Discussions on the 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia during a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council on 18 July are scheduled under the Any Other business (AOB) item, which does not involve voting or decision-making.

Slovakia is seeking an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until it expires in 2034

The European Union is on the cusp of agreeing on an 18th sanctions package against Russia, focusing on a lower price cap on Russian oil. The package aims to curb Russia's revenue from oil and includes a dynamic price mechanism.