Bulgaria Defies EU Pressure as PM Radev Questions Entire Russia Sanctions Strategy

Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria will not back European sanctions that could harm the national economy or energy sector, as debate continues in the EU over the 21st package of measures against Russia.

Speaking to journalists in Sofia ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, he questioned the effectiveness of the sanctions so far, asking what tangible results they have produced in terms of ending the war in Ukraine or advancing peace.

He also said the conflict has expanded far beyond the battlefield. “This war has long since gone beyond the trenches and has spread to the economy, energy, sports, culture, and now it is starting to encompass religions. I think the time of the crusades is over,” Radev said.

According to him, Bulgaria’s position is guided primarily by economic considerations, particularly in energy policy, and he recalled past decisions in which he said the country blocked sanctions that could have affected its nuclear sector.

Radev argued that extending sanctions into religious matters raises broader concerns. “What message are we giving when we extend sanctions and the war to religion? Do we realize where this is leading?” he said, adding that he is focused on the consequences for believers rather than on the Russian Patriarch personally.

“I am not interested in the Russian Patriarch. I am interested in the fact that he is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is Eastern Orthodox like our church. I am interested in all these millions of people who are in this church,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed Bulgaria’s opposition to any measures that would negatively affect its economy, saying that final decisions on the country’s vote in Brussels would be taken after consultations with EU partners.

Radev further commented on broader geopolitical developments, describing the recently signed US-Iran memorandum as fragile and expressing hope for a more comprehensive peace framework involving all relevant parties.

On regional issues, he also criticized the leadership of North Macedonia, accusing it of obstructing EU integration and failing to ensure adequate protection for diplomatic missions, while stressing that progress depends on adherence to rule-of-law standards and previously agreed commitments.