Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), meeting in the General Council on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December, did not reach a consensus to extend the agreement on the flexibility of intellectual property rights relating to Covid-19 vaccines (‘TRIPS waiver’) to treatments and diagnostic tools (see EUROPE 13087/15). They were originally due to make a decision by 17 December. They also failed to agree on a new deadline. It was agreed, however, that a deadline should be set for the next General Council meeting on 2 and 3 March 2023.
Continuation of EU-China disputes
Beijing also refused to establish the two arbitration tribunals demanded by the EU on 23 November (see EUROPE 13079/23). These disputes concern the ban on imports of Lithuanian products into China, and Chinese measures affecting European advanced technology patent holders.
This refusal has actually only caused a delay in the procedure. At the next meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body, the EU will be able to repeat its request and China will no longer be able to refuse it this time, unless all members agree, which has never happened before. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)