New Bulgarian PM Becomes Voice of Dissent on EU Sanctions Against Russia

Bulgaria's newly appointed Prime Minister, Rumen Radev, has adopted a firm stance on European Union sanctions against Russia, echoing the approach of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In his first appearance at an EU summit, Radev signaled Bulgaria's potential use of its veto power against the proposed 21st package of EU sanctions.

Speaking to reporters before the summit, Radev stated that Sofia would veto the sanctions if Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church was not removed from the sanctions list. He argued against mixing politics and faith, invoking a shared Orthodox heritage with Russia. Radev asserted that the "Crusades era is over" and expressed disinterest in Patriarch Kirill personally, but a strong interest in the Russian Orthodox Church itself, crediting it with Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule.

Radev also highlighted the economic implications of the sanctions for Bulgaria. He pointed to potential impacts on the Lukoil refinery in Burgas, spare parts for the Sofia metro, fertilizer supplies, and the operation of nuclear power plants. The proposed sanctions package targets energy, Russian shadow fleet operations, and high-profile individuals like Patriarch Kirill, potentially delaying their implementation until July as EU foreign ministers convene.

Following Radev's comments, Bulgaria has emerged as a potential obstacle to European unity on Russia policy, particularly as Hungary's influence has waned with a change in government. Analysts and diplomats are questioning whether Radev, a "Russian-skeptic populist" who recently won a significant election victory, will fill the "obstructionist" vacuum in the European Council. Despite his strong rhetoric, Radev and other EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, European defense, and security, and routinely extended existing sanctions against Russia, with Radev also supporting Ukraine's EU membership talks.