Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard addressed the European Parliament and the Interparliamentary Union Steering Committee, emphasizing the significance of their involvement in World Trade Organization (WTO) matters. Ellard highlighted that "Parliaments serve as the voice of the people in global trade discussions," stressing their role in ensuring multilateralism is effective.
As the WTO celebrates its 30th anniversary, Ellard focused on key topics: fisheries subsidies, dispute settlement reform, agricultural progress, and plurilateral initiatives. She underscored the importance of advancing negotiations on fisheries subsidies to protect oceans and promote sustainable fishing. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aims to curb harmful practices by banning subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.
Ellard noted that 90 members have accepted this agreement but urged others to follow suit before the Third UN Ocean Conference in June. She acknowledged the EU's early acceptance and contributions to supporting developing nations' implementation efforts.
Reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system was another priority mentioned by Ellard. Despite passing deadlines for a fully functioning system by 2024, she expressed gratitude towards members like the European Union for their constructive engagement in ongoing reforms.
The Deputy Director-General also called attention to agriculture's central role at the upcoming MC14 conference in Cameroon, emphasizing its impact on food security and socio-economic development. She noted challenges in reaching consensus but stressed rebuilding trust is crucial.
On plurilateral initiatives, Ellard discussed incorporating agreements such as Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) and E-commerce into WTO rules. While these represent opportunities for new rules among like-minded members, some oppose integration due to systemic concerns.
Addressing geopolitical tensions affecting trade stability, Ellard remarked that "a stable and predictable trading environment" is essential during tumultuous times. She reminded parliamentarians of their responsibility in upholding a multilateral system anchored by transparency and predictability principles.
Ellard concluded with an appeal: "If you value the WTO, please help us deliver on the negotiating agenda I have just laid out." Her message emphasized collaboration among members to strengthen WTO rules while considering long-term consequences of trade measures globally.