Slovakia, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is negotiating with European partners to secure Russian gas supplies by Tuesday to approve a new EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia has vetoed the 18th sanctions package due to concerns over a proposed phase-out of Russian fossil fuels by 2028, which could harm its economy. Fico seeks legal guarantees regarding a long-term contract with Gazprom. He has communicated with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about lifting the veto if a deal is reached. The sanctions package includes measures against Russian banks and bans on the Nord Stream pipelines. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)