What's Happening?
A study prepared for the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) by ISPI and its research partners has compiled a dataset of 41 cases of economic pressure affecting the European Union, its Member States, and EU-linked firms. These
cases occurred between January 2018 and May 15, 2026. The documented instances include a range of measures and threats, such as trade and investment restrictions, export controls, procurement discrimination, extraterritorial sanctions, and supply curtailments. For each case, the dataset records details like the actors involved, duration, alleged political trigger, economic instrument used, targets, affected sectors, main economic effects, and the EU's response. It also includes a structured assessment of each case across five dimensions relevant to the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI): coercive intent, encroachment on sovereign choices, intensity of economic pressure, pattern of interference, and illegitimacy or lack of good-faith settlement. These indicators are combined into an analytical 'ACI-relevance' score to facilitate comparisons.
Why It's Important?
This comprehensive dataset is a crucial research tool for understanding patterns of economic pressure and strengthening the EU's resilience against such practices. By systematically cataloging these incidents, the European Parliament can better detect, prepare for, and respond to coercive actions. The study's findings are vital for informing policy decisions related to the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument (Regulation (EU) 2023/2675), even though inclusion in the dataset does not constitute a legal determination of economic coercion. The ability to compare episodes across countries, sectors, and instruments allows for a more nuanced analysis of the effectiveness of current EU responses and identifies areas where new strategies may be needed. This is particularly important in an increasingly complex global economic landscape where economic leverage is often used as a geopolitical tool, impacting the sovereignty and economic stability of EU member states and firms.
What's Next?
The full methodology, analysis, and policy implications of this study are presented in the accompanying European Parliament study. This dataset will likely serve as a foundational resource for ongoing discussions within the European Parliament and other EU institutions regarding economic security and resilience. It is expected to inform the development of more robust strategies and tools to counter economic coercion. Policymakers will use this information to refine the application of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument and potentially explore new legislative or diplomatic approaches. The continuous monitoring and documentation of such cases will be essential for adapting to evolving forms of economic pressure and safeguarding the EU's economic interests and strategic autonomy in the long term.
Beyond the Headlines
The documentation of 41 cases of economic pressure underscores the growing weaponization of economic tools in international relations. This trend challenges traditional notions of trade and economic interdependence as purely beneficial, revealing their potential for strategic vulnerability. The EU's proactive approach in cataloging these incidents and developing an Anti-Coercion Instrument signifies a shift towards a more assertive and self-protective stance in global economic governance. This move reflects a broader recognition that economic power can be used to exert political influence, and that a robust defense mechanism is necessary to protect national interests and democratic values. The study's focus on 'coercive intent' and 'encroachment on sovereign choices' highlights the ethical and legal complexities involved in distinguishing legitimate economic competition from illegitimate pressure, pushing the boundaries of international economic law and diplomacy.
