Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, demands an exemption from the EU's import ban on Russian gas until 2034, arguing it is essential for Slovakia's energy supply. He offers to lift his veto against a new EU sanctions package in exchange for this exemption. The European Commission has rejected such proposals, stating they undermine the essence of anti-Russian sanctions. Tensions have risen following Fico's demands for financial compensation, and Ursula von der Leyen has provided assurances regarding the gradual phase-out of Russian energy imports, but Fico's coalition partners find these guarantees insufficient. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)