site.btaRussia’s Request to Reopen Varna Consulate Raises Security Concerns; Foreign Ministry Says Decision Will Follow Procedures

Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), which is part of the opposition Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria coalition, raised the alarm on Tuesday over a renewed attempt by Russia to establish a Consulate General in Varna, near a key Bulgarian Navy facility. According to the party, the Russian Embassy in Sofia recently submitted a diplomatic note requesting permission to use a business building in Varna - just 200 metres from the Navy’s headquarters - as a consular site under the pretext of reciprocity. DSB warned that this move poses a potential national security threat and urged the government to reject it immediately.

The party pointed out that Russia's previous consulate in Varna was effectively shut down in 2023 after diplomatic staff were expelled over espionage concerns. With Russia continuing its war in Ukraine and labeling Bulgaria an “enemy state,” DSB argued that any reopening of consular operations in Varna would be unacceptable.

Responding to the concerns, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had received a request from the Russian Federation to designate a building for consular use in Varna. However, the Ministry clarified that the Consulate General in Varna has not been formally closed, meaning the current procedure is not for opening a new consulate, but for approving premises. A decision, it said, would follow established procedures and coordination between the relevant institutions, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Ministry also stated that no final decision has been made regarding the type or location of a consular facility Russia may be permitted to use.