Rumen Radev warned Brussels that Sofia will block the updated sanctions unless economic and religious concerns are resolved.
In Brussels on June 18, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria would veto the updated package of EU sanctions against Russia due to the potential negative impact on the economy and because the government does not support sanctions against the Russian bishop.
In addition, he confidently noted possible disruptions in the supply of spare parts for the Sofia Metro and in the supply of fertilizers.
We want this to be excluded from the sanctions list.
– Rumen Radev
“In this situation, in my view, all of these issues should be resolved within EU decision-making bodies,” the head of government added. He also noted that sanctions have not stopped the war, and that recent EU decisions, in his view, have not brought peace.
How have these sanctions halted the war to date? And how have they generally contributed to peace?
– Rumen Radev
This war has already gone beyond the trenches; it goes beyond economics and energy, we see its impact on culture and sport, and now it remains to encompass religion as well.
– Rumen Radev
According to Radev, Bulgaria’s stance reflects a desire to avoid economically harmful steps while emphasizing the need to consider the country’s interests when formulating new sanctions. The government stresses the necessity of a measured approach and dialogue within the European community to minimize the impact of sanctions on Bulgaria’s economy and the country’s social life.