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

Negotiations continue in the EU on a new package of sanctions against Russia

Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell
Photo: EPA/BGNES

The EU is close to reaching an agreement on the 6th package of sanctions against Russia, said the head of the community's foreign policy, Josep Borrell. The ambassadors of the member states did not reach an agreement on the first day of the discussions, a BNR source said, adding that intensive technical consultations had been held, which allowed for progress. The discussion will continue on May 6. Disagreements are over the embargo on oil imports from Russia, which the European Commission is proposing to introduce by the end of the year. Bulgaria and Slovakia want a postponement, while Hungary is completely against it.


In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban said the new EU sanctions package risks undermining not only Hungary's energy security but also the union's unity in its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, REUTERS reported.

The Ukrainian army has repulsed 11 Russian attacks in Donbass during the day, UNIAN reported. Fighting continues at the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, with Moscow trying to complete the operation there by May 9.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that in recent days the organization has managed to evacuate about 500 civilians from Azovstal and is trying to continue the evacuation.



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

Showers are expected across much of Bulgaria over the weekend

On Saturday, minimum temperatures will range from 8 to 13°C , around 9°C in Sofia. It will be mostly cloudy with rain in many areas. There will be temporary breaks in cloud cover over southern regions. Overnight into Sunday, cloudiness will begin to..

published on 10/17/25 7:05 PM

Fourth air ambulance helicopter arrives in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has received its fourth air ambulance helicopter.  “The new aircraft will be based at the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy hangar in Dolna Mitropolia. From there, it will serve a wide regional area and make a significant contribution to the..

published on 10/17/25 4:24 PM

BNR will host 2025 Public Broadcasters International conference

The Bulgarian National Radio will host the 2025  Public Broadcasters International (PBI) Annual Conference . The prestigious forum will be held from 20 to 22 October for the first time in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The theme of the PBI..

published on 10/17/25 3:34 PM