European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the “progress” made during talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is holding up Brussels’ plans for an EU-wide ban on Russian fossil fuels.

Hungary has blocked progress in discussions to adopt the sixth EU package of sanctions targeting Russia for its war in Ukraine, and ambassadors from the 27 EU countries have so far failed to agree on the details of the new round of measures.

Hungary relies on Russian oil from a single pipeline and Orban has warned he cannot approve the European Commission’s proposed sanctions.

“This evening’s discussion with PM Viktor Orban was helpful to clarify issues related to sanctions and energy security”, - von der Leyen tweeted.

She has proposed having EU member nations phase out imports of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year.