President Radev: Bulgaria would veto EU sanctions against Russia in the field of nuclear energy

Bulgaria cannot accept European sanctions against Russia in the field of nuclear energy because this will directly impact our energy sector. Therefore, if it comes to that, our country will veto it, President Rumen Radev said on February 9 ahead of the extraordinary European Council meeting to be held on 9 and 10 February in Brussels.

"We take into account all possible areas where this (the imposition of sanctions) could happen, but where our interests are threatened, especially in the nuclear energy sector, we are very careful and monitor things," Radev said.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to meet with all European group leaders and ask for more arms for Ukraine, will also attend the meeting.

"The caretaker government has implemented the decision of the National Assembly to send arms from the reserves of the Bulgarian army. I hope the government will show sense and that this will not be allowed in the future," Radev said.

He pointed out that Bulgaria would continue to help Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in the country, but it was time to identify measures to end the conflict. At the European Council, President Radev will call on the EU to use all its power and instruments to focus the debate in the direction of a cessation of hostilities.

"I hear calls for peace less and less often, but only for victory without anyone somewhere having defined what victory means," the head of state added.

At the European Council meeting Rumen Radev will raise the issue of increased aggression and escalating anti-Bulgarian campaign in the Republic of North Macedonia as an emergency. Our Head of State will ask the EU to impose monitoring to ensure that the rights of the Macedonian Bulgarians are respected.

"The anti-Bulgarian campaign in North Macedonia is already leading to hate crimes - arson and firing at Bulgarian clubs, physical violence. I expect a firm and institutional response from the authorities in the Republic of North Macedonia and immediate action to identify the perpetrators Unfortunately, at the moment I do not see the necessary political will and there is a disconnect between the political ambitions and commitments of North Macedonia and the reality of the Macedonian Bulgarians there. Denying the existence of these problems only postpones the solution, leads to more crimes and a feeling of impunity and only stimulates hate crimes," Radev said.