The major economic powers of Northern Europe are extremely concerned that the new Russia sanctions bill that is making its way through Congress will, given how limited direct US-Russia trade is, end up targeting European companies that do business with Russia.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says he believes the EU stands “ready to act within days” if US sanctions are adopted without taking Europe’s concerns into account. This is particularly important if major German energy companies get targeted, as they are wholly dependent on Russia for natural gas.
Not everyone in Europe is on the same page, however. Poland, and the Baltic states, are all more hostile toward Russia, and are all keen to see the EU add the new sanctions on Russia as well as reducing their energy dependence on Russia.
Still, natural gas doesn’t grow on trees, and there isn’t an immediate alternative to Russia for the nations that have been depending on them for years. This ultimately obliges the EU to protect this trade from any US threats.
US politicians have tended to look down their noses at our European “allies” for a very long time – remember “Freedom Fries?” So, I don’t expect the belligerents in Congress to give a flying fig about European needs – remember “You’re either with us or against us?”
Arrogance always has a way of coming back to bite you on the butt.
well, EU get some balls and start being independent for yourselves. Actually most of us Americans disagree with this corrupt regime in Washington DC. For all the war crimes and meddling into the internal affairs of other countries committed by the Washington DC regime, I am not sure why sanctions haven’t been invoked by the international community against them?
If Trump was serious when he questioned the purpose of NATO, he should sign the bill when Congress passes it. Watch NATO go poof!