European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels on Tuesday to press for a new package of sanctions against Russia, with Hungary again resisting measures targeting its energy imports.

The talks followed weeks of negotiation over the bloc's latest sanctions proposals, which target Russian energy revenues, shadow-fleet oil tankers and financial institutions. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has pushed member states to close loopholes and tighten enforcement of existing measures.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has repeatedly demanded exemptions for Budapest's continued reliance on Russian oil and gas, blocking unanimity required for sanctions adoption. Slovakia has voiced similar concerns, complicating efforts by Kallas and larger member states to secure agreement before the summer break.

Ministers were also expected to address the situation in the Middle East and coordinated support for Ukraine, according to the Council's published agenda. Diplomats from France and Germany have signalled willingness to explore workarounds that would isolate Hungarian objections while preserving the core of the package.

Kallas told reporters ahead of the meeting: "We cannot allow one or two capitals to hold the entire Union hostage on questions of European security." She urged member states to overcome what she described as narrow national interests.