Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

EU: Payment for Russian gas in rubles violates EU sanctions

European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson
Photo: EPA/BGNES

On May 3 in Strasbourg the European Commission is to discuss the 6th package of sanctions against Russia because of the war it is waging in Ukraine. On May 4 the proposal will be presented to the member countries for approval.

The EU refuses to pay for gas purchases from Russia in rubles; the EU should prepare for a breakdown in gas supplies, the European Commission and the French Presidency warned after the meeting of EU energy ministers in Brussels, world news agencies report.

“Paying rubles through the conversion mechanism managed by the Russian public authorities and a second dedicated account in Gazprombank is a violation of the sanctions and cannot be accepted,” EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson stated. She admitted that the EU can replace only two-thirds of the 150 billion cubic metres of gas with alternative sources. As an alternative, Kadri Simson called for the diversification of electricity generation.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has announced that 12 Russian attacks in Donbas had been thwarted in the past 24 hours. A Ukrainian counterattack has pushed the Russian army 40 kms. East of Kharkiv, the Pentagon says.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgarian Judges Association raises concern over new antivirus software

Judges have opposed the introduction of a new antivirus agent on their computers. The magistrates fear that it could violate personal data protection rules and compromise the independence of the judiciary. In an official letter, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/26/25 12:21 PM

Boyko Borisov: Bulgaria will join the eurozone on January 1 despite protests

GERB leader Boyko Borisov said in Parliament that Bulgaria will become a member of the eurozone on January 1, regardless of protests organized by representatives of We Continue the Change Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB). He was commenting on opposition..

published on 11/26/25 11:06 AM

Bulgaria at risk of non compliance with the EU's fiscal framework in 2026

Six countries, including Bulgaria, are at risk of non compliance with the EU fiscal framework in 2026. This is highlighted in the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, adopted by the European Commission. Another 12 countries are urged to continue..

published on 11/26/25 10:06 AM