Bulgaria has emerged as the primary obstacle to including Patriarch Kirill in the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia, according to reports from Politico and confirmation from Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. Sofia’s resistance to the measure mirrors the stance previously held by Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary, which successfully blocked similar efforts in 2022 by citing religious freedom concerns.
Did You Know?
In 2022, the European Union’s initial attempt to place Patriarch Kirill on a sanctions list was blocked by Hungary, which argued that such measures would infringe upon religious freedom.
Why Bulgaria opposes the sanctions
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova stated that Bulgaria does not support the sanctions against the Russian patriarch because they are “symbolic” and fail to exert actual economic pressure. According to Petrova, such measures are “counterproductive” and could provide fuel for anti-European propaganda claiming that the EU is interfering in internal church affairs. The Bulgarian government also opposes specific energy-related sanctions included in the proposal that could impact subsidiaries of the Russian company Lukoil.
Internal political friction
The opposition to these sanctions marks another point of divergence between the current Bulgarian government and the broader EU consensus on Russia. As noted by political figures, including the leader of “We Continue the Change,” Assen Vassilev, this stance contradicts the country’s previous support for earlier sanctions packages. Vassilev argued that the patriarch should be viewed as a former KGB official rather than a religious figure, stating that sanctions against him would be “resonate” and necessary to send a clear signal that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
Expert Insight:
The shift in Bulgaria’s diplomatic position is significant because it highlights a potential fracture in the EU’s unified response to the war. By stepping into the role previously occupied by Hungary, Sofia is signaling a more cautious, protectionist approach toward its own economic interests and its traditional stance on the Russian Orthodox Church, despite facing pressure from EU partners to maintain a hard line.
What happens next
The European Commission, as reported by BTA, maintains that it expects the new sanctions package to be approved quickly. EU officials are currently engaged in discussions with member states to address objections and finalize the proposal. If Bulgaria continues to withhold its support, the approval process could be delayed, testing the EU’s ability to maintain a unanimous front on further restrictive measures against the Kremlin. The European Commission has stated it will continue to work “constructively” with member states to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bulgaria blocking the sanctions against Patriarch Kirill?
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova stated that the sanctions are symbolic, lack economic impact, and could trigger anti-European propaganda regarding interference in church affairs.
Does Bulgaria oppose all new EU sanctions against Russia?
No. The government specifically objects to the inclusion of the Russian patriarch and certain energy-related sanctions affecting Lukoil subsidiaries, but it has supported previous sanctions packages.
How does this position compare to other EU countries?
Sofia’s current stance effectively replaces the position previously held by Hungary, which blocked similar sanctions in 2022 by arguing they violated religious freedom.
Will the European Union be able to reach a consensus on the new sanctions package despite the objections raised by Sofia?
