Incoming EU Trade Commissioner Tasked With Considering 'Sanctions' for Blocking WTO Process

Phil Hogan, the next EU trade commissioner (see 1909100058), should examine potential regulatory changes "to allow us to use sanctions when others adopt illegal measures and simultaneously block the WTO dispute settlement process," Ursula von der Leyen, president-elect of the European Commission, said in a "mission letter." The U.S. has blocked new appointments to the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement appellate body in recent years, which has hindered the process. Hogan should also look at ways for the EU to better "protect itself from unfair trade practices" and "look at how we can strengthen our trade toolbox," she said in the letter. In addition to working with the U.S., China an Africa on improved trade relationships, Hogan "will lead the work on concluding ongoing negotiations, notably with Australia and New Zealand."