Bulgaria must draw up a diversification plan and phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said during the European Sustainable Development Week in Brussels organized by Politico.

Simson criticized Hungary sharply and called on it to increase its efforts and stop buying energy from Russia. According to the commissioner, this leaves the country vulnerable to malign influence from Moscow. "I know one political leader in Europe who is shaking hands with this war criminal, but that's it," Simson said, obviously referring to a recent meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Putin in Beijing.

On November 15, the EU is expected to announce the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. It is unlikely that it will contain restrictions on the purchase of Russian natural gas, although some member states insist on this.