Reservations over the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia are not limited to Bulgaria, according to Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Aingeal O'Donoghue. She noted that several member states still have outstanding concerns as discussions continue ahead of the bloc’s next round of measures targeting Moscow.
Further reading: “Yes, I Will Veto”: Bulgaria’s PM Stuns Brussels With Threat to Block Russia Sanctions Over Patriarch Kirill
Ireland is set to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, and O'Donoghue indicated that the proposed 21st sanctions package, put forward by the European Commission, will be among the early and sensitive issues on the agenda. The negotiations come at a time when EU members are still trying to align positions on a number of contentious elements.
Bulgarian authorities, according to earlier statements, have signaled that they could block the package if certain individuals are not removed from the sanctions list, including Russian Patriarch Kirill and Vagit Alekperov, co-founder of Lukoil. This stance has been cited as one of the more visible examples of internal disagreement, though not the only one.
O'Donoghue. emphasized that Bulgaria is not alone in voicing concerns, pointing instead to broader debates among member states. “There are a number of issues that are still on the table for various member states. You mentioned Bulgaria. Indeed, the government has been very clear in its public statements. For other member states, however, the issues surrounding the price ceiling for oil, liquefied natural gas, the tankers that carry it are important,” she said.
