natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The WTO’s institutional structure could be improved by establishing a clearer distinction between activities connected with the negotiation of new international rules and commitments and activities relating to the implementation of existing agreements, which should also attract sufficient political support and resources (see the TRIPs Agreement and Protocol).
The WTO’s institutional structure could be improved by establishing a clearer distinction between activities connected with the negotiation of new international rules and commitments and activities relating to the implementation of existing agreements, which should also attract sufficient political support and resources (see the TRIPs Agreement and Protocol).
Final decisions in the WTO are always adopted by a consensus, and fully respect the principle that all members of the WTO are equal.
Final decisions in the WTO are always adopted by a consensus, and fully respect the principle that all members of the WTO are equal.
Nevertheless, it has to be recognised that the large number of WTO members (currently 151) often makes reaching consensus problematic.
Nevertheless, it has to be recognised that the large number of WTO members (currently 151) often makes reaching consensus problematic.
Consequently it might be useful to identify methods and procedures which would make it easier to ensure consensus is finally achieved in certain key areas.
Consequently it might be useful to identify methods and procedures which would make it easier to ensure consensus is finally achieved in certain key areas.
There are occasions when consent is withheld on grounds which are unconnected with the subject under discussion, yet no proof or justification for dissent is required.
There are occasions when consent is withheld on grounds which are unconnected with the subject under discussion, yet no proof or justification for dissent is required.
The decision-making process could be improved by requiring any government which refuses to reach consensus to justify its position in writing.
The decision-making process could be improved by requiring any government which refuses to reach consensus to justify its position in writing.
Also, while unanimity should continue to be required at ministerial conferences, it might be possible to envisage another means of reaching agreement in the working parties and committees whose proceedings pave the way for the final decision.
Also, while unanimity should continue to be required at ministerial conferences, it might be possible to envisage another means of reaching agreement in the working parties and committees whose proceedings pave the way for the final decision.
With that in mind, it might be possible to provide for the various ministers to engage more fully with the various councils and committees, and for those bodies to be more representative, in geographic and economic terms, of the organisation as a whole.
With that in mind, it might be possible to provide for the various ministers to engage more fully with the various councils and committees, and for those bodies to be more representative, in geographic and economic terms, of the organisation as a whole.
At present, G-4 and G-6 'restricted' group meetings are often seen as exclusive gatherings of big countries which impose, or seek to impose, their will on the other members.
At present, G-4 and G-6 ‘restricted’ group meetings are often seen as exclusive gatherings of big countries which impose, or seek to impose, their will on the other members.
It would be good to find a suitable means of resolving this problem.
It would be good to find a suitable means of resolving this problem.
Differentiating between the various developing countries
Differentiating between the various developing countries
For some time now, development issues have dominated all discussions at the WTO.
For some time now, development issues have dominated all discussions at the WTO.
Development was, and still is, the main objective of the Doha Round negotiations, and it is proper that it should continue to be so.
Development was, and still is, the main objective of the Doha Round negotiations, and it is proper that it should continue to be so.
Over the years, there has been an increasingly marked trend towards developing countries being accorded various exemptions, the purpose of which is to offer more favourable treatment and demand differing levels of commitment.
Over the years, there has been an increasingly marked trend towards developing countries being accorded various exemptions, the purpose of which is to offer more favourable treatment and demand differing levels of commitment.
The group of developing countries has become increasingly large and diverse.
The group of developing countries has become increasingly large and diverse.
It includes emerging economies - as well as countries which in effect have already 'emerged', such as China, India and Brazil - which have little in common with less developed, smaller countries without much in the way of resources.
It includes emerging economies - as well as countries which in effect have already ‘emerged’, such as China, India and Brazil - which have little in common with less developed, smaller countries without much in the way of resources.
It would be appropriate, therefore, to reclassify countries into clearer and more homogenous groups on the basis of their respective economic situation, and to require all countries to meet their responsibilities in terms of undertaking a degree of trade liberalisation commensurate with their economic strength.
It would be appropriate, therefore, to reclassify countries into clearer and more homogenous groups on the basis of their respective economic situation, and to require all countries to meet their responsibilities in terms of undertaking a degree of trade liberalisation commensurate with their economic strength.
Obviously, the problem will be to establish criteria for differentiating between different categories of countries.
Obviously, the problem will be to establish criteria for differentiating between different categories of countries.
One criterion could be GNP growth, but other criteria might include export growth rates or specified economic or social standards, such as those comprised in the Human Development Index.
One criterion could be GNP growth, but other criteria might include export growth rates or specified economic or social standards, such as those comprised in the Human Development Index.
In the case of genuine developing countries, the existing advantages and exemptions should continue to apply - or indeed be enhanced - but those countries should be required to ensure the trade concessions granted at multilateral level were accompanied by corresponding policy measures at national level in order to give substance and effect to the concessions secured in terms of trade.
In the case of genuine developing countries, the existing advantages and exemptions should continue to apply - or indeed be enhanced - but those countries should be required to ensure the trade concessions granted at multilateral level were accompanied by corresponding policy measures at national level in order to give substance and effect to the concessions secured in terms of trade.
Negotiating rounds and global agreement
Negotiating rounds and global agreement
The guiding principle of the Doha Round, as of preceding rounds of negotiations, has been to involve all the member countries in negotiations covering a wide variety of issues with a view to reaching a single agreement which would cover all the sectoral problems involved.
The guiding principle of the Doha Round, as of preceding rounds of negotiations, has been to involve all the member countries in negotiations covering a wide variety of issues with a view to reaching a single agreement which would cover all the sectoral problems involved.
At present, the views of all the countries must be heard on all the issues before a single agreement can be reached.
At present, the views of all the countries must be heard on all the issues before a single agreement can be reached.
In an organisation of 151 Member States this approach, although it undoubtedly achieved some success in the past, should perhaps be reviewed and efforts should be made to develop a plurilateral approach incorporating a form of 'variable geometry' for certain groups of countries or certain sectors of international trade, except in various specified fields where global agreement is required.
In an organisation of 151 Member States this approach, although it undoubtedly achieved some success in the past, should perhaps be reviewed and efforts should be made to develop a plurilateral approach incorporating a form of ‘variable geometry’ for certain groups of countries or certain sectors of international trade, except in various specified fields where global agreement is required.
Role of the WTO secretariat
Role of the WTO secretariat
The WTO operates like a typical intergovernmental organisation: all initiatives are taken by the Member States to which the decisions adopted apply.
The WTO operates like a typical intergovernmental organisation: all initiatives are taken by the Member States to which the decisions adopted apply.
The WTO secretariat, while being highly regarded for its professionalism and competence, has a relatively limited establishment plan.
The WTO secretariat, while being highly regarded for its professionalism and competence, has a relatively limited establishment plan.
Although the post of director-general confers prestige, he or she has no real political powers apart from administrative responsibilities for staff management and representing the organisation in its dealings with outsiders.
Although the post of director-general confers prestige, he or she has no real political powers apart from administrative responsibilities for staff management and representing the organisation in its dealings with outsiders.
It would be appropriate to strengthen the role of the secretariat and enable it to take initiatives and suggest compromises.
It would be appropriate to strengthen the role of the secretariat and enable it to take initiatives and suggest compromises.
The WTO could model itself on the European institutional system - allowing for differences of scale - if the secretariat were to become more representative of all the WTO member states in terms of geographic coverage, as the Commission is to some extent at European level.
The WTO could model itself on the European institutional system - allowing for differences of scale - if the secretariat were to become more representative of all the WTO member states in terms of geographic coverage, as the Commission is to some extent at European level.
Transparency and parliamentary dimension of the WTO
Transparency and parliamentary dimension of the WTO
One criticism frequently made of the WTO, as of other international organisations, is the lack of genuine transparency in its proceedings.
One criticism frequently made of the WTO, as of other international organisations, is the lack of genuine transparency in its proceedings.
It should be pointed out that the WTO is fairly open to public opinion, to the extent that any intergovernmental international organisation can be.
It should be pointed out that the WTO is fairly open to public opinion, to the extent that any intergovernmental international organisation can be.
In recent years, its relations with the various major players in civil society has greatly improved.
In recent years, its relations with the various major players in civil society has greatly improved.
Would it be possible to envisage opening WTO meetings to public scrutiny?
Would it be possible to envisage opening WTO meetings to public scrutiny?
Might it not be appropriate to suggest it should provide fuller and more relevant information, and engage in discussion with organisations representing civil society?
Might it not be appropriate to suggest it should provide fuller and more relevant information, and engage in discussion with organisations representing civil society?
For some years, the European Parliament has promoted, organised and cofinanced, together with the Interparliamentary Union (a Geneva-based international organisation) the 'Parliamentary Conference on the WTO', a forum in which members of parliament from all over the world exchange their views, information and experience in relation to international trade issues and provide the WTO with a parliamentary dimension by (1) scrutinising the activities of the WTO and helping to make them more effective and fair, (2) promoting transparency in WTO procedures and improving the discussion process between governments, parliaments and civil society and (3) developing expertise on international trade in the national parliaments and influencing the course of discussions in the WTO.
For some years, the European Parliament has promoted, organised and cofinanced, together with the Interparliamentary Union (a Geneva-based international organisation) the ‘Parliamentary Conference on the WTO’, a forum in which members of parliament from all over the world exchange their views, information and experience in relation to international trade issues and provide the WTO with a parliamentary dimension by (1) scrutinising the activities of the WTO and helping to make them more effective and fair, (2) promoting transparency in WTO procedures and improving the discussion process between governments, parliaments and civil society and (3) developing expertise on international trade in the national parliaments and influencing the course of discussions in the WTO.
What solutions could be proposed to enhance the status of the existing Parliamentary Conference on the WTO?
What solutions could be proposed to enhance the status of the existing Parliamentary Conference on the WTO?
Consistency and coordination with the other international organisations
Consistency and coordination with the other international organisations
There is general agreement, to some extent, on the need to make use of joint or coordinated measures to address the issue of globalisation, which affects so many different aspects of people's economic and social lives.
There is general agreement, to some extent, on the need to make use of joint or coordinated measures to address the issue of globalisation, which affects so many different aspects of people’s economic and social lives.
This requires consistency between the WTO's trade-related initiatives and decisions and those of other international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation.
This requires consistency between the WTO’s trade-related initiatives and decisions and those of other international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation.
Is the existing cooperation between them sufficient, or should more effective consultation and mutual recognition mechanisms be set up?
Is the existing cooperation between them sufficient, or should more effective consultation and mutual recognition mechanisms be set up?
In the specific case of relations between the WTO and the ILO, is it necessary to take social aspects into account and, if so, how?
In the specific case of relations between the WTO and the ILO, is it necessary to take social aspects into account and, if so, how?
What improvements should be made to the system?
What improvements should be made to the system?
Accession process
Accession process
The accession process is a lengthy one in some cases, not only because the country in question has to demonstrate that it can adjust to the rules on the basis of which the WTO operates and, obviously, to the WTO philosophy of progressive liberalisation, but also because protracted bilateral negotiations are needed to establish the relevant trade concessions and the commitments required of the applicant country.
The accession process is a lengthy one in some cases, not only because the country in question has to demonstrate that it can adjust to the rules on the basis of which the WTO operates and, obviously, to the WTO philosophy of progressive liberalisation, but also because protracted bilateral negotiations are needed to establish the relevant trade concessions and the commitments required of the applicant country.
The requirement for consensus enables any country which is not satisfied by the course of the negotiations to bring the whole process to a halt.
The requirement for consensus enables any country which is not satisfied by the course of the negotiations to bring the whole process to a halt.
Is it appropriate to retain such a system in an organisation with 151 members?
Is it appropriate to retain such a system in an organisation with 151 members?
Might it be possible to envisage a transitional form of partial accession for new members?
Might it be possible to envisage a transitional form of partial accession for new members?
Reforming the dispute settlement system
Reforming the dispute settlement system
Unlike the other issues, the trade dispute settlement system was the subject of detailed study within GATT, and it is still under review in the WTO.
Unlike the other issues, the trade dispute settlement system was the subject of detailed study within GATT, and it is still under review in the WTO.
Your rapporteur wishes to stress the importance and unique features of this dispute settlement system, which makes the WTO sui generis among intergovernmental organisations.
Your rapporteur wishes to stress the importance and unique features of this dispute settlement system, which makes the WTO sui generis among intergovernmental organisations.
The favourable trend observed in recent years must be maintained to secure further improvements in relation to the length of the procedures involved and the implementation of decisions by the Member State concerned.
The favourable trend observed in recent years must be maintained to secure further improvements in relation to the length of the procedures involved and the implementation of decisions by the Member State concerned.
This is a very important area, and a system of pecuniary sanctions should perhaps be envisaged, along the lines of the European Community system based on the Court of Justice.
This is a very important area, and a system of pecuniary sanctions should perhaps be envisaged, along the lines of the European Community system based on the Court of Justice.
Multilateralism and bilateralism
Multilateralism and bilateralism
This issue has been discussed already in other settings, where the European Parliament has clearly stated a preference for the multilateral approach embodied in the WTO to go hand in hand with bilateral and regional agreements, the number of which has risen significantly in recent years.
This issue has been discussed already in other settings, where the European Parliament has clearly stated a preference for the multilateral approach embodied in the WTO to go hand in hand with bilateral and regional agreements, the number of which has risen significantly in recent years.
This increasingly pronounced trend could result in bilateral trade negotiations, rather than playing a complementary role, undermining the whole system of WTO negotiating rounds.
This increasingly pronounced trend could result in bilateral trade negotiations, rather than playing a complementary role, undermining the whole system of WTO negotiating rounds.
By improving the WTO system, it might be possible to help strengthen the cardinal role the organisation plays in the international trade system.
By improving the WTO system, it might be possible to help strengthen the cardinal role the organisation plays in the international trade system.
The European Parliament's analysis of this subject should not be influenced by the final outcome of the Doha Round, which we hope will be successful, and is not intended to interfere with the negotiations themselves.
The European Parliament’s analysis of this subject should not be influenced by the final outcome of the Doha Round, which we hope will be successful, and is not intended to interfere with the negotiations themselves.
The purpose of the report is to offer a serious basis of work for the near future with a view to possibly reforming the workings of the WTO.
The purpose of the report is to offer a serious basis of work for the near future with a view to possibly reforming the workings of the WTO.
As the former director-general of the WTO, Mr Supachai Panitchpakdi, acknowledged in the course of the exchange of views at the meeting of the Committee on International Trade last September, the organisation has some dysfunctional features, and remedying them could improve its work and the multinational trade system which the organisation embodies and represents.
As the former director-general of the WTO, Mr Supachai Panitchpakdi, acknowledged in the course of the exchange of views at the meeting of the Committee on International Trade last September, the organisation has some dysfunctional features, and remedying them could improve its work and the multinational trade system which the organisation embodies and represents.
Your rapporteur wishes to draw the Commission's attention to the need to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the Committee on International Trade in order to reach well-founded and realistic conclusions aimed at strengthening the WTO and the whole multilateral trade system.
Your rapporteur wishes to draw the Commission’s attention to the need to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the Committee on International Trade in order to reach well-founded and realistic conclusions aimed at strengthening the WTO and the whole multilateral trade system.
It is the members of the WTO which will be primarily responsible for agreeing on the time-scale and methods of carrying forward the proposed reform, which your rapporteur believes should also involve the WTO secretariat and the parliaments of the Member States represented on the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO.
It is the members of the WTO which will be primarily responsible for agreeing on the time-scale and methods of carrying forward the proposed reform, which your rapporteur believes should also involve the WTO secretariat and the parliaments of the Member States represented on the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO.
СТАНОВИЩЕ НА КОМИСИЯТА ПО РАЗВИТИЕ
OPINION of the Committee on development
относно „Към реформа в Световната търговска организация”
on Towards a reformed World Trade Organisation
Комисията по развитие приканва водещата комисия по международна търговия да включи в предложението за резолюция, което ще приеме, следните предложения:
The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the lead committee, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution:
2. призовава за въвеждане на по-демократична система за вземане на решения в СТО, включваща държави с различно ниво на своето развитие, която да отчита гледните точки на всички членове на организацията;
Calls for the introduction of a more democratic system of decision making at the WTO that takes into account the views of the entire membership, which comprises countries at varying levels of development;
4. подчертава, че ролята на секретариата на СТО е от изключително значение, и смята, че е важно в секретариата да има пропорционален брой представители на развитите и на развиващите се страни, за да може той да изпълнява по-ефективно своя мандат;
Stresses that the role of the WTO Secretariat is critical, and believes that it is important that the Secretariat has a proportionate representation of developed and developing countries in order for it to discharge its mandate more effectively;