Key facts
- Bulgaria will request the removal of Patriarch Kirill from the EU sanctions list.
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the country's intention.
- Historical ties are cited as a reason for the removal request.
- Potential economic risks are cited as a reason for the removal request.
- Bulgaria affirms its support for Ukraine's EU accession.
- The EU is preparing to finalize a new round of sanctions.
- Patriarch Kirill was a potential target for the EU sanctions.
Bulgaria intends to formally request the removal of Patriarch Kirill from the European Union's forthcoming sanctions list. Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that his country will advocate for the exclusion of Patriarch Kirill, citing historical connections and potential economic repercussions as the primary justifications for this stance. Radev emphasized Bulgaria's commitment to Ukraine's integration into the EU, affirming the country's support for Ukraine's accession process. This decision by the Bulgarian government occurs as the European Union is in the process of developing and finalizing a new package of sanctions targeting Russia. The potential inclusion of Patriarch Kirill on the sanctions list had been a point of discussion within the EU, with various member states holding differing views on the matter. Bulgaria's intervention suggests a divergence in approach among member states regarding the scope and targets of the sanctions. The economic risks mentioned by Radev could relate to potential disruptions in trade, energy, or other economic activities that might be impacted by sanctions against a prominent religious figure. Historical ties likely refer to the long-standing religious and cultural connections between Bulgaria and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Prime Minister's statement aims to balance these concerns with Bulgaria's broader geopolitical alignment and its support for Ukraine.