Slovakia is negotiating guarantees with the EU to back a package of sanctions against Russia blocked over fears over gas supplies.

Slovakia is aiming to reach an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by Tuesday to secure guarantees on gas deliveries amid a sanctions package against Russia. Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia is blocking the package because of a proposal to halt Russian gas imports until 2028, which could cause economic problems. Although Slovakia is dependent on Gazprom, Fico emphasizes that the country needs political commitments to secure its gas supply.