Bulgaria makes an exception to sanctions for steel imports from Russia

The government authorized the purchase of Russian steel for nuclear power plants despite the current EU embargo

Bulgaria has authorized steel imports from Russia, granting an exception to the European Union’s sanctions regime. This refers to the purchase of iron and steel for the needs of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Local media reported this with reference to a government statement.

Despite the EU sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the Bulgarian authorities allowed the conclusion of a state contract with Russian suppliers, citing technical necessity.

“Much of the equipment at the nuclear power plant is Russian-made, so there is virtually no alternative to supplies from Russia,” the government said.

Thus, Bulgaria officially recognizes its technical dependence on Russian companies, as well as its willingness to violate the pan-European policy of putting pressure on the aggressor in order to maintain its own energy infrastructure.

This step is worrisome given that such exceptions undermine the EU’s unity in sanctions policy, setting dangerous precedents for other states.

In January-April 2025, Bulgaria produced 189.7 thousand tons of steel, up 17.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

As a reminder, in January-March 2025, the EU imported 1.74 million tons (+27.7% y/y) of steel raw materials of Russian origin. The cost of imports of these products amounted to €706.27 million (+5.2% y/y).