Bulgaria demands removal of two names from EU sanctions list in exchange for backing 21st package
Bulgaria threatens to block the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia unless two names are removed: Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and Vagit Alekperov, a head of Lukoil's Bulgarian business.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated during a Q&A session in the Bulgarian parliament on 3 July that the country will oppose the European Union's proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia unless two names are removed from the list: Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and Vagit Alekperov, one of the heads of Lukoil's Bulgarian business.
Radev said the position was driven by the need to protect Bulgaria's energy interests. Asked about the proposed sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, Radev said he is not concerned with the individual himself but noted that Kirill is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Italy has joined Bulgaria in expressing concern over plans to impose sanctions on Patriarch Kirill.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package in early June. Among other measures, the proposal includes an entry ban on former Russian combatants who fought against Ukraine.
The EU aims to approve its 21st Russia sanctions package by 15 July – the deadline for reviewing the price cap on Russian oil.
