Wiki

effect · break_embargo

Definition

  • Supported scope:COUNTRY
  • Supported target:THIS, ROOT, PREV, FROM, OWNER, CONTROLLER, OCCUPIED, CAPITAL

Description

breaks an existing embargo from ROOT to the specified tag. Note this will only work if used on the sending country

Hands-On Notes

Hands-on notes are AI-generated and checked against the vanilla command vocabulary — treat them as a starting point, not authoritative reference. The definition above is the game's own documentation.

Hands-On Usage

break_embargo is commonly used in diplomatic events or decisions to automatically lift the player's embargo against a target nation when bilateral relations improve or a negotiation is concluded. For example, in a "Diplomatic Normalization" event triggered within the event sender's (ROOT) scope, players can actively revoke an embargo through an option in exchange for other benefits.

# Event option executed within the sender's (ROOT) scope
option = {
    name = diplomacy.embargo_lift.a
    break_embargo = FROM   # Lifts embargo against FROM (receiving nation)
    add_opinion_modifier = {
        target = FROM
        modifier = lifted_embargo_opinion
    }
}

Synergy

  • [add_opinion_modifier](/wiki/effect/add_opinion_modifier) — Lifting an embargo typically accompanies improved bilateral relations; adding opinion modifiers simultaneously ensures a more complete diplomatic outcome.
  • [has_country_flag](/wiki/trigger/has_country_flag) — Use this to verify that an embargo flag set by the player actually exists before triggering break_embargo, preventing ineffective calls when no embargo is in place.
  • [diplomatic_relation](/wiki/effect/diplomatic_relation) — After lifting an embargo, this command can be used to rebuild bilateral diplomatic relations such as trade agreements or market access.
  • [country_event](/wiki/effect/country_event) — Send a notification event to the target nation informing them that the embargo has been lifted, creating a complete narrative event chain.

Common Pitfalls

  1. Incorrect scope is the most frequent mistake: break_embargo must execute within the scope of the nation that "imposed the embargo." If placed in the target nation's or a third party's scope, it will fail silently without error messages—beginners often mistakenly call it from the FROM scope.
  2. Calling when no embargo exists: If no embargo actually exists between the two nations, the command will fail silently. It is recommended to first verify embargo existence using [has_country_flag](/wiki/trigger/has_country_flag) or related conditions before execution to ensure logical consistency.