Berlin, April 20, 2026
Following former Bulgarian president Rumen Radev’s election victory, campaigners warned that Europe cannot afford a potential new sanctions blocker at a critical moment.
EU leaders have already signalled they want the 20th sanctions package adopted quickly, targeting Russia’s energy revenues, banking sector and shadow fleet. Because EU sanctions require unanimity, any attempt to delay or dilute the package would have consequences far beyond Bulgaria.
Alexander Kirk, Sanctions Campaigner at Urgewald, said:
“The Bulgarian people have decided. It is now in the interest of Bulgaria and of Europe as a whole to bring in the new EU sanctions package as quickly as possible. Sanctions are increasing pressure on Russia’s war economy and making it harder for the Kremlin to fund its aggression.
"Radev must not be allowed to become a new Orbán, holding up the united European action needed to tighten the pressure on Moscow.”
ENDS
As the EU prepares its 20th sanctions package, Radev’s rise to power risks creating a new obstacle to united European action, at a time when sustained pressure on Russia’s war economy is more important than ever.