On 15 July 2026, the European Union, represented by Ambassador María Martin-Prat at the WTO General Council in Geneva, called for restoring the e-commerce moratorium on a multilateral basis and urged the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) into the WTO framework. The EU also outlined its contributions to WTO reform, focusing on governance, level playing field, and foundational issues, while expressing support for least-developed country (LDC) initiatives.
The EU expressed regret that no agreement was reached in Yaoundé on extending the e-commerce moratorium and the Work Programme, reiterating its view that only a multilateral outcome can provide legal certainty and a level playing field for global digital trade. It welcomed efforts to relaunch consultations after the summer. On the IFDA, the EU strongly supported efforts by Chile and Korea, noting that virtually all members but one backed its incorporation in Yaoundé, and argued that the decision should not be held hostage by wider WTO reform issues, as the agreement benefits developing countries.
Regarding WTO reform, the EU submitted papers on governance and decision-making, proposing tools to address challenges in consensus-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of WTO bodies. On the level playing field, it submitted ideas to update rules on state enterprises' distortive interventions, contributing to discussions on transparency and remedies. On foundational issues, the EU tabled a paper on how global realities interact with WTO rights and obligations, emphasizing that development remains central across all contributions.
The EU also addressed LDC-related items, supporting draft texts on smooth transition measures for graduated LDCs, follow-up decisions, and special and differential treatment proposals, while urging caution on a hard deadline for transition measures. It welcomed the launch of Phase 3 of the Enhanced Integrated Framework.
On the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, the EU defended its interim application, arguing that nothing in WTO rules prevents it, that it creates no obligations for non-participants, and that it preserves the WTO's ability to deliver outcomes. The EU stressed that the issue goes beyond the agreement itself, testing the organization's capacity to adapt.
Finally, on emerging agricultural trade issues, the EU expressed interest in discussions on reforming agricultural subsidies towards less trade-distorting and more environmentally friendly support, sharing its experiences to support sustainability and food security.