Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Paper Series,
Research Institute of Industrial Economics

No 983: Multilateral Environmental Agreements in the WTO: Silence Speaks Volumes

Henrik Horn () and Petros C. Mavroides
Additional contact information
Henrik Horn: Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN), Postal: P.O. Box 55665, SE-102 15 Stockholm, Sweden
Petros C. Mavroides: EUI, Florence

Abstract: This study contributes to the debate concerning the appropriate role of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) in in WTO dispute settlement. Its distinguishing feature is that it seeks to address this relationship in light of the reason why the parties have chosen to separate their obligations into two bodies of law without providing an explicit nexus between them. The basic conclusion is that legislators’ silence concerning this relationship should speak volumes to WTO adjudicating bodies: MEAs should not be automatically understood as imposing legally binding obligations on WTO Members, but could be used as sources of factual information.

Keywords: settlement; Environmental agreements; WTO; Dispute

JEL-codes: F13; K32; K33; Q56

23 pages, October 7, 2013

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