18.06.2026
The war moved out of the trenches a long time ago to stretch out to the economy, energy, sports, culture and now is marching upon religion. I think that the crusades are a thing of the past. This was stated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev for reporters as he spoke about the 21st package of EU sanctions against Russia now in preparation. The Prime Minister asked what message is being sent when sanctions and the war stretch out to religion, inter alia.
The Prime Minister emphasized on the upholding of Bulgaria’s interests, especially in the energy sector. Rumen Radev noted that talks on this matter are due today in Brussels where he will attend the European Council Meeting. “I have talks today with counterparts, Prime Ministers. We will not allow sanctions that may negatively impact the Bulgarian economy,” the Prime Minister said firmly. Rumen Radev recalled that this is the 21st package of sanctions and asked the question of how these sanctions ended the war and brought about peace so far.
In an answer to a media question about the US-Iran agreement, Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the ceasefire as very fragile and recalled that the State of Israel pursues its goals accordingly. “I expect that there will be an all-out approach to the initiated peacemaking process so that Israel and, of course, the two belligerent countries, the USA and Iran, are involved and we find a lasting solution,” the Prime Minister said. In addition, given the downward trends in crude oil prices, Rumen Radev expressed his expectation for a decrease of fuel pieces in Bulgaria as well as soon as possible.
On the issue of the Republic of North Macedonia, Prime Minister Rumen Radev noted that regrettably the country’s political leadership is obstinately trampling on the interest of its own citizens to reach the European integration that they deserve faster. Rumen Radev was firm that nothing good would derive from the policy of inculcation of hate speech, of lack of any tolerance, of distortions of history and of the making of history a tool in international relations and of the violation of human rights.
The Prime Minister recalled his efforts to make European leaders aware of the problem of respect of human rights so that justice may reign supreme with the negotiating frame to incorporate the Bulgarians into the Constitution and to meet the commitments, in particular under the Second Protocol of the Treaty with the Republic of North Macedonia. “Some years ago, when I represented Bulgaria at the European Council, I managed to convince all leaders,” Rumen Radev said and added: “Now when I went to the first meeting in Montenegro, I saw grave withdrawals exactly in the positions of these leaders. And again, I must make a maximum effort to persuade them where and how Europe should act as a common union so that the interests and rights of all citizens in this union are upheld.” Prime Minister Rumen Radev pointed out that the consensus reached in July 2022 should be respected.
The Prime Minister was firm that the problem is not bilateral. “Prime Minister Mickoski has a problem with the European Union, so from now onwards the Republic of North Macedonia will have to persuade the European Union that it respects human rights and that it is able to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions on its territory. Evidently, the authorities are unable to cope,” Rumen Radev went on to say when the media asked him about the arson of Bulgarian cars with diplomatic license plates. Rumen Radev pointed out that similar acts were resorted to also in election campaigns in recent years. “As long as there are no definitely imposed principles of the rule of law, as long as the perpetrators of such improper acts are not brought to face consequences, nothing can be done. There is nothing more to be said between us and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia. He must explain to the European Union and to the Commission how his country will finally meet the criteria for membership,” Prime Minister Rumen Radev said further.
