Recent and past coverage in BRIDGES and resources on the US-EU biotech dispute

In the News
most recent stories from BRIDGES

• WTO Panel Dismisses EU Procedural Complaint In Biotech Case (BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 16 April 2004)
• WTO Appoints Panel In US-EU Biotech Dispute (BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 5 March 2004)
• Biosafety Meeting Moves On Labelling, Compliance And Liability (BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 5 March 2004)
• Europe Takes First Step Towards Removing De Facto Biotech Ban (BRIDGES Weekly, 28 January 2004)
• more news...

Domestic Import Regulations for Genetically Modified Organisms and their Compatibility with WTO Rules - Some Key Issues, IISD-ICTSD Trade Knowledge Network, 2003: Full report | Executive Summary

• US

US and Cooperating Countries File WTO Case Against EU Moratorium on Biotech Foods and Crops (USTR Press Release, 13 May 2003)
US Consultation Request to the European Commission (20 May 2003)
Press Conference with Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and U.S. Special Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert T. Zoellick regarding the EU Moratorium on Biotech Crops and Food (13 May 2003)
Joined by: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, India, Mexico, New Zealand and Peru
Request for the Establishment of a Panel by the United States (8 August 2003)
WTO documents related to the case (WT/DS291/*)

• Canada

Canada initiates WTO proceedings against the European Union (DFAIT Press Release, 13 May 2003)
Canada's Consultation Request to the European Commission (20 May 2003)
Joined by: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, New Zealand and the US
Request for the Establishment of a Panel by Canada (8 August 2003)
WTO documents realted to the case (WT/DS292/*)

• Argentina
  
  Argentina's Consultation Request to the European Commission (21 May 2003)
  Joined by: Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, New Zealand and the US
  Request for the Establishment of a Panel by Argentina (8 August 2003)
  WTO documents related to the case (WT/DS293/*)
  
  
• European Union

European Commission regrets US decision to file WTO case on GMOs as misguided and unnecessary (DG Trade Press Release, 13 May 2003)
Question and Answers on the regulation of GMOs in the EU (4 March 2003)
Greens/EFA condemn US-led assault on EU's regulation of GMOs (Press Release, 13 May 2003)
EC response to Members' consultation requests: Argentina; Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru
European Commission regrets the request for a WTO panel on GMOs (18 August 2003)

• Civil Society Groups

Friends of the Earth: Moment of truth over GM as US files WTO complaint (FOEE Press Release, 13 May 2003), US Takes Next Step in GM Trade War (FOEE Press Release, 15 August 2003)

Public Citizen: Bush administration undercuts democracy by challenging European moratorium on genetically modified organisms (Global Trade Watch Press Release, 13 May 2003)
Greenpeace: USA launches trade war with Europe over GM foods (Press Release, 13 May 2003)
Council of Canadians: Canada joins a WTO action against the EU over GMO ban - Not in our name (Press Release, 13 May 2003)
Organic Consumers Association: OCA Condemns Announcement of WTO challenge on Modified Foods (Press Release, 14 May 2003)
Council for Responsible Genetics: “Coalition of the Willing” Files Complaint Against EU GM Food Restrictions (Press Release, 14 May 2003)
European Consumers' Organisation: Letter to the US ambassador on the WTO challenge to the current moratorium
on GMOs in the EU (22 May 2003)

• Background Documents and Media Coverage

Procedure and Timeline for a WTO Case

Chronology (since 1990)

Press Coverage (searchable)