Bulgaria threatens to veto or disapprove of EU support for import ban sanctions oil Russia.
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev said the veto would be taken if his country did not receive a reduction from the proposed ban on buying Russian oil.
Previously, the governments of the European Union countries had agreed on sanctions against Russia for its military invasion of Ukraine. However, they are still scheduling further discussions on how the European countries most dependent on Russia’s energy will address their supply shortages.
“Talks will continue tomorrow, Tuesday (10/5) local time. Our position is very unclear. If there are some reductions for some countries, we also want to get those reductions,” Vassilev said, quoted by Reuters. ChannelNewsAsia.comMonday (9/5).
“If not, then we will not support the imposition of sanctions. Although, I do not expect to get there,” he continued.
A number of countries in Europe are very dependent on Russian oil supplies. Hungary, for example, relying on Russian oil shipped from Soviet-era pipelines faces the biggest challenge and has asked for alternative sources. Hungary also asked for a reduction.
The European Commission itself has proposed changes to Russia’s initial oil embargo, giving the three countries more time to shift their energy supplies. However, Bulgaria does not get that privilege.
In fact, according to Vassilev, the Bulgarians need time to secure their energy supply because they only have the only refinery of the Black Sea Port of Burgas.
The Neftochim Burgas refinery, which is owned by Russia’s Lukoil, is known to provide fuel for the Balkans. Today, half of the oil it processes comes from Russia.
“The exclusion of Bulgaria will pose a serious risk to the Burgas region or force refineries to reduce processing, which will create a deficit and ultimately increase fuel prices,” he said.
(one/aud)
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