Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova
Bulgaria has confirmed that it opposes parts of the European Commission’s proposed new package of sanctions against Russia, particularly measures it considers symbolic rather than economically effective.
Further reading: Bulgaria Opposes Parts of New EU Sanctions Package Against Russia, According to POLITICO
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova told Parliament that Sofia supports restrictions designed to weaken Russia’s economy and contribute to ending the war in Ukraine, but has reservations about sanctions that do not produce tangible economic results. “Sanctions are intended to have economic consequences. When it comes to sanctions of a symbolic nature, Bulgaria opposes them,” she said, noting that several other EU member states also have concerns about certain proposals.
Petrova identified the proposed sanctions against Russian Patriarch Kirill as an example of measures Bulgaria does not support. The European Commission has suggested adding Kirill to the sanctions list because of his public backing of Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to the foreign minister, such restrictions would be largely symbolic, would have no meaningful economic impact, and could ultimately prove counterproductive.
