Bulgaria's PM threatens EU 'reservations' over sanctions for Russians

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has publicly declared his intention to use "reservations" within the European Union framework to shield three Russian citizens from sanctions. This stance has been articulated on two separate occasions since the beginning of the month, signaling a firm commitment to protect these individuals.

The concept of "reservations" in the EU context allows a member state to abstain from or modify the application of certain EU laws or decisions, including sanctions. This mechanism is typically employed when a member state has significant concerns about the implications of a particular measure on its national interests or legal obligations.

However, the article delves into the practicalities and potential ramifications of Bulgaria's proposed action. It questions whether invoking "reservations" is a legitimate tool for protecting specific individuals against established EU sanctions and explores the extent to which Bulgaria might be able to leverage this mechanism. The investigation aims to clarify the scope of this instrument and assess whether it could indeed be used to hold other member states "hostage" to Bulgaria's position, potentially disrupting the EU's unified approach to sanctions.