Italy has aligned with Bulgaria in raising objections to the European Union's proposal to sanction Russian Patriarch Kirill as part of the bloc's 21st package of measures against Russia, according to European diplomats familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
The proposal, put forward by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, would prohibit Patriarch Kirill from entering the European Union. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has repeatedly expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and publicly defended Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The initiative, however, has encountered resistance from several member states. Bulgaria has already voiced opposition to sanctioning the religious leader, while Italy has also expressed reservations. Diplomatic sources emphasized that Rome has not issued a veto but has requested further discussion before supporting the measure.
Further reading: "I Will Defend the National Interest" - Bulgaria's PM Vows to Resist EU-Russia Sanctions Package
According to one European diplomat, Italy's concerns are linked to the Vatican's position and the broader implications of imposing sanctions on the spiritual leader of a Christian church. Italy's permanent mission to the EU declined to comment publicly on the matter.
