During the third negotiation round with EU governments on the proposed anti-coercion instrument, EP negotiators on Tuesday morning managed to improve the new draft law by strengthening its deterrent nature. Timelines for the whole procedure and, in particular, for adopting a response to a non-EU country’s attempt to coerce, will now ensure that the instrument is applied in a swift manner.

Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), rapporteur and Chair of the Committee on International Trade, said after the talks: “Overnight we made huge strides in shaping this new instrument to be an effective deterrent and a powerful tool against coercion. With a broad list of countermeasures, a framework for obtaining reparation for injury, clear timelines and Parliament’s close involvement throughout the process, we are close to finalising a deal which will equip the European Union to defend itself robustly when faced with economic blackmail.”

Uphold the European Union’s interest

The new tool is designed…