Time to Test European Sovereignty

The threat of US sanctions on European companies trading with Iran and tariffs on aluminum and steel exports are a test of European sovereignty and will require a firm response, an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday. The United States threatened on Sunday to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational, Reuters reported. “It’s an important test of sovereignty,” the unnamed French presidential adviser told reporters in a briefing on Monday. “There must really be a software update on these issues of European assertiveness.” The adviser said French and EU officials were working on different technical and legal issues to preserve existing business ties and financial channels with Iran, and to shield their companies from sanctions. Macron will use the opportunity of an informal EU summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Wednesday and Thursday to reaffirm a firm stance on the issue with his EU counterparts. “There is no sign of division among Europeans,” the adviser said. “Everything indicates that the European position will be firm and united,” he added.