The rise of oil limits the losses of European shares

European shares were little changed on Tuesday, as a rise in oil prices due to the possibility of more sanctions on crude-exporting Russia lifted energy shares, helping to offset losses in banks and industrial companies.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.1 percent by 0710 GMT, after two days of gains.

French Minister of State for European Affairs Clement Bonn said the European Union is likely to adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia, while the United States is also planning to impose new sanctions this week on Moscow after reports of civilian killings in Ukraine.

The oil and gas sector in Europe rose 0.7 percent.