The European Commission has pledged to address Slovakia’s concerns over the planned phase-out of Russian gas by 2028, aiming to secure support for its latest sanctions package against Moscow.
Slovakia has been holding up the sanctions package, warning that quitting Russian gas could lead to supply shortages, higher prices.
In a letter European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that the EU will clarify how an emergency mechanism could be triggered if gas prices surge.
The Commission also committed to reducing Slovakia’s cross-border gas and oil tariffs and expressed readiness to assist in case of legal disputes resulting from the gas phase-out.
The letter emphasized that Brussels is coordinating closely with countries most affected, particularly Slovakia—to ensure the transition is gradual and well-managed.
The EU hopes to finalize the sanctions package during Tuesday’s meeting of foreign ministers, which requires unanimous backing from all 27 member states.
However, Slovakia alone cannot block the gas ban, as it only needs a reinforced majority to pass.
Sweden's centre-right government has abandoned plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, instead proposing a revised threshold of 14, J...
A prominent Palestinian doctor detained by Israel for more than 500 days appeared by video link before Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday (10 June), ...
Three Indian sailors have been killed after a U.S. military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, India's shipping minister has confirmed...
All personnel on board a Pakistani military helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wed...
The number of people displaced by conflict and persecution around the world fell in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new ...
The European Union and South Korea on Wednesday signed a digital trade agreement aimed at simplifying cross-border digital transactions and strengthening economic ties. The deal was reached at their first summit in three years.
As Armenia approaches parliamentary elections, Russia appears to be increasing political and economic pressure on Yerevan, signalling that closer integration with the EU could lead to significant changes in labour, transport and energy arrangements between the two countries.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praised Georgia for resisting Western pressure (30 May), defending its national interests and pursuing a "multi-vector foreign policy" - language that closely mirrors the rhetoric of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., according to a new survey published on Friday.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Ukraine's military said it struck a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Black Sea as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy and logistics networks. The move underscores Kyiv's focus on targeting maritime assets it says are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Sweden's centre-right government has abandoned plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, instead proposing a revised threshold of 14, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed on Thursday (11 June).
Three Indian sailors have been killed after a U.S. military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, India's shipping minister has confirmed. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington.
The number of people displaced by conflict and persecution around the world fell in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report by the UN refugee agency.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 11 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment