Slovakia is blocking the European Union's proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia, demanding exceptions from the bloc's plan to phase out Russian gas imports, TASS reported citing an EU diplomat according to Politico. Bratislava is seeking three key guarantees: legal immunity for Slovak companies cutting ties with Russian firms, compensation for lost transit fees, and a veto over any final decision on the gas phase-out. A letter circulated by the Slovak government among EU member states confirmed its opposition to the current proposal. High-level talks are expected on 3 July, when European Commission representatives will visit Slovakia, marking an upgrade from previous technical-level negotiations. Slovak officials voiced optimism that Brussels would be more receptive to their demands following a recent meeting between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The EU summit on Friday failed to reach consensus on the sanctions package, with diplomats confirming Slovakia's opposition was a key obstacle. The matter is now expected to return to the agenda of EU ambassadors. Attribution: TASS Subediting: M. S. Salama
