Core Viewpoint - Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico announced that Slovakia will veto the EU's proposed sanctions against Russia if the vote is not postponed, emphasizing the need to prioritize discussions on the proposed ban on Russian energy imports [1] Group 1: Slovakia's Position - Slovakia opposes the EU's proposal to stop importing Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, viewing it as a disguised form of sanctions against Russia [1] - The Slovak government is concerned that the termination of Russian gas imports will lead to increased energy prices in the EU and weaken industrial competitiveness [1] Group 2: Voting Dynamics - The proposed sanctions require a qualified majority vote, which could potentially override Slovakia and Hungary's opposition [1] - Slovakia's stance reflects a broader concern among certain EU member states regarding the economic implications of energy sanctions [1]