EU concerned over US bill on Russia sanctions

BRUSSELS. — Brussels has urged US lawmakers to coordinate their anti-Russia actions with European partners, as Washington steams ahead with a new bill to expand sanctions against Moscow.

“Unilateral measures” could undermine transatlantic unity and have “unintended consequences,” the EU warned.

On Saturday, US Republicans and Democrats reached an agreement to clear any further hurdles for proposed legislation which seeks to apply additional sanctions on Russia. The measure, if signed into law, will also give Congress veto powers to block any easing of Russian sanctions by the president.

Restrictions against Moscow are part of the Countering Iran’s Destabilising Activities Act, aimed not only at Tehran, but also North Korea.

Passed by the Senate last month, the measures seek to impose new economic measures on sectors of Russia’s economy.

Among the new anti-Russia proposals, the legislation aims to introduce individual sanctions for investing in the Russian pipeline project. It also outlines steps to hamper construction of Russia’s Gazprom’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

The House is set to vote on the proposed legislation tomorrow, with Brussels registering their uneaseness even before the bill hits Donald Trump’s desk, urging Washington to consider European interests, especially in the energy sector.

Noting that “the Russia/Iran sanctions bill is driven primarily by domestic considerations,” the European Commission has asked its American partners to coordinate measures against Russia with Europe and the rest of the G7 group of leading economies.

“As we have said repeatedly, it is important that any possible new measures are coordinated between international partners to maintain unity among partners on the sanctions,” the Commission said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters.

“We are concerned the measures discussed in the US Congress could have unintended consequences, not only when it comes to Transatlantic/G7 unity, but also on EU economic and energy security interests,” it added.

“This impact could be potentially wide and indiscriminate,” the Commission warned. — RT.