Estonia joined the European Union in 2004. In trade policy issues, the right of representation of the Member States of the European Union in international trade negotiations is delegated to the European Commission. In discussions on WTO-related issues within the EU, Estonia participates in the Trade Committee of the Council of the European Union in Brussels and in a number of other thematic working groups.
Why is WTO membership important for Estonia?
- The WTO is the only international organisation that develops binding international trade rules. Estonia supports a stable trading system that is liberal and rules-based, with the WTO at its core. Rules of the WTO protect member states from discriminatory measures and ensure that trade defence is based on principles that have been multilaterally agreed upon.
- Multilateral trade negotiations take place at the WTO. The WTO provides a forum for negotiations between its members on matters related to multilateral trade relations covered by the WTO Agreement (goods, services, protection of intellectual property), trade liberalisation issues, as well as permitted exemptions.
- Multilateral trade agreements are implemented and monitored at the WTO. The WTO contributes to the implementation, administration, and functioning of the establishment agreement (Marrakesh Agreement) and multilateral trade agreements and to the promotion of their objectives and provides a framework for the implementation, administration, and functioning of multilateral trade agreements.
- Trade disputes between countries are resolved at the WTO. Resolving trade disputes is one of the main activities of the WTO. A dispute arises when one member state believes that another member state is in breach of an agreement or an obligation it has entered into in the WTO.
- The WTO contributes to enhancing the trade competence of developing countries. WTO agreements include provisions for developing countries, including longer periods for the implementation of agreements and compliance with their obligations and measures for enhancing trade opportunities, settling disputes, and implementing technical standards. Estonia is also committed to supporting the economic development of developing countries by contributing to the liberalisation of the international trading system. By helping poorer countries with trade-related problems, Estonia helps developing countries to enter the global trading system, thus increasing overall activity in the international trading system.
Priorities of Estonia in the WTO
- Among the areas covered by the WTO, the focus of Estonia is on issues related to trade facilitation, where we ourselves have great experience in implementing e-solutions. Estonia is also focused on promoting e-commerce and facilitating investments, simultaneously addressing the economic empowerment of women and strengthening the competitiveness of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Progress in agricultural negotiations and the conclusion of fisheries negotiations are also important for us.
- It is important for Estonia to ensure the effectiveness of the WTO. We therefore support the efforts of the European Commission to ensure the capacity of the world trading system to respond effectively and flexibly to all the current challenges, including the digital transition, the green transition, and the implementation and promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals within the WTO framework.
- We support the efforts of the EU to update WTO rules and enhance the monitoring of trade policy. Estonia considers it necessary to reform the WTO trade dispute settlement system and to establish an institutional framework to improve the day-to-day functioning of the WTO.
Last updated: 29.08.2022
