"The "EU bazooka" refers to the bloc's "Anti-Coercion Instrument" (ACI), a powerful, never-used tool allowing the EU to retaliate against economic pressure from third countries by restricting trade, investment, services, and intellectual property, with France, led by President Macron, actively pushing for its activation against potential U.S. tariffs as of mid-2025 and early 2026. This instrument aims to deter foreign economic bullying, giving the EU legal grounds to impose proportionate countermeasures, though some member states are hesitant due to fears of escalating trade wars.
What is the ACI (EU "Bazooka")?
Purpose: To protect EU member states from economic coercion and pressure from other nations.
Mechanism: It empowers the EU to respond to actions like unfair tariffs, investment restrictions, or attempts to shape EU laws, notes investingLive and the New York Post.
Tools Available: Includes import/export restrictions, quotas, licensing for services/IP, and curbs on investment and market access, reports the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
France's Role
French President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal advocate for using the ACI to counter perceived unfair U.S. trade practices, particularly in 2025 and 2026.
France called for its immediate use, even when other EU nations favored caution, signaling a strong desire to confront economic bullying, say the New York Post and investingLive. "