Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, stated that Slovakia will only support the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia if it receives guarantees for affordable gas access after the planned ban on Russian gas imports in 2028. He responded to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's call for Slovakia to accept the sanctions, emphasizing Slovakia's national interests and the need for consideration of smaller member states' energy security. Fico also suggested a joint government meeting to strengthen the traditionally close ties between Slovakia and the Czech Republic. He criticized the EU's sanctions policy, particularly regarding energy, warning that a rapid shift away from Russian energy sources could jeopardize supply security without adequate infrastructure and market protection. The correspondence between the Czech and Slovak governments highlights both geopolitical and internal EU tensions surrounding the new sanctions package, especially regarding sensitive energy supply issues. Teljes cikk (Világgazdaság)