Key facts
- Bulgaria vetoed EU sanctions targeting Patriarch Kirill and Russian billionaire Vagit Alekperov.
- The proposed sanctions were removed from a draft EU package.
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev cited religious and economic reasons for the veto.
- Patriarch Kirill is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Vagit Alekperov is a founder of Lukoil, which has a compensation claim against Bulgaria.
The European Union has once again failed to agree on sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Russian billionaire Vagit Alekperov, due to opposition from Bulgaria. During closed-door negotiations, Bulgaria vetoed the inclusion of both individuals in a draft sanctions package, citing religious and cultural reasons for opposing sanctions on the Patriarch, and economic concerns regarding Alekperov.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev publicly confirmed Bulgaria's stance, questioning the message sent by extending sanctions into the religious sphere and highlighting the potential economic repercussions. Alekperov's potential blacklisting was opposed due to a significant compensation claim filed by Lukoil against Bulgaria following the state takeover of the Neftohim Burgas refinery. The refinery, now operating without Russian oil, is a major economic asset for the region.
This is not the first attempt to sanction Patriarch Kirill; Hungary previously blocked a similar move in 2022. While Hungary's position had reportedly shifted, Bulgaria's firm opposition has now stalled the proposal. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church share historical and cultural ties, a factor Radev emphasized in his opposition.