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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U.S. President Donald Trump says it was "too expensive" for Witkoff and Kushner to go to Islamabad as Iran says they are waiting to see if America is "truly serious about diplomacy". Israel's armed forces has launched a missle attack into Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets into north Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Secret Service agents after a 31 year old suspect attempted to storm event.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling to contain two major wildfires in northern Japan for a fourth consecutive day, as flames advance towards residential areas and force thousands to flee.
Argentina has reiterated its interest in resuming talks with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South Atlantic, after reports that an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing Washington’s support for the UK’s claim amid tensions over the Iran war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Azerbaijan for talks with President Ilham Aliyev, holding meetings in Gabala on Saturday (25 April) during a working visit to the country.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenia has confirmed it will not air the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining a widening boycott over Israel’s participation.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war suffered a setback on Saturday as U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy visit to Pakistan for talks, even as parallel regional diplomacy continued and military tensions escalated in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Secret Service agents after a 31 year old suspect attempted to storm event.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling to contain two major wildfires in northern Japan for a fourth consecutive day, as flames advance towards residential areas and force thousands to flee.
Militants have staged coordinated attacks in Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country, the army said on Saturday (25 April), in an assault apparently involving jihadist and Tuareg-led groups.
Two men were killed after the United States carried out a missile strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Friday (24 April), the military said.
Argentina has reiterated its interest in resuming talks with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South Atlantic, after reports that an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing Washington’s support for the UK’s claim amid tensions over the Iran war.
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