Why is Bulgaria delaying the decision on the Special Tribunal?

The decision for Bulgaria to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) for the Governing Board of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine remains in question. According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova-Chamova, the move requires an in-depth analysis by the competent institutions, including the Ministry of Justice.

"The decision should be made following an analysis of compliance with national legislation and the possibilities for cooperation with the Tribunal," Petrova specified in response to a parliamentary question.

Main obstacles to accession:

  • Financial uncertainty: There is still a lack of specific parameters regarding the country's financial obligations. The preparatory phase, "Phase 0," is estimated at nearly 30 million euros.
  • Internal procedures: Countries that have declared an intention to support must go through specific procedures for final commitment once the agreement is approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
  • Political position: President Rumen Radev has expressed skepticism regarding the effect of such a tribunal until there is a capitulation by the warring party.

Despite the hesitation, Bulgaria is already part of the so-called "Core Group" for discussing the legal aspects of the tribunal and has actively participated in the drafting of its statute. To date, 36 countries and the EU have committed to supporting the initiative aimed at investigating Russian aggression.