Bulgaria Opposes Parts of EU's 21st Anti-Russian Sanctions Package
Quick Look
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova stated that Bulgaria does not support certain measures in the EU's 21st anti-Russian sanctions package, particularly those concerning energy and Patriarch Kirill, citing economic damage to member states and potential counter-productivity.
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Why It Matters
Bulgaria has expressed concerns about the economic impact of EU sanctions on its own stability. The EU is preparing its 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
SOFIA, June 17. /TASS/. Bulgarian authorities do not support a portion of the 21st anti-Russian sanction package being prepared, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said at a briefing.
"Our position is utterly clear. We do not support sanctions that do not only inflict economic damage to the warring country but to a much greater extent inflict damage to [EU] member-countries. We do not support sanction initiatives related to energy, we need to provide for energy stability of the country," the minister said.
Bulgaria does not also support symbolic sanctions related to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, the minister stressed. "They have no economic effect and may be counter-productive," Petrova-Chamova added.
Open Questions
- Which specific energy sanctions does Bulgaria oppose?
- What are the potential counter-productive effects of sanctions on Patriarch Kirill?
- Will Bulgaria's stance influence other EU member states?
