The #EU is now trying to find means of its own to bolster enforcement & reinforce its curbs on #Russia.

Tom Keatinge, of think tank the Royal United Services Institute, said European policy makers had been preparing "autonomous European #sanctions considering the possibility of a #Trump presidency" but would have to bolster enforcement.

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The clause would allow customs ofcls to hold up shipments if the destination seemed illogical, such as crossing #Russia to reach #CentralAsia countries.

The preparations are being made, in anticipation of a change in Washington's position, should #Trump be reelected.

Any softening by DC would leave #Europe in a difficult position, as it is the #UnitedStates, w/sweeping powers to punish #sanctions busting globally, that primarily enforces the rules.

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#Europe seeks to underpin #Russia #sanctions, fearing that a return of #Trump could undermine Western efforts to isolate Moscow….

The talks among #EU ofcls & envoys are centred on several initiatives to ensure that European sanctions would remain in place longer term, bolstering them through tighter enforcement, even if Washington changes tack.

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reuters.com/world/europe/europ…

"Should a #Trump presidency reverse #US sanctions on #Russia, Europeans will need to be much more muscular in ... enforcement action & will no longer be able to hide behind Uncle Sam," he said.

…European countries were wrongfooted during Trump's last presidency, when the #UnitedStates reversed an international deal w/ #Iran over its #nuclear program & unilaterally reinstated #sanctions, leaving #Europe out on a limb.

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