Bulgaria will not block the 21st package of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus, despite having a number of reservations about specific measures included in the proposal. This was stated by Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov on the air of bTV, reports UNN citing Novinite.
Details
According to him, the Bulgarian government approved the country's official position on the new sanctions package, confirming that Sofia will continue to raise objections on a number of issues but will not use its veto power.
According to the government's position, Bulgaria still opposes the possible inclusion of Russian Patriarch Kirill in the EU sanctions list. Sofia argues that such a measure would not have a significant economic or financial impact on Russia and would not contribute to ending the war in Ukraine.
Bulgaria also objects to the proposed sanctions against the current shareholder of the Russian oil giant Lukoil, Vagit Alekperov, arguing that restrictions against him could have serious consequences for the companies of the Lukoil group, which play an important role in the Bulgarian economy.
The third issue concerns measures affecting the maintenance of the Sofia metro. The government did not provide detailed information on this matter, but according to reports, Sofia is concerned about possible difficulties with the technical maintenance of metro trains if certain companies linked to Russia remain under sanctions.
It is noted that this latest position indicates a change compared to previous statements by Prime Minister Rumen Radev. After the European Council meeting in Brussels on June 19, Radev stated that Bulgaria would not support the sanctions package in its current form and emphasized that the country would use its voting right to vote against it.
EU countries plan to significantly weaken the next sanctions package against Russia10.07.26, 16:09