Italy joined Bulgaria in opposing EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill

Italy has expressed its disagreement with the European Union’s proposal to impose restrictive measures against the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. According to Western media reports, this position is creating obstacles to the adoption of the next package of EU sanctions.

According to Politico, the initiative to impose a travel ban on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church as part of the 21st sanctions package was put forward by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. However, diplomatic sources indicate that Rome opposes this move, which may be linked to the Vatican’s influence and a desire to avoid sanctions pressure on religious figures.

Italy is not the first country to take such a position. Earlier, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev openly opposed the inclusion of the patriarch on the sanctions lists. In his view, extending restrictive measures to the religious sphere sets a dangerous precedent that could negatively affect the feelings of millions of believers.

At this time, Italy’s official representatives to the European Union are refraining from commenting on their position in the negotiation process.