Bulgaria’s nationalist party Vazrazhdane plans to submit a proposal to parliament calling on the government to veto the European Union’s upcoming 20th package of sanctions against Russia, its leader said.
Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov announced the move on social media, questioning whether the proposal would gain support from other political forces, including the country’s leading parties.
The proposal would require the Bulgarian government to oppose the sanctions package at the EU level, where member states must reach agreement on such measures.
Political test in Sofia
The initiative is expected to test divisions within Bulgaria’s political landscape over EU policy toward Russia, particularly as the bloc continues to expand sanctions following Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member, has generally aligned with Brussels on sanctions, though domestic political actors have periodically challenged that position.
Analysts say the proposal is unlikely to pass without broader parliamentary backing, but could intensify debate over Bulgaria’s role in EU decision-making and its stance toward Russia.
Wider EU context
The European Commission has been preparing a new round of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow, as the war in Ukraine continues to shape European security policy.
Any veto by a member state could complicate efforts to maintain a unified EU approach, highlighting the importance of consensus within the bloc.