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Brussels is examining all options in its arsenal to do battle with its supposed ally, as the US inches closer to to ripping up friendships and partnerships with its unilateral action on Russia. Anger has reverberated through the continent as the US looks poised to rubber stamp a deal on sanctions against their Cold War foe. The EU and US look set to clash over the draft sanction laws, which target Russian energy, financial, railways, the shipping and mining sectors. Republicans and Democrats thrashed out the deal over the weekend, and The House of Representatives will vote on the bill on Tuesday.

GETTY Brussels is examining all options in its arsenal to do battle with its supposed ally

But red flags have been raised over the proposals, which appear to open the door US interference in EU companies. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is said to raised concerns over the package of measures which would penalise any company - including British or European - who deal with Russia in the field of energy. An internal note has been hastily prepared for Commissioners, and warns of the implications of the bill which, if passed, would hand US president Donald Trump the power to meddle and impose further sanctions on any company he sees fit.

GETTY Scant assurances have been made to assuage the fears of European companies who deal with Russia

These would include any companies who are seen as contributing to the development or operation of energy export pipelines in the Russia Federation or to Europe, or who engage in oil ventures with Russian companies. The EU note warns “The measures risk breaking the transatlantic and G7 unity” on handling Russia’s occupation of Crimea, Ukraine. The biggest project in the firing line is the potential Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

The relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, in pictures Wed, July 19, 2017 The relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is under intense scrutiny as ties between the two leaders are being examined for possible illegal activity Play slideshow Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS 1 of 10 Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and US President Donald Trump talking during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg

The measures risk breaking the transatlantic and G7 unity EU

Politically controversial already, the Commission note acknowledged “the impact would in reality be much wider”. Germany and Austria have already hit out at the US over the bill, which they view as politicising their own economic interests. They see the measures as promoting their own investments including the selling of shipments of liquefied natural gas to Europe, which would compete with Nord Stream 2 and the Southern Gas Corridor, from the Caspian.

GETTY The EU and US look set to clash over the draft sanction laws

Other projects which could be thrown into jeopardy are the Ukraine gas transit, the Zohr filed off the coast of Egypt, and Caspian Sea oil and gas projects - all because of he participation of Russian companies. As the vote looms, the Commission is preparing its retaliation. They have devised a three-prong attack should the US plough ahead with the painful sanctions.

The Commission would seek a public declaration from the US - as former president Barack Obama did in 2014 - to ensure that no powers would be used against EU companies. The second is enforcing the EU ‘Blocking Statue’, an EU regulation which states no decision based on extraterritorial laws is enforceable in the EU. And the third weapon is seeking World Trade Organisation (WTO) retaliatory measures.

GETTY Republicans and Democrats thrashed out the deal over the weekend

Scant assurances have been made to assuage the fears of European companies who deal with Russia, despite one EU commission source claiming last week that changes to the draft bill “look much better for EU interests”. That flimsy statement comes amid US posturing against Russia and the investigation into meddling by Moscow in the presidential election.