Editor’s Note
This article examines the EU’s proposed “Anti-Coercion Instrument,” a powerful trade tool championed by President Macron as a potential response to new U.S. tariffs. We explore its origins, mechanics, and the unprecedented circumstances that could trigger its use.
January 19, 2026, 1:13 PM
The ACI (Anti-Coercion Instrument) policy, activated in 2023 and never used before, was primarily conceived as a deterrent in response to economic pressure from third countries. With the Greenland issue, it was proposed for the first time by Macron. Let’s find out how it could work, how long it would take, and who regulates it.
French President Emmanuel Macron waved it like an object, a powerful war axe against the threats from Donald Trump to impose new blackmail duties on European countries to seize Denmark: its name is ACI, the anti-coercion tool. If diplomatic missions or European counter-tariffs do not have a positive effect, the EU could find itself in a situation that would certainly create a serious problem, an increase in the new crisis.
ACI, activated in 2023 and never used until now, was primarily conceived as a preventive measure and is a response from the EU to economic pressure by third countries, or rather, to unfair interference, measures or threats that affect trade or investment to influence political decisions. It is often called the “EU’s nuclear option”.
Wherever pressure is exerted, ACI provides a framework to formally recognize it, seek solutions through dialogue, and if necessary, adopt countermeasures to end the pressure, obtain compensation, and strengthen international coordination against such practices. Economic countermeasures are considered only as a last resort, subject to conditions of necessity and proportionality. They are designed to be targeted, temporary, and have minimal impact on the EU economy.
A wide range of options is available to enable effective responses, including:
– Import/export restrictions
– Limits on goods and services
– Investment restrictions on foreign direct investment and intellectual property rights
– Restrictions on access to all public procurement in the EU and its presentation in the market
– Market of regulated products or imposing new taxes on certain sectors of the EU market regarding technology companies.
This mechanism works by combining implementation and delegated powers to ensure flexibility and speed.
The phase of determining any act of pressure is the responsibility of the Council, which acts on a proposal from the Commission. Subsequently, adopting reactive measures is the responsibility of the Commission, with another body, the Committee of Member States, providing assistance.
In specific cases, delegated acts are used, which involve the European Parliament. This process includes engagement with stakeholders to assess the impact of the measures and requires regular information to be provided to Parliament and the Council.