The European Union regrets the unjustified threat of the Russian Federation to sever diplomatic ties with Bulgaria in response to Bulgaria’s decision, fully in line with international law, to expel 70 Russian Embassy staff who were acting in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The European Union stands in full support and solidarity with Bulgaria in these circumstances and will follow this matter closely. 

Such a disproportionate step by Russia would only serve to further isolate it internationally.