Bulgaria and the New EU Sanctions: A Balance Between Pressure and National Interest

The Council of Ministers has officially approved Bulgaria's position regarding the 21st package of restrictive measures by the European Union against Russia and Belarus. Our country supports the common European policy of applying pressure aimed at ending the hostilities in Ukraine.

Bulgaria insists that the sanctions be effective without causing significant damage to the economies of the member states.

Bulgaria's Main Objections

Despite the general support, our country maintains specific positions on three important issues:

  • Russian Patriarch Kirill: Bulgaria believes that including him in the sanctions lists would have no economic effect, but would rather serve for propaganda and anti-European sentiment.
  • Vagit Alekperov (Lukoil): Analyses show that sanctions against him would threaten the operations of companies that are vital to the Bulgarian economy.
  • Spare parts for the metro: Sofia is experiencing difficulties with the maintenance of its transport infrastructure, which necessitates an exemption from the general restrictions.

The position has been coordinated with all competent authorities and takes into account the interests of national security and economic stability.