James CoxAs the European Union scrambles to respond to the crisis ensuing over US president Donald Trump's threats over Greenland, the 'anti-coercion instrument' or 'bazooka' is back in focus. The Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), also called the trade bazooka, is a regulation of the European Union proposed in December 2021,adopted in November 2023, and that entered into force on December 27th, 2023. It aims to protect the EU and its member states from economic coercion by third countries and provides a framework for EU action, including examination, engagement, and the adoption of countermeasures. What does the Anti-Coercion Instrument do? In a statement on Sunday, Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to brief opposition leaders on the potential impact of the anti-coercion instrument.

Source: The Herald January 19, 2026 13:36 UTC