E.U. Is Uneasy, and Divided, About U.S. Sanctions on Russia

LONDON — European Union officials are worried about a move to toughen United States sanctions against Russia, saying they may cause upheaval in Europe’s energy market.

 

But as usual, the 28-nation bloc is divided, with central European countries more willing to limit the bloc’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.

 

The new round of sanctions has been driven by the United States Congress, which is intent on punishing Russia for its meddling in last year’s presidential election. The House overwhelmingly approved sanctions legislation on Tuesday afternoon. Bipartisan support in Congress for the new sanctions is so strong that the White House has suggested that President Trump will sign the bill that emerges.

 

But the new sanctions have important implications for Europe because they target any company that contributes to the development, maintenance or modernization of Russia’s energy export pipelines.

 

Read More: E.U. Is Uneasy, and Divided, About U.S. Sanctions on Russia – The New York Times.