Bulgaria blocks sanctions against Vagit Alekperov

Bulgaria will not support the imposition of sanctions against Vagit Alekperov, Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated after the conclusion of the European Council meeting in Brussels. "We will not allow the sanctions in this form; we have the right to vote and we will use it," the head of state was adamant.

"This would mean shooting ourselves in the foot," commented Radev regarding the potential sanctions against the co-owner of Lukoil.

According to the Prime Minister, Alekperov has invested significant resources in the modernization of the refinery in our country. Furthermore, the pending arbitration for 3 billion BGN, filed by Lukoil against Bulgaria, makes the imposition of sanctions an illogical move for our country.

Cooperation with Ukraine: Drones and energy

During his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rumen Radev discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in two key areas:

  • Drone production: Bulgaria plans to transfer Ukrainian technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles with the aim of modernizing the Bulgarian Army.
  • Energy security: Opportunities for using the Bulgarian gas transmission network and liquefied natural gas terminals to ensure regional energy diversification were discussed.

Recognition for the Recovery Plan

Radev also commented on the European Commission's decision to grant preliminary approval for the fourth payment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. According to him, this is "recognition of the energetic work" of the Bulgarian government and a clear signal of trust in our country.