Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says Bratislava will only back the EU’s 18th sanctions package on Russia if it secures guarantees for future gas supplies, citing national energy interests.
Slovakia’s government is conditioning its support for the EU’s latest sanctions on Russia on firm guarantees that it will continue to receive adequate and affordable gas supplies once Russian imports are phased out by 2028.
In a letter to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Slovak Premier Robert Fico asserted Slovakia's sovereign right to protect its energy security, linking the 18th sanctions package to the European Commission’s proposal to end all Russian gas deliveries by January 1, 2028.
Fico stressed that national interests must be respected: “We are requesting that the relevant stakeholders provide the Slovak Republic with the necessary guarantees … This is a matter of Slovak national interest.”
He also proposed a joint meeting between the Slovak and Czech governments to ease tensions. In response, Fiala urged Slovakia not to obstruct EU-wide measures, warning that unilateral opposition could isolate Bratislava within the bloc.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed those concerns, urging Slovakia to lift its objections and allow the sanctions package to proceed.
The proposed 18th sanctions package includes expanded trade restrictions, asset freezes, and targeted measures against industries linked to Russia’s war effort. However, its adoption has been delayed multiple times due to Slovakia’s reservations.
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Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
Iran and Israel fire missiles across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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