site.btaEuropean Commission: Bulgaria Can Unilaterally Decide Not to Use Derogation on Russian Oil Imports

Bulgaria has a temporary derogation from the general EU sanctions on Russian oil imports, which is expected to be lifted at the end of next year, European Commission spokesperson said at a press conference on Wednesday in response to a question on publications according to which this country makes such imports at prices above the set European ceiling.

Bulgaria can unilaterally decide not to use the derogation, the spokesperson noted. The price ceiling for Russian oil does not apply to imports to Bulgaria and does not affect deliveries by sea, he clarified.

The spokesperson pointed out that Bulgaria received the derogation in order to have oil supply security. “We know that Bulgaria is discussing terminating the derogation earlier than planned,” the spokesperson added.