On Tuesday 26th November, Ellie spoke in the debate about the WTO trading rules, arguing the need for a rules-based system to which everyone adheres.

Speech:

 Madam President, we need a rules—based multilateral trading system. Greens want fair rules of the trade game: the rule of law, not the law of the jungle where the big beasts ride roughshod over everybody else.

The WTO is certainly not perfect, and Greens have long campaigned for WTO reform to address its many flaws. But the way forward – achieving reform – requires countries to work together: dialogue, not confrontation. And the actions of the USA in causing the paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement system and threatening to block its budget is not the action of a country engaging constructively to solve multilateral problems.

Frankly, it is the action of a country throwing its weight around. We cannot allow 11 December to be the day that the US unilaterally tears up the rule book. That’s in nobody’s interests. The EU now risks being squeezed between the US and China, both focused on narrow, national self—interest rather than the common good. So multilateralism is very much under threat.

I’m glad that Trade Commissioner—designate Phil Hogan has indicated that WTO reform will be a top priority for him in his work next year. For now, the EU needs to do everything possible to find a negotiated solution to the Appellate Body crisis. And looking ahead, we need a renewed, a reformed multilateral trading system, one based on shared commitment to rules, global solidarity and a commitment to ensuring that trade works towards our shared climate goals.