Sofia says the sanctions threaten its refinery and jobs. The veto will test EU unity while leaving room for diplomatic negotiations.
Bulgaria will veto the latest EU sanctions package against Russia, as Sofia believes it could negatively affect the Bulgarian economy.
There is a significant risk to Lukoil’s operations. We want it to be removed from the sanctions list (sanctions – ed.)
– Rumen Radev
Lukoil is one of the largest retail fuel suppliers in Bulgaria and owns the country’s only operating oil refinery in Burgas.
This war has already moved beyond the trenches; it goes beyond economics and energy, we see its impact on culture and sports, and now it has only one thing left to swallow – religion
– Rumen Radev
In addition, Bulgaria is opposed to sanctions against Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The prime minister also stressed that the country will not obstruct adoption of joint EU decisions on Ukraine and will support negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
According to Reuters, on June 15 the EU Council approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at the shadow fleet, revenues from energy and the military-industrial complex.
Together, Sofia remains committed to supporting Ukraine within the EU, while noting the need for prudent economic policy when adopting new sanctions.
Against this backdrop, Bulgaria continues to balance between supporting Ukraine’s integration into the EU and paying attention to the state of its own economy.