Getty Jean-Claude Juncker has picked a fight with American senators over Russian sanctions

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Mr Juncker squared up to US lawmakers after they passed a bill to penalise Russia, with implications hitting Russian energy, financial, transport and mining sectors. The EU fears the strict penalties could hit a controversial Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline project which will connect to Germany and provide work for European companies. The European Commission president blasted: “America First cannot mean that Europe’s interests come last.” He added: “The US bill could have unintended unilateral effects that impact the EU’s energy security interests.”

One worry is that any European energy firm that helps maintain pipelines in Russia could be affected. Some pipelines in Russia deliver crucial gas for the Ukrainian gas transit system — any change to access would be a blow for the EU. Another EU project is the Blue Stream gas export pipeline to Turkey, which relies on gas from Moscow. German business forum said todau plans for tighter US sanctions against Russia could harm European companies with energy interests in their giant eastern neighbour and appeared designed to stimulate U.S. energy exports to Europe. At a Berlin press conference, the German Committee on East European Economic Relations said the possibility of European counter-sanctions against the U.S. should be kept open as "a very last option" if firms in Europe were affected. The committee, a fierce critic of the sanctions passed earlier this week by U.S. lawmakers, revised upward to 20 percent its forecast for growth in German exports to Russia this year, from 10 percent growth expected previously. EU bosses are keen that Germany’s access to natural gas from Russia is not changed. However, Washington sought to calm the tone, saying they had made key amendments to their bill to accommodate the EU commission’s concerns.

Getty The Senate, like the House, is expected to pass the legislation by a veto-proof margin

American senators said the bill now had a clause which addresses pipeline-related sanctions. One is that allies would be consulted before any penalties are imposed that could hurt German access to natural gas from Russia. Another clarifies that sanctions would not indirectly impede a Kazakhstan-originated oil pipeline project. Lawmakers want to send the message that President Donald Trump will work with the EU to dampen Russian aggression. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, a Republican from California, said: “It’s critically important that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our European allies in countering Russian aggression.” American lawmakers passed the legislation, 419-3, clearing the far-reaching measure for action by the Senate.

If senators move quickly, the bill could be ready for Mr Trump's signature before Congress exits Washington for its regular August recess. The Senate, like the House, is expected to pass the legislation by a veto-proof margin. The bill also slaps Iran and North Korea with sanctions. Representative Ed Royce, a Republican for California and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee hinted that senators were keen to strike back against Russia’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US elections. It was also seen as a way to curb Mr Trump’s powers.

Madness of King Juncker: EU boss' craziest moments Wed, July 26, 2017 Jean-Claude Juncker greets colleagues with kisses and slaps Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 16 European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker greets EU Commission Chief spokesperson Margaritis Schinas

Getty Mr Trump, is embroiled in a Russia probe over possible collusion with the Kremlin

Mr Royce said: "It is well past time that we forcibly respond.” Mr Trump, and his associates are embroiled in a Russia probe over possible collusion with the Kremlin to swing the last elections. The president threatened to reject the bill even though Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other senior administration officials had objected to a mandated congressional review should the president attempt to ease or lift the sanctions on Russia.