Bulgarian PM vows to defend national interest on EU Russia sanctions

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev vowed on Friday to defend his country's national interests as Sofia prepares to raise reservations over the European Union's 21st sanctions package against Russia, rejecting accusations that his government favors Moscow over its Western allies.

Sofia cites energy security in sanctions stance

Speaking during parliamentary scrutiny, Radev said the government's position was guided by Bulgaria's national interest while remaining consistent with its commitments to the EU and NATO, according to Bulgarian media outlet Novinite. "I will do this because I defend and uphold the Bulgarian national interest," he said, rejecting criticism that Sofia's foreign policy had weakened relations with its allies.

Radev said Bulgaria would not seek to block the sanctions package procedurally but would introduce reservations over specific measures. He contended that Sofia must steer clear of measures that would compromise energy security or trigger expensive international arbitration, alluding to prospective legal battles surrounding Russian oil giant Lukoil's Bulgarian assets.

Relations with Western partners

The prime minister emphasized that Sofia maintains stable ties with its European and transatlantic partners, citing recent consultations with leaders from Germany, France, and the UK as proof of ongoing diplomatic coordination. "The path to avoiding arbitration is not through confrontation, but through dialogue," he said.

Regarding Ukraine, Radev reaffirmed Bulgarian backing for post-war reconstruction efforts while stating that Sofia would not support declarations deemed obstructive to peace negotiations. He also verified that Sofia has no intention of abandoning its bilateral security pact with Kyiv, noting that the accord carries no binding military obligations and safeguards Bulgarian minority rights, Bulgarian-language education, and Black Sea security.

Nuclear energy and opposition criticism

Radev added that deliberations continue regarding the Belene nuclear power plant's future, including potential collaboration with Ukraine on a jointly financed nuclear initiative backed by European funds. Opposition legislators charged the premier with advancing positions beneficial to Moscow, charges he dismissed while asserting that Bulgarian foreign policy aims to reconcile international obligations with economic imperatives and national security interests.