Rome/Sofia, July 4 (BV) – Italy has joined Bulgaria in raising concerns over a European Union proposal to impose sanctions on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Politico reported, citing three EU diplomats familiar with the discussions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed an EU travel ban on Kirill as part of the bloc’s 21st sanctions package against Russia. The patriarch has repeatedly supported and justified Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The proposal, however, has met resistance from Bulgaria, which has a large Orthodox Christian population, and reservations from Italy. In EU diplomatic language, a reservation signals concern that must be addressed, but it does not amount to a formal veto.
According to one diplomat cited in the report, Rome’s concerns are linked to the Vatican’s position and the sensitivity of sanctioning the leader of a Christian religious community. Italy’s mission to the EU declined to comment.
EU diplomats are also discussing a proposal to freeze the review of the price cap on Russian oil, currently set at $44 per barrel. Kallas’ office has proposed delaying the review, which is due in mid-July and could automatically raise the cap if no new decision is taken.
Greece, Malta and Cyprus, countries with major shipping industries involved in transporting Russian oil, have opposed delaying the review, the diplomats said.
Further divisions have emerged over a proposed EU entry ban on former Russian fighters, with France and Italy expressing reservations.
The 21st sanctions package, presented by Kallas on June 9, targets Russia’s military-industrial and financial sectors supporting the war in Ukraine. EU officials say sanctions, combined with Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, have increased pressure on Russia’s economy, with two-thirds of Russian regions facing fuel supply problems.