The European Union intends to defend itself against the encroachments of the United States on European economic interests. As the head of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel said, all the opportunities will be used to explain to the US administration the negative consequences of the entry into force of the new anti-Russian sanctions of the United States.

Europe refused to consider Washington as the navel of the Earth. The decisions of the White House, affecting the interests of third countries, should be taken only after consultation, at least with Europeans, insist in Berlin.

"We will defend ourselves against industrial policy under the motto" America First ", conducted under the pretext of sanctions," the German Foreign Minister said in an interview with Rheinische Post. In his view, overcoming the crisis in Ukraine is possible only with the unanimous efforts of Europe and the United States. Americans also want to introduce new anti-Russian sanctions under the pretext of increasing pressure on Moscow because of the ongoing conflict in Donbass. But by their actions they infringe the interests of the EU and destroy the American-European solidarity.

However, Sigmar believes that not everything is lost. Donald Trump has not yet signed a law on toughening the sanctions regime against Russia. Therefore, while Europeans are hoping that until a final decision is taken, Trump will consult with them. As Siegmar said, he himself is in close contact on this issue with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Earlier, both chambers of the US Congress supported the document "On Countering America's Enemies through Sanctions," implying the introduction of restrictive measures against Russian energy projects. If Trump signs the law, European companies will not be able to participate, in particular, in the construction of gas pipelines from Russia to the EU countries and in other joint ventures with Russia.

On Tuesday, August 1, US Vice President Mike Pence at a press conference in Tbilisi (Georgia) expressed confidence that President Trump will soon sign the law and finally approve new sanctions against Moscow.