EU Statements at the Regular DSB meeting of 28 October 2024

AGENDA POINT 1: SURVEILLANCE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE DSB

1.2. UNITED STATES - SECTION 110(5) OF THE US COPYRIGHT ACT: STATUS REPORT BY THE UNITED STATES (WT/DS160/24/ADD.228)

• We thank the United States for its status report and its statement today.
• We refer to our previous statements. We would like to resolve this case as soon as possible.

AGENDA POINT 1: SURVEILLANCE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE DSB

1.3. EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES - MEASURES AFFECTING THE APPROVAL AND MARKETING OF BIOTECH PRODUCTS: STATUS REPORT BY THE EUROPEAN UNION (WT/DS291/37/ADD.191)

• We recall that the EU approval system is not covered by the DSB's recommendations and rulings.
• The EU continues to propose for vote authorisations for genetically modified organisms that, in the European Food Safety Authority's risk assessment, have been concluded to be safe.
• On 8 October 2024, the Commission authorised two genetically modified organisms (1)and renewed the authorisation for two genetically modified maize (2)for food and animal feed.
• On 17 September the Commission presented for votes to the Standing Committee a decision authorising the placing on the market of a GM maize (3). The votes taken during the meeting resulted in 'no opinion'. The decisions will be referred to the appeal committee on 29 October.

[1]GM cotton COT102 and GM maize DP202216

2GM maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 and MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and 8 subcombinations

3GM maize MON 94804

AGENDA POINT 4: APPELLATE BODY APPOINTMENTS

• The European Union refers to its previous statements on this issue and thanks all Members that have co-sponsored the proposal to launch the appointment processes.
• Since 11 December 2019, the WTO no longer guarantees access to a binding, two-tier, independent and impartial resolution of trade disputes.
• A fully functioning WTO dispute settlement system is crucial. That is evidenced by the large number of Members co-sponsoring the present proposal.
• We believe that restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system and appointing members of the Appellate Body is a key priority. At MC13, it was clear that the overwhelming majority of the Membership shares this view.
• We welcome the progress that has already been achieved in dispute settlement reform discussions. We will remain fully engaged in the ongoing Dispute Settlement reform process in order to find a solution to outstanding issues, in particular, on the crucial issue of appeal.
• In the meantime, we are concerned with the impact that the absence of a fully functioning dispute settlement system is having on the international trading order. In that context, the MPIA has been put in place as an interim arrangement to preserve a fully functioning dispute settlement system among its participants and to support rule-based trade. The MPIA is open to any WTO Member and we invite any WTO Member to join as long as a solution to this impasse has not been found.

Ukraine-Russia