Bulgarian PM Radev questions EU sanctions strategy, refuses to back measures harming national economy – Welt Stimme - EUROPE SAYS
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has questioned the effectiveness of European Union sanctions against Russia and stated that his government will not support any measures that could harm the country’s. . .
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has questioned the effectiveness of European Union sanctions against Russia and stated that his government will not support any measures that could harm the country’s national economy or energy sector. In a statement reported by [Novinite](https://www. novinite. com/articles/239109/Bulgaria+Defies+EU+Pressure+as+PM+Radev+Questions+Entire+Russia+Sanctions+Strategy) on June 18, Radev asked what tangible results the sanctions have achieved in ending the war in Ukraine or advancing peace. Radev, who formed a government on May 8 after his newly created coalition Progressive Bulgaria won an absolute majority in snap parliamentary elections in April, emphasised that economic considerations would guide Bulgaria’s stance. „Bulgaria’s position is determined primarily by economic considerations, especially in energy policy,“ he said. He confirmed that Sofia opposes any measures that negatively affect its economy and that the final decision on voting in Brussels will be taken after consultations with EU partners. ###Reservations on religious sanctionsRadev also expressed reservations about extending EU sanctions to the religious sphere, specifically regarding personal sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church. „I am not interested in the Russian patriarch personally. I am interested in the fact that he leads the Russian Orthodox Church, which is Orthodox, like ours. I am interested in all those millions of people who belong to this church,“ Radev said. ###Background of Bulgarian sanctions policyBulgaria has a history of oscillating between supporting EU sanctions and seeking exemptions to protect its energy interests. Sofia has previously secured derogations for imports of Russian crude oil for the Lukoil refinery near Burgas. As EU member states prepare a 21st sanctions package, Bulgaria has voiced disagreement with certain provisions, including the proposed sanctions against Patriarch Kirill. The change in government in May has reinforced a focus on national economic interests over EU solidarity on sanctions. Radev, who previously served as president and was known for his sympathetic stance toward Moscow, has also ruled out providing military aid to Ukraine. Under the new government, Bulgaria has questioned the effectiveness of sanctions, opposed religious-targeted measures, and refused arms deliveries. Radev said the final decision on Bulgaria’s vote in Brussels would be taken after consultations with EU partners. Tags:EconomyEconomy of EUEconomy of European UnionEconomy of the EUEconomy of the European UnionEU economyEurope