The new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea passed by the United States House of Representatives earlier seem inconsistent with international law due to their extraterritoriality, France’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday in a statement. The foreign ministry added the measure would have to be discussed at the European Union level because of its potential impact on EU citizens and companies.
The sanctions bill, designed in response to the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, was overwhelmingly passed with 419 votes against 3, paving the way for the legislation to move to the Senate.
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said that the bloc was ready to react promptly if the new sanctions imposed on Russia affect its energy security interests.