Brussels’ instrument against coercive measures takes shape

The EU’s instrument against coercive economic measures such as sanctions, boycotts, or targeted negative campaigns continues to take shape. The think tank European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) will present its concrete proposals for the European Union’s defense mechanism this week. These are designed to protect the bloc from economic pressure. China is a particular focus. A task force of the think tank will publish its report on Wednesday on the possible concrete steps. The European Commission’s legislative proposal is expected in the fall. Until last week the EU Commission was still seeking assessments of the planned defense mechanism.