EU requests the establishment of a WTO panel against the Republic of Chile

Community fishing vessels were not allowed to tranship and/or land their catches of highly migratory species (such as swordfish) in Chilean ports, when these catches are made in contravention of conservation rules unilaterally imposed by Chile, regardless of the fact that they are caught in international waters. These Chilean restrictions date back to 1991. Since then, this matter has been raised several times in bilateral meetings between the EU and Chile.

Consequently, on the 10 November 2000, the European Commission requested the establishment of a WTO panel against the Republic of Chile with a view to securing fair access to Chilean ports, which are closed to Community vessels since 1991.

This request would be discussed by the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO on 17 November, but the constitution of the panel would not take place before early next year.

• Primary Source

ESO: Key Source: Relations between Chile and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-chile-and-the-european-union/

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