On 24 July 2026, the European Union, speaking at the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) meeting in Geneva, objected to Russia's request for the establishment of a panel concerning the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The EU also provided status updates on long-standing disputes over biotech products and palm oil-based biofuels.
The EU's statements were delivered by Davide Grespan, Minister-Counsellor, and Victor García Lopez Berges, Attaché at the EU Mission to the WTO. On CBAM, the EU reiterated its condemnation of Russia's war against Ukraine and argued that Russia cannot expect improved market access while waging war. The EU declined consultations earlier, stating they could not lead to a mutually satisfactory solution. The EU also noted that it had previously suspended its own offensive case against Russia (DS604) and let another case lapse (DS608). The EU reassured other WTO members that CBAM is a non-discriminatory, climate-oriented tool designed to comply with WTO rules.
On the biotech dispute (DS291), the EU reported that on 2 June 2026 the European Commission adopted a decision authorising GM soybean MON 94637. On the same date, the Commission presented four draft decisions to the Appeal Committee, which resulted in 'no opinion'; the Commission adopted those decisions on 29 June 2026. On 10 June 2026, three further draft decisions were presented to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, also resulting in 'no opinion'. Those drafts went to the Appeal Committee on 15 July 2026, again with 'no opinion'. The Commission will proceed with next steps for regulatory approval.
On the palm oil disputes (DS600 and DS593), the EU noted that on 10 April 2026 the Commission adopted amendments to Delegated Regulation 2019/807. However, on 8 July 2026, the European Parliament objected to those amendments, preventing their entry into force by early September as planned. The EU is assessing the implications and remains ready to engage with Malaysia and Indonesia.
Under agenda point 4, the EU reiterated its commitment to reforming the WTO dispute settlement system and encouraged other members to join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), referencing the ministerial statement from Yaoundé. On dispute settlement reform consultations, the EU noted that conditions remain not ripe for resuming the process, as established before MC14, and expressed openness to informational sessions if other members find them useful.
The EU's statements reflect a mix of defensive and proactive positions: defending CBAM against Russian challenge while advancing biotech approvals, but facing parliamentary hurdles on palm oil rules. The CBAM objection underscores the geopolitical rift with Russia, while the biotech and palm oil updates show internal EU legislative processes affecting WTO compliance timelines.