site.btaGovernment Approves Bulgaria's Position on EU's 21st Sanctions Package against Russia, Belarus

The government on Thursday approved Bulgaria's position on the European Union's 21st sanctions package against Russia and Belarus, the government information service said.

The Council of Ministers reaffirmed the reservations expressed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev regarding the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia and Belarus. Bulgaria supports the EU's policy of exerting pressure aimed at bringing Russia to serious negotiations and ending the war in Ukraine, the government said. 

As part of the discussions within the EU, Bulgaria has called for adherence to the fundamental principle that EU sanctions should increase pressure on Russia without causing significant adverse consequences for the Member States.

Bulgaria's position was formulated on the basis of analyses and opinions submitted by all competent national authorities, taking into account the country's interests. It was also endorsed by the Coordination Group on the Implementation of EU Restrictive Measures at its meeting on June 30.

Bulgaria will continue to maintain its objections on three issues.

First, Bulgaria considers that adding Russian Patriarch Kirill to the EU sanctions list would have no economic or financial impact on Russia and would not contribute to ending the war. At the same time, such a measure is likely to be used for propaganda purposes, including to fuel anti-European sentiment.

Second, Bulgaria objects to the proposal concerning Vagit Alekperov, owner and former president of Lukoil. According to the government's analysis, listing Alekperov would have significant adverse consequences for the operations of the Lukoil Group companies that play a key role in Bulgaria's economy.

Bulgaria also maintains its objection to a proposal affecting the supply of spare parts for the Sofia metro.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev first said in June that Bulgaria would not support EU sanctions unless Russian Patriarch Kirill and businessman Vagit Alekperov were removed from the proposed sanctions list. On July 3, Radev said at Parliament's Question Time he would formally oppose the EU's proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, arguing that his decision was driven by Bulgaria's national interest.