Bulgaria opposes part of EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia

Bulgarian authorities have opposed parts of the European Union’s upcoming 21st sanctions package against Russia, POLITICO reports, citing two diplomats, without providing further details.

At the same time, Bulgarian radio station BNR claimed that Sofia’s objections may be linked to plans to include Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the sanctions list.

European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà declined to comment on the matter during a briefing in Brussels, but said the EU aims to adopt the 21st sanctions package “as soon as possible.”

EU sanctions against Russia require unanimous approval from all member states. Opposition from any country to any element can block the entire package or force its revision.

By Jeyhun Aghazada