The dispute with Bulgarian investors is still at a preliminary stage, and the Government has not put forward any compensation proposals. This was clarified by Foreign Affairs Secretary of State Luca Beccari before the Foreign Affairs Commission, in response to requests for an update from Fabio Righi.
At the heart of the discussion is a compensation claim of around €150 million, brought by investors against the Republic of San Marino — a figure Righi flagged for its potential impact on public finances.
The commissioner asked for clarification on the state of the dispute, any contacts between the parties, and statements made by the Government in recent months. He specifically asked whether negotiations were underway, and on what terms.
Beccari explained that the process is still at the preliminary stage set out under the investment protection agreement between San Marino and Bulgaria. He noted that the minimum six-month period provided for in the agreement does not automatically trigger arbitration proceedings, nor does it indicate that any agreement exists between the parties.
Addressing speculation about compensation payments running into the tens of millions of euros, the secretary was unequivocal: “There are no negotiations of this kind underway.”
Beccari did, however, confirm that talks are taking place between the lawyers involved, stressing that the Government has made no commitments and put forward no proposals. He also reiterated his willingness to provide updates to the council groups at the appropriate time.
