This is noticeable in every multilateral negotiation. The United States almost never take part to the debates and their intervention often puts a brake. Even in the negotiation they initiated on the ozone layer protection, they did not play any major part. They are opposed to the convention about climate change and still have not ratified the biosafety convention. They do not want to hear about restrictive legal tools on forestry either.
Japan remains equally almost out of the debates.
I particularly think about the possible renegotiation of WTO's article XX allowing dispensation to general trade rules in the name of the protection of environment or health. The European Union made several proposals but was not followed up on the reform ground. It is clear that the WTO must recognize the precautionary principle. The WTO should authorize the labeling of products so that consumers can make their own choice and show their support to sustainable development objectives. On that ground, leadership is still on the side of the European Union.