Bulgaria threatens veto of EU sanctions package

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has confirmed that Bulgaria will veto the European Union's 21st sanctions package against Russia unless it excludes Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and removes restrictions deemed dangerous for the Bulgarian economy. The veto threat, reported by Reuters, mirrors previous Bulgarian objections to EU sanctions. Bulgaria has consistently cited risks to its energy sector, particularly concerning Lukoil's operations, and concerns over the listing of religious figures. The EU must achieve unanimity among member states to adopt sanctions packages, giving Bulgaria significant leverage.