According to EU Helpers, Anton Zlatanov, head of Bulgaria's border police, announced the ban that went into force yesterday, October 2, saying it would not just apply to vehicles carrying people.
Zlatanow did not specify how many vehicles with Russian license plates are presently on Bulgarian soil, though. Just now, he mentioned that there aren't many.
The Bulgarian authorities stated that the nation's decision to enact such a move follows the EU Commission's clarifications on the current issues, just like the other nations that have already imposed an entrance ban for vehicles with Russian registration.
While the nations that have enacted the prohibition have also said that exemptions will be allowed, the Bulgarian authorities chose not to offer this explanation.
However, it is thought that the prohibition does not apply to automobiles owned by Bulgarian or other EU citizens who have a permanent presence in Russia.
Additionally, it is thought that anyone going to Bulgaria for humanitarian purposes in a car with a Russian registration won't be subject to the restriction.
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Norway are among the nations that have already imposed an entry restriction on vehicles with Russian license plates, and more are anticipated to follow suit.
Today, October 3, Norway implements a prohibition on the admission of vehicles with Russian registrations. Anniken Huitfeldt, the minister of foreign affairs for Norway, announced the initiative earlier this week and promised that her nation would continue to support Ukraine.
Norway additionally emphasized that its choice also complies with the EU Commission's clarification.
The foreign minister of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, stated that Russians are not welcome in his country "to enjoy the privileges that freedom has to offer." Finland and Estonia similarly stated that their decisions were made in accordance with the Commission's clarification.
On the other side, Russia has harshly criticized the EU nations for their prohibition on vehicles with Russian registration.
The EU is attempting to limit people-to-people relations, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they see this as a provocation and prejudice against Russians.