Bulgaria opposes parts of proposed EU sanctions package against Russia, says foreign minister
Sofia: Bulgaria has expressed reservations about several measures included in the European Union’s proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova stating that Sofia supports only those restrictions that have a tangible economic impact and contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters this week, Petrova said Bulgaria does not support certain provisions currently under discussion at the EU level, particularly some energy-related measures and proposals targeting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.
She described the proposed sanctions against Patriarch Kirill as largely symbolic and warned that such measures could prove counterproductive rather than advancing broader diplomatic objectives.
“Our primary goal is to help create conditions that allow effective negotiations to take place,” Petrova said, stressing that sanctions should serve as a tool to encourage a return to dialogue and reduce the incentives for continuing the conflict.
According to the Bulgarian foreign minister, discussions on the proposed sanctions package are ongoing among EU member states and a final agreement has yet to be reached. She noted that several countries have raised concerns about aspects of the package and that negotiations remain underway.
Petrova reiterated Bulgaria’s position that sanctions should be carefully calibrated to ensure they place meaningful economic pressure on Russia without causing disproportionate harm to EU member states.
“Bulgaria supports measures that have a real economic effect, but not those that inflict greater costs on European countries than on the country against which they are directed,” she said.
The proposed sanctions package, unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this month, is part of the EU’s continuing effort to increase pressure on Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The package includes a range of economic and political measures aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.
One of the most debated elements is the proposal to sanction Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, over his perceived support for the Kremlin’s policies. Previous attempts to include Kirill on the EU sanctions list had faced resistance from some member states.
Bulgaria has historically taken a cautious approach to matters involving the Russian Orthodox Church and its leadership. During earlier discussions on sanctions targeting Patriarch Kirill, Sofia expressed concerns about the implications such measures could have for religious freedom and the treatment of religious figures.
The latest comments from Petrova underscore Bulgaria’s preference for sanctions that deliver measurable economic consequences rather than symbolic political actions.
The debate over the new sanctions package comes as the European Union continues efforts to maintain unity among member states on its policy toward Russia, while balancing differing national interests and economic considerations.
The proposed measures will continue to be discussed among EU governments before a final version of the sanctions package is approved.
