Bulgaria Threatens EU Sanctions Veto Over Lukoil and Church Concerns

The proposed EU measures aim to target 34 individuals and 47 entities, including actors linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex and its shadow fleet of energy tankers. Radev warned that these restrictions pose a significant risk to the operations of Lukoil, which manages Bulgaria’s only oil refinery in Burgas and serves as a major fuel retailer. He argued that the refinery’s exclusion from the list is necessary to prevent severe economic fallout, while also raising concerns over potential disruptions to critical infrastructure, such as the supply of spare parts for the Sofia Metro and essential agricultural fertilizers.

Beyond economic impact, the Prime Minister voiced ideological opposition to targeting religious figures. He questioned the overall efficacy of the sanctions regime in achieving peace, suggesting that the conflict has expanded into spheres of culture and religion without curbing military aggression. Despite this stance, Radev clarified that Bulgaria will not obstruct broader EU policy regarding Ukraine, specifically pledging support for the ongoing negotiations concerning the country’s accession to the bloc.