The WTO in Uncertain Times: A Transatlantic Partnership for Reform?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been dealing with a number of systemic challenges which require meaningful progress on crucial issues, including: responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, reforming the dispute settlement system, reaching agreement on fisheries subsidies, updating trade rules for the transitions to digital and green economies, and tackling market-distorting policies and practices.

Against the backdrop of growing commercial and trade tensions between the U.S. and China, a transatlantic reform partnership is imperative to develop a renewed narrative, strategy and vision for the global trading system.

What are the key issues that the WTO and its members should prioritize in the future? The Aspen Institute of Germany and the Bretton Woods Committee jointly convened a panel of experts and thought leaders, to analyze the priorities and future deliverables for the WTO during this critical time for global trade and for the transatlantic relationship.

Speakers

• Anabel González, Deputy Director General, WTO
• Ignacio Garcia Bercero, Director Multilateral Affairs, Strategy and Economic Analysis, DG Trade, EU Commission
• Dr. Claudia Schmucker, Head of the Geo-Economic Program, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 
• Jeffrey Schott, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics

For questions, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@brettonwoods.org.