Kiri

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR TRADE

Directorate F – Enforcement, Market Access, SMEs, Legal Affairs, Technology and Security

Unit F2 Dispute Settlement and Legal Aspects of Trade Policy

Brussels TRADE.F.2 (2024)2790430

NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF

THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

OF THE MEMBER STATES TO THE EU

Subject: ACI Repository – nominations of Member States’ users and contact

points

Your Excellency,

I refer to Regulation (EU) 2023/2675 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

22 November 2023 on the protection of the Union and the Member States from economic

coercion (the Anti-Coercion Instrument, or ACI), which is in force since 27 December

2023 (OJ L, 2023/2675, 07.12.2023), and in particular the need to have a secure and

encrypted system for submission of information (see Articles 4(2) and 15(6)).

This note will provide you with information about the project and invites you to

communicate the necessary information in order to enable you, the Member States, to use

the system.

1. Introduction of the Anti-Coercion Instrument Repository (ACI Repository)

In line with Articles 4(2) and 15(6) of the ACI, the Commission has developed ACI

Repository, which serves a dual purpose:

1) To facilitate the submission of sensitive non-classified information by any

external person to the Commission in the context of examination of third-

country measures (see Article 4(2) final sentence); and

2) To support direct cooperation and exchange of sensitive non-classified

information between the Member States and the Commission, at any stage (see

Article 15(6)).

The ACI Repository is a secure and encrypted repository that ensures a high degree of

protection of sensitive non-classified information (1), while it requires only regular IT

equipment. The repository is built on a SharePoint platform (“Secure Trade Together”)

hosted and managed by the Commission. It is subject to regular security inspections by the

(1) In case of classified information at RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED level, the use of ZEUS is

mandatory and such documents shall be handled only on accredited equipment and according to

applicable rules and procedures.

2

Commission’s Directorate-General for Security and Human Resources to verify its

compliance with the security policies, standards and procedures of the Commission to

manage sensitive non-classified documents.

This type of platform is not new, neither to the Member States, nor to DG TRADE. The

same platform is used extensively by the Commission for collaborative work on sensitive

issues, e.g. Market Access Database (MADB) documents management area and

SharePoint Repository for FDI Screening.

2. Type of users and access rights

There are two types of users: external suppliers of information and the Member States.

External suppliers of information, namely those intended in Article 4(2), may use the

repository for submission of confidential and sensitive information on a case-by-case basis

upon prior authorisation. Such users are invited to send a request to the single email

address: [email protected], should they want to

submit confidential or sensitive information (see here Anti-Coercion Instrument |

Access2Markets (europa.eu)). The Commission team will guide them as regards the use of

the tool. External suppliers of information would benefit from a temporary case-by-case

access for the sole purpose of submitting a file. External suppliers of information are not

able to see any other submissions by other users.

The Member States are a separate category of users with more permanent access to the

repository. They would benefit from personal access rights for nominated users, and would

be able to upload and download files any time. Member States’ users would see only files

addressed to them.

3. Request for nomination of users and contact points for the Member States

To prepare the ACI Repository for use by the Member States, I am pleased to invite your

government to:

1) nominate up to 3 EU login accounts (full name, role/position/function and email

address linked to the EU login account (2)) who will be able to upload/download

files wherever needed, and,

2) designate a functional mailbox to serve as a contact point (one per Member

State): e.g., system notifications as regards uploaded files are sent to the functional

mailboxes, or any request for changes concerning nominated users must be sent

from the functional mailbox.

Please communicate the requested information by 13 May 2024 to trade-anti-coercion-

[email protected].

4. Next communications

The next communication by the Commission concerning the ACI Repository will be

addressed only to the nominated users and the functional mailboxes. User guides, virtual

demonstration and other material will be made available at a next stage.

(2) In case the designated user(s) do(es) not have an EU Login account yet, they can create it on

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/cas

3

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Should you have any questions in the meantime about the ACI Repository, please contact

us at: [email protected].

ACI webpage: Protecting against coercion (europa.eu)

[ E-signed ]

Stephanie LEUPOLD

Head of Unit

Electronically signed on 11/04/2024 18:45 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR TRADE

Directorate F – Enforcement, Market Access, SMEs, Legal Affairs, Technology and Security

Unit F2 Dispute Settlement and Legal Aspects of Trade Policy

Brussels TRADE.F.2 (2024)2790430

NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF

THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

OF THE MEMBER STATES TO THE EU

Subject: ACI Repository – nominations of Member States’ users and contact

points

Your Excellency,

I refer to Regulation (EU) 2023/2675 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

22 November 2023 on the protection of the Union and the Member States from economic

coercion (the Anti-Coercion Instrument, or ACI), which is in force since 27 December

2023 (OJ L, 2023/2675, 07.12.2023), and in particular the need to have a secure and

encrypted system for submission of information (see Articles 4(2) and 15(6)).

This note will provide you with information about the project and invites you to

communicate the necessary information in order to enable you, the Member States, to use

the system.

1. Introduction of the Anti-Coercion Instrument Repository (ACI Repository)

In line with Articles 4(2) and 15(6) of the ACI, the Commission has developed ACI

Repository, which serves a dual purpose:

1) To facilitate the submission of sensitive non-classified information by any

external person to the Commission in the context of examination of third-

country measures (see Article 4(2) final sentence); and

2) To support direct cooperation and exchange of sensitive non-classified

information between the Member States and the Commission, at any stage (see

Article 15(6)).

The ACI Repository is a secure and encrypted repository that ensures a high degree of

protection of sensitive non-classified information (1), while it requires only regular IT

equipment. The repository is built on a SharePoint platform (“Secure Trade Together”)

hosted and managed by the Commission. It is subject to regular security inspections by the

(1) In case of classified information at RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED level, the use of ZEUS is

mandatory and such documents shall be handled only on accredited equipment and according to

applicable rules and procedures.

2

Commission’s Directorate-General for Security and Human Resources to verify its

compliance with the security policies, standards and procedures of the Commission to

manage sensitive non-classified documents.

This type of platform is not new, neither to the Member States, nor to DG TRADE. The

same platform is used extensively by the Commission for collaborative work on sensitive

issues, e.g. Market Access Database (MADB) documents management area and

SharePoint Repository for FDI Screening.

2. Type of users and access rights

There are two types of users: external suppliers of information and the Member States.

External suppliers of information, namely those intended in Article 4(2), may use the

repository for submission of confidential and sensitive information on a case-by-case basis

upon prior authorisation. Such users are invited to send a request to the single email

address: [email protected], should they want to

submit confidential or sensitive information (see here Anti-Coercion Instrument |

Access2Markets (europa.eu)). The Commission team will guide them as regards the use of

the tool. External suppliers of information would benefit from a temporary case-by-case

access for the sole purpose of submitting a file. External suppliers of information are not

able to see any other submissions by other users.

The Member States are a separate category of users with more permanent access to the

repository. They would benefit from personal access rights for nominated users, and would

be able to upload and download files any time. Member States’ users would see only files

addressed to them.

3. Request for nomination of users and contact points for the Member States

To prepare the ACI Repository for use by the Member States, I am pleased to invite your

government to:

1) nominate up to 3 EU login accounts (full name, role/position/function and email

address linked to the EU login account (2)) who will be able to upload/download

files wherever needed, and,

2) designate a functional mailbox to serve as a contact point (one per Member

State): e.g., system notifications as regards uploaded files are sent to the functional

mailboxes, or any request for changes concerning nominated users must be sent

from the functional mailbox.

Please communicate the requested information by 13 May 2024 to trade-anti-coercion-

[email protected].

4. Next communications

The next communication by the Commission concerning the ACI Repository will be

addressed only to the nominated users and the functional mailboxes. User guides, virtual

demonstration and other material will be made available at a next stage.

(2) In case the designated user(s) do(es) not have an EU Login account yet, they can create it on

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/cas

3

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Should you have any questions in the meantime about the ACI Repository, please contact

us at: [email protected].

ACI webpage: Protecting against coercion (europa.eu)

[ E-signed ]

Stephanie LEUPOLD

Head of Unit

Electronically signed on 11/04/2024 18:45 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR TRADE

Directorate F – Enforcement, Market Access, SMEs, Legal Affairs, Technology and Security

Unit F2 Dispute Settlement and Legal Aspects of Trade Policy

Brussels TRADE.F.2 (2024)2790430

NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF

THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

OF THE MEMBER STATES TO THE EU

Subject: ACI Repository – nominations of Member States’ users and contact

points

Your Excellency,

I refer to Regulation (EU) 2023/2675 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

22 November 2023 on the protection of the Union and the Member States from economic

coercion (the Anti-Coercion Instrument, or ACI), which is in force since 27 December

2023 (OJ L, 2023/2675, 07.12.2023), and in particular the need to have a secure and

encrypted system for submission of information (see Articles 4(2) and 15(6)).

This note will provide you with information about the project and invites you to

communicate the necessary information in order to enable you, the Member States, to use

the system.

1. Introduction of the Anti-Coercion Instrument Repository (ACI Repository)

In line with Articles 4(2) and 15(6) of the ACI, the Commission has developed ACI

Repository, which serves a dual purpose:

1) To facilitate the submission of sensitive non-classified information by any

external person to the Commission in the context of examination of third-

country measures (see Article 4(2) final sentence); and

2) To support direct cooperation and exchange of sensitive non-classified

information between the Member States and the Commission, at any stage (see

Article 15(6)).

The ACI Repository is a secure and encrypted repository that ensures a high degree of

protection of sensitive non-classified information (1), while it requires only regular IT

equipment. The repository is built on a SharePoint platform (“Secure Trade Together”)

hosted and managed by the Commission. It is subject to regular security inspections by the

(1) In case of classified information at RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED level, the use of ZEUS is

mandatory and such documents shall be handled only on accredited equipment and according to

applicable rules and procedures.

2

Commission’s Directorate-General for Security and Human Resources to verify its

compliance with the security policies, standards and procedures of the Commission to

manage sensitive non-classified documents.

This type of platform is not new, neither to the Member States, nor to DG TRADE. The

same platform is used extensively by the Commission for collaborative work on sensitive

issues, e.g. Market Access Database (MADB) documents management area and

SharePoint Repository for FDI Screening.

2. Type of users and access rights

There are two types of users: external suppliers of information and the Member States.

External suppliers of information, namely those intended in Article 4(2), may use the

repository for submission of confidential and sensitive information on a case-by-case basis

upon prior authorisation. Such users are invited to send a request to the single email

address: [email protected], should they want to

submit confidential or sensitive information (see here Anti-Coercion Instrument |

Access2Markets (europa.eu)). The Commission team will guide them as regards the use of

the tool. External suppliers of information would benefit from a temporary case-by-case

access for the sole purpose of submitting a file. External suppliers of information are not

able to see any other submissions by other users.

The Member States are a separate category of users with more permanent access to the

repository. They would benefit from personal access rights for nominated users, and would

be able to upload and download files any time. Member States’ users would see only files

addressed to them.

3. Request for nomination of users and contact points for the Member States

To prepare the ACI Repository for use by the Member States, I am pleased to invite your

government to:

1) nominate up to 3 EU login accounts (full name, role/position/function and email

address linked to the EU login account (2)) who will be able to upload/download

files wherever needed, and,

2) designate a functional mailbox to serve as a contact point (one per Member

State): e.g., system notifications as regards uploaded files are sent to the functional

mailboxes, or any request for changes concerning nominated users must be sent

from the functional mailbox.

Please communicate the requested information by 13 May 2024 to trade-anti-coercion-

[email protected].

4. Next communications

The next communication by the Commission concerning the ACI Repository will be

addressed only to the nominated users and the functional mailboxes. User guides, virtual

demonstration and other material will be made available at a next stage.

(2) In case the designated user(s) do(es) not have an EU Login account yet, they can create it on

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/cas

3

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Should you have any questions in the meantime about the ACI Repository, please contact

us at: [email protected].

ACI webpage: Protecting against coercion (europa.eu)

[ E-signed ]

Stephanie LEUPOLD

Head of Unit

Electronically signed on 11/04/2024 18:45 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR TRADE

Directorate F – Enforcement, Market Access, SMEs, Legal Affairs, Technology and Security

Unit F2 Dispute Settlement and Legal Aspects of Trade Policy

Brussels TRADE.F.2 (2024)2790430

NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF

THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

OF THE MEMBER STATES TO THE EU

Subject: ACI Repository – nominations of Member States’ users and contact

points

Your Excellency,

I refer to Regulation (EU) 2023/2675 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

22 November 2023 on the protection of the Union and the Member States from economic

coercion (the Anti-Coercion Instrument, or ACI), which is in force since 27 December

2023 (OJ L, 2023/2675, 07.12.2023), and in particular the need to have a secure and

encrypted system for submission of information (see Articles 4(2) and 15(6)).

This note will provide you with information about the project and invites you to

communicate the necessary information in order to enable you, the Member States, to use

the system.

1. Introduction of the Anti-Coercion Instrument Repository (ACI Repository)

In line with Articles 4(2) and 15(6) of the ACI, the Commission has developed ACI

Repository, which serves a dual purpose:

1) To facilitate the submission of sensitive non-classified information by any

external person to the Commission in the context of examination of third-

country measures (see Article 4(2) final sentence); and

2) To support direct cooperation and exchange of sensitive non-classified

information between the Member States and the Commission, at any stage (see

Article 15(6)).

The ACI Repository is a secure and encrypted repository that ensures a high degree of

protection of sensitive non-classified information (1), while it requires only regular IT

equipment. The repository is built on a SharePoint platform (“Secure Trade Together”)

hosted and managed by the Commission. It is subject to regular security inspections by the

(1) In case of classified information at RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED level, the use of ZEUS is

mandatory and such documents shall be handled only on accredited equipment and according to

applicable rules and procedures.

2

Commission’s Directorate-General for Security and Human Resources to verify its

compliance with the security policies, standards and procedures of the Commission to

manage sensitive non-classified documents.

This type of platform is not new, neither to the Member States, nor to DG TRADE. The

same platform is used extensively by the Commission for collaborative work on sensitive

issues, e.g. Market Access Database (MADB) documents management area and

SharePoint Repository for FDI Screening.

2. Type of users and access rights

There are two types of users: external suppliers of information and the Member States.

External suppliers of information, namely those intended in Article 4(2), may use the

repository for submission of confidential and sensitive information on a case-by-case basis

upon prior authorisation. Such users are invited to send a request to the single email

address: [email protected], should they want to

submit confidential or sensitive information (see here Anti-Coercion Instrument |

Access2Markets (europa.eu)). The Commission team will guide them as regards the use of

the tool. External suppliers of information would benefit from a temporary case-by-case

access for the sole purpose of submitting a file. External suppliers of information are not

able to see any other submissions by other users.

The Member States are a separate category of users with more permanent access to the

repository. They would benefit from personal access rights for nominated users, and would

be able to upload and download files any time. Member States’ users would see only files

addressed to them.

3. Request for nomination of users and contact points for the Member States

To prepare the ACI Repository for use by the Member States, I am pleased to invite your

government to:

1) nominate up to 3 EU login accounts (full name, role/position/function and email

address linked to the EU login account (2)) who will be able to upload/download

files wherever needed, and,

2) designate a functional mailbox to serve as a contact point (one per Member

State): e.g., system notifications as regards uploaded files are sent to the functional

mailboxes, or any request for changes concerning nominated users must be sent

from the functional mailbox.

Please communicate the requested information by 13 May 2024 to trade-anti-coercion-

[email protected].

4. Next communications

The next communication by the Commission concerning the ACI Repository will be

addressed only to the nominated users and the functional mailboxes. User guides, virtual

demonstration and other material will be made available at a next stage.

(2) In case the designated user(s) do(es) not have an EU Login account yet, they can create it on

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/cas

3

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Should you have any questions in the meantime about the ACI Repository, please contact

us at: [email protected].

ACI webpage: Protecting against coercion (europa.eu)

[ E-signed ]

Stephanie LEUPOLD

Head of Unit

Electronically signed on 11/04/2024 18:45 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121