Bulgaria Threatens Veto on EU Sanctions Amid Economic Concerns

Bulgaria has announced plans to veto a new European Union sanctions package targeting Russia unless key figures, including Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and former Lukoil president Vagit Alekperov, are removed from the list. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, during his first European Council meeting, emphasized that the sanctions could adversely affect Bulgaria's economy, particularly its oil refinery operations in Burgas, which are closely linked to Lukoil. Radev's stance highlights a growing tension between Bulgaria's domestic interests and EU unity on sanctions against Russia.

The veto threat comes shortly after Bulgaria banned state arms supplies to Ukraine, signaling a shift in its foreign policy priorities. Radev has defended the historical significance of the Russian Orthodox Church in Bulgaria and described Alekperov as a valuable investor in the country. This development raises questions about Bulgaria's commitment to collective EU actions against Russia, especially given the backdrop of recent military escalations, including a Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian monastery.

Bulgaria's relationship with Lukoil has been complicated by previous sanctions imposed by the U.S. in 2025, which led to the Bulgarian government taking control of Lukoil's operations domestically. The company has contested this move as unlawful expropriation, threatening legal action. Radev's administration is now balancing the need to support EU sanctions with the imperative to protect Bulgaria's economic interests, which could lead to significant liabilities for the country if sanctions proceed as planned.