Punching its weight? The EU’s use of WTO dispute resolution

The European Union’s role in trade policy is commonly (and rightly) regarded as one of its most clearly defined and effective international roles. The creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the establishment of binding multilateral dispute resolution, by shifting from a more diplomatic to a more confrontational and legalistic process, however, challenged the EU’s existing trade role. By analysing how the EU has responded to that challenge, this chapter sheds light on how the EU’s role in international trade is conceived, as well as on its role performance and role impact.