Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the inclusion of the Kulevi oil refinery in the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, arguing that the decision has no factual or legal grounds.
The ministry said Georgian authorities had provided the European Commission with comprehensive information and documentation proving that the Black Sea Petroleum (BSP) refinery should not be subject to sanctions. According to the statement, Georgia fully respects the EU sanctions regime and continues to cooperate with European institutions to ensure its territory is not used for sanctions evasion.
The EU sanctions department previously clarified that the listing of the Kulevi refinery will take effect after a six-month delay, giving the company time to diversify away from Russian crude oil. After an assessment by the European Commission, the EU Council will decide whether maintaining the sanctions listing remains necessary.
BSP has said it plans to replace Russian-origin crude oil with non-Russian supplies starting in August-September, which the company expects will open access to higher-margin markets. The Georgian Foreign Ministry said it hopes EU institutions will reconsider the decision during the six-month period and continue dialogue with Georgian authorities.
