EU Removes Sanctions on Mikhail Fridman; Bulgaria Reports Sharpest EU Fuel Price Hike
What happened
The Council of the European Union agreed on September 22 to remove sanctions against Mikhail Fridman, alongside other oligarchs, as part of a review of restrictive measures. The Council also decided to extend around 3,000 sanctions targeting Russian individuals and entities for another 36 months. Separately, Eurostat reported that Bulgaria experienced the sharpest annual increase in fuel and lubricant prices in the European Union in August 2026, rising by 34.5%.
From novinite.com
Why it matters
The removal of sanctions affects the economic limitations and asset freezes previously placed on Mikhail Fridman. The price hike in Bulgaria impacts the cost of essential inputs across the country. These developments reflect the Council's ongoing review of measures taken against those linked to the Kremlin and the war in Ukraine.
From novinite.com
Who's involved
- Mikhail FridmanTarget of sanctions removal by the Council of the European Union.
- Council of the European UnionInstitutional body of the EU that adopted the sanctions package.
- BulgariaCountry that recorded the highest annual increase in EU fuel prices.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- BulgariaSpeculative
The sharp rise in fuel prices in Bulgaria could drive up operational costs across the economy.
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The entities involved
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Mikhail Fridman
Russian–Israeli businessman, billionaire, and oligarch
Nothing else this week.
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Council of the European Union
institution of the European Union representing the member states' governments bringing together national ministers from each EU country to adopt laws and coordinate policies
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Bulgaria
country in Southeast Europe