The WTO Law of Subsidies

Subsidies are arguably the dominant theme in International Economic Law. A prolific case law has been elaborated by WTO Panels and Appellate Body in response to the multitude of complaints lodged in the last two decades (Softwood Lumber, Airbus, Boeing, etc.)

This case law and the norms disciplining subsidies in WTO Agreements are imperative first for Governmental International Trade Departments, Parliaments, and International Institutions (OECD, CNUCED, FAO, etc.). However, Non-Governmental Organizations (World Wide Fund for Nature, etc.)  are also directly concerned by this topic regarding for example fisheries subsidies and their impact on over exploitation of marine resources. The private sector (fishermen, extractive industries, etc.) is also affected by this topic particularly regarding future investments.Law firms involved in subsidies cases are naturally at the forefront of the community of agents concerned by this topic.

Unfortunately, it is possible to be overwhelmed by the complexity of this case law. This book provides a comprehensive approach in response to this complexity.First, it avoids unnecessary legal jargon, making it accessible to a large public. Second, it adopts a progressive approach where legal subtleties are not avoided but presented at the right moment and the right place. The reader is therefore not overwhelmed by a multitude of details from the outset.

As the title of this book indicates, one of the notable features of this book, is that it is “comprehensive”. This means no stone is left unturned. All legal subtleties are addressed without ever trying to avoid them. However, they are addressed at the right moment and the right place to avoid overwhelming the reader. The last Part of the book, which could turn out to be most useful for the community of agents concerned by subsidies, offers an original examination of pending legal issues not only in the present but also in the future.