MEPs debate new trade rules seek to deter foreign powers from bullying the EU or member states into policy changes using economic coercion and enable the EU to take countermeasures. The Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) seeks to protect the EU’s and member states’ sovereignty in a geopolitical environment where trade and investment are increasingly weaponised by foreign powers. The regulation would enable the EU to respond, in line with international law and as a last resort, if the EU or a member state is blackmailed economically by a non-EU country trying to influence a particular policy choice or stance. Closing statements by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights and Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Rapporteur

SCHMIT, Nicolas (LU, EC)

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

LANGE, Bernd (S&D, DE)

EU trade policy (T)

Economic coercion by third countries: closing statements by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights and Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Rapporteur