Bulgaria Opposes Parts of Proposed EU Sanctions Package on Russia

SOFIA, BULGARIA — Bulgaria’s government has confirmed that it opposes several elements of the European Union’s proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, including measures targeting Russian Orthodox Church leader Patr. Kirill, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said on June 17.

Speaking to reporters, Petrova said Bulgaria supports sanctions that place meaningful economic pressure on Russia but has reservations about measures it considers largely symbolic. She argued that sanctions should be designed to encourage negotiations and reduce the incentives for continuing the war in Ukraine, while avoiding disproportionate harm to EU member states.

According to Petrova, the proposed sanctions package remains under discussion among EU countries and has not yet reached its final form. She said Bulgaria objects to certain provisions in the energy sector as well as sanctions directed at Patr. Kirill. In her view, such measures could prove counterproductive and do not carry significant economic consequences.

The proposal to sanction Patr. Kirill, whose secular name is Vladimir Gundyaev, has been debated within the European Union for several years. Previous efforts were blocked by Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. However, Hungary’s current government under Prime Minister Peter Magyar has reportedly signaled a willingness to allow sanctions against the Russian church leader.

Bulgaria has previously expressed caution regarding sanctions against religious figures, citing concerns about religious freedom and the broader implications of targeting spiritual leaders.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the European Union sanctioned Metr. Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea.