Brussels is navigating a dual challenge this week as the European Union finalises its 21st sanctions package against Russia while facing new tariffs from the United States. The developments underscore the bloc's delicate balancing act between transatlantic trade relations and its commitment to supporting Ukraine.
EU Sanctions Package Moves Forward After Greek Veto Lifted
EU ambassadors reached a deal on the latest sanctions package after resolving a veto from Greece. Athens had blocked the measure over concerns about its shipping industry, but secured an exemption allowing Greek companies to continue transporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-EU clients. The compromise paves the way for the formal adoption of the package, which includes asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on exports of dual-use goods.
Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, welcomed the move but stressed the need for stricter enforcement. "Every loophole weakens the pressure on Moscow," he said in an interview. The EU has now imposed 21 rounds of sanctions since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
For more details on the package, see our report: EU Adopts 21st Russia Sanctions Package After Greece Wins LNG Exemption.
Trump's New Tariffs Hit European Exports
Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump has imposed a new wave of tariffs on trading partners, including the EU, with levies ranging between 10 and 12.5%. The move targets a broad range of European goods, from machinery to agricultural products, and has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels.
Bernd Lange, the German MEP who chairs the European Parliament's trade committee, reacted to the measures. "These tariffs are unjustified and will harm both European and American consumers," Lange said. He called for a coordinated EU response, including potential countermeasures, while urging Washington to return to negotiations. The EU has already signalled it is prepared to accept the tariffs as long as they remain below a 15% cap, according to internal discussions.
The US has also imposed tariffs on 60 nations over forced labour concerns, including several EU member states. Read more: US Imposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labour, Including EU States.
EU Fines Google Under Digital Markets Act
In a separate development, the European Commission fined Google for breaches of the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The penalty, which has not yet been publicly disclosed, marks the first major enforcement action under the landmark regulation designed to curb the power of Big Tech. The Commission accused Google of favouring its own services over competitors in search results, violating the DMA's rules on fair competition.
The fine comes amid broader transatlantic tensions over technology regulation. For a full overview of the day's events, see: EU Fines Google, Approves 21st Russia Sanctions Package Amid Transatlantic Tensions.
European Parliament Delegation Seeks to Thaw Relations with China
Meanwhile, a European Parliament delegation recently visited Beijing in an effort to mend frozen relations between the two legislatures. MEP Javi López, who was part of the delegation, described the talks as "constructive but cautious." The visit comes as the EU seeks to balance economic cooperation with China against concerns over human rights and geopolitical rivalry.
As the summer break approaches, Europe Today anchor Mared Gwyn signed off with a farewell to viewers, promising a return in September with continued coverage of the continent's most pressing issues.
