economic integration and boost investment flows between the regions. Officials described the decision as a “win-win” for both parties, reflecting shared interests in stability, innovation, and sustainable development.
“The EU-UAE partnership is more than just diplomacy,” said Skoog in a joint press statement. “It’s about building resilience together — economically, politically, and regionally.”
Toward a Strategic Partnership Agreement
Beyond trade, both sides expressed strong support for elevating the relationship through the conclusion of a EU-UAE Strategic Partnership Agreement , which would institutionalize cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues. Such an agreement would allow for greater coordination on foreign policy, defense, energy transition, climate action, and technological innovation.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the importance of multilateral engagement, with both parties emphasizing the need to uphold international law and work together within global institutions such as the United Nations and the G20.
Addressing Regional Challenges
In a wide-ranging discussion on regional affairs, EU and UAE officials exchanged views on several conflict zones and volatile situations:
- Gaza : Both sides called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid access.
- Lebanon and Syria : Concerns were raised over the ongoing political instability and the humanitarian toll of protracted crises.
- Iran and Yemen : Participants emphasized the need for de-escalation and inclusive political solutions to reduce tensions and promote regional security.
- Red Sea Security : With rising maritime threats, both parties agreed on the importance of safeguarding vital shipping routes and coordinating naval efforts.
- Sudan : The EU and UAE reiterated their calls for an end to violence and a return to civilian-led governance.
- Ukraine : The EU welcomed the UAE’s continued diplomatic engagement on the issue, while reaffirming its stance against Russia’s aggression.
Strengthening EU-GCC Cooperation
Looking ahead, the EU and UAE also discussed ways to deepen EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ties , particularly in light of the upcoming UAE presidency of the GCC later this year. This follows up on commitments made during the October 2024 EU-GCC Summit in Brussels , where leaders from both regions pledged closer collaboration on energy, trade, and regional security.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering trust and cooperation, not only between the EU and UAE, but also in support of broader regional stability and prosperity.
As the world faces unprecedented geopolitical challenges, the deepening EU-UAE partnership may serve as a crucial bridge between East and West — one built not only on shared interests, but on shared values.
United Arab Emirates: 4th High-level Political Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi on 27 May
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- EIB Global and Kazakhstan Housing Company sign accord to promote energy-efficient homes in country.
- Agreement comes in wake of first EU-Central Asia summit.
- The company will also benefit from technical assistance provided under the joint EIB and GIZ initiative, FELICITY II.
The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and state-owned Kazakhstan Housing Company JSC are teaming up to increase the number of energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Kazakhstan.
EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris and Altay Kuzdibayev, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan Housing Company, signed a memorandum of understanding today in the Kazakh capital Astana for financing to build energy-efficient homes.
“We will work closely with Kazakhstan Housing Company to explore financing opportunities for housing projects that meet high energy-efficiency standards,” said EIB Vice-President Kakouris. “The agreement reflects a commitment by the European Union and the bank to deepening our strategic partnership with central Asia. Contributing to the sustainable future of the region through initiatives like this one is a high priority for us.”
This new accord is part of an initiative – FELICITY II Cities Advisory Facility – undertaken jointly by the EIB and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany to support low-carbon investments in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia.
“Improving people’s quality of life and developing a modern, comfortable urban environment are the key priorities of Kazakhstan Housing Company. Signing a memorandum with EIB Global is an important step in the implementation of long-term international cooperation initiatives that are in line with both national priorities and global climate challenges. We are confident that this partnership will contribute to the formation of a new standard of housing and the development of sustainable and energy efficient housing projects in Kazakhstan,” said Kazakhstan Housing Company Management Board Chairman Kuzdibayev.
The memorandum of understanding builds on the first EU-Central Asia summit held in April 2025, when government leaders pledged to strengthen ties between the two regions. During the summit, EIB Global announced plans to expand its strategic investments in sustainable development across central Asia.
GIZ, which was represented at today’s signing event in Astana, , in cooperation with the German Energy Agency (dena) will offer technical assistance to Kazakhstan Housing Company under FELICITY II.
Cooperation between the EIB and Kazakhstan Housing Company creates a real opportunity to accelerate the low-carbon transformation of Kazakhstan’s building sector, which accounts for a third of the country’s energy use,” said GIZ Project Director André Fabian. “It will also stimulate the market for energy-efficient construction and foster the uptake of innovative technologies and services.” The signing took place during the Astana International Forum, an annual conference that promotes global dialogue and attracts leaders of governments, international organisations, businesses and academic institutions. At the Forum, EIB Vice-President Kakouris participated in panel discussions on water security, global trade and climate action.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.
Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here
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