SUMMARY - Friday, 18 July 2025 - 1 p.m.

Bratislava, 18 July (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on Thursday (17 July) evening that he will instruct Slovakia's representatives to the European union to clear the way for the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions on Friday, adding that the continued blocking of sanctions would be counterproductive and could endanger Slovakia's interest, as all negotiation options with European Commission have been exhausted, TASR learnt this from his Facebook post. https://etasr.sk/article/22276856 Brussels, 18 July (TASR) - EU-member states approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia on Friday, after Slovakia allowed its adoption following Premier Robert Fico’s announcement that the country received sufficient guarantees from the European Commission (EC) regarding the plan to halt Russian gas imports to the EU. https://etasr.sk/article/22276936 Bratislava/Brussels, 18 July (TASR) - Slovakia's blocking of the approval of the 18th sanctions package against Russia was crucial in reaching an agreement on the European Commission’s plan to stop Russian gas imports, with Slovakia negotiating energy security guarantees, the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's communications department quoted Minister Juraj Blanar as stating on Friday. https://etasr.sk/article/22277052 Prague, 18 July (TASR-correspondent) - Czech Premier Petr Fiala has welcomed Slovakia's decision to stop blocking the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, calling it another important step in the joint pressure on the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine, TASR has learnt from its special correspondent in Prague. https://etasr.sk/article/22277225 Notice: If you click on the link or copy it into the search window, the browser will display the full text of the message in the new e-TASR client zone. If you have any questions, please contact obchod@tasr.sk. lin