Geopolitical Conflict
San Marino rift with EU over Bulgarian investor bank case
San Marino faces political tension as EU lawmakers urge resolution of a Bulgarian investor’s dispute over Banco di San Marino and frozen funds tied to wider rule‑of‑law concerns.
San Marino’s government is under growing pressure from European parliamentarians over a protracted dispute involving a Bulgarian investor, Starcom Holding, and the failed takeover of Banca di San Marino. The case, which began with a 15 million euro deposit seized in late 2025 on suspicion of money laundering and illicit origins, has escalated into a broader confrontation about governance and transparency. San Marino’s tribunal has issued arrest warrants and expanded charges to include threats against authority and alleged attacks on the microstate’s territorial integrity, framing the investor’s media and lobbying efforts as a “parallel plan” to destabilize institutions. Bulgarian MEPs have called on San Marino to solve the conflict, warning that unresolved questions could complicate the EU–San Marino Association Agreement ratification, while Starcom insists its funds are legitimate and demands a fair resolution.
- Status
- active
- Location
- San Marino, Republic of San Marino
- Date added
- 2026-03-23 00:54 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-23 00:54 UTC
- Source
- eualive.net
- Connected threats
- Not provided