Explained: The ‘Big Bazooka’ the EU Could Deploy Against Trump’s Tariff Threats Over Greenland

warned that tariffs could rise as high as 25 per cent if Europe does not comply.

In response, European leaders are discussing possible countermeasures — including deploying their most powerful trade weapon, the Anti-Coercion Instrument, often described as the EU’s “big bazooka.” Designed to counter economic blackmail and trade coercion, the ACI gives the European Union sweeping powers to retaliate against countries that threaten its sovereignty or economic interests.

But the instrument has never been used before, and using it against the United States would mark a dramatic escalation in transatlantic tensions. In this explainer, we break down what the Anti-Coercion Instrument is, how it works, what the EU could do under it, and whether Brussels is actually prepared to pull the trigger against Washington.