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Regulations that aim at the observance of certain human rights and environmental standards by companies along the value chain have gained momentum. A recent example is the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act that obliges German companies to adhere to due diligence obligations vis-à-vis human rights and, to a lesser extent, the environment when making use of global supply chains. Germany, as other WTO members, must at the same time ensure compliance with WTO law when adopting such measures. This article will argue that due diligence laws may have a bearing on WTO obligations, but can be justified according to the general exceptions clause of Art. XX GATT. Ultimately, the article argues that such measures may be necessary if international economic law is to accommodate the common goal of sustainable development.

European Yearbook of International Economic Law 2021

This chapter provides commentary on Article 12 of the Paris Agreement focusing on education and training as well as public participation.

Die konkrete Aussicht auf einen wirksamen Impfstoff gegen das Covid-19-Virus hat auch die Diskussion um dessen Verteilung in den Fokus gerückt. Dabei werden Handelsbeschränkungen und der Patentschutz eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Der Beitrag nimmt zu den entsprechenden unions- und völkerrechtlichen Fragen Stellun

The perception of the WTO is currently one of an organisation in crisis. Yet, appraisal varies regarding its extent and seriousness: Is it merely a rough time or are we standing on the edge of destruction? The article will trace developments inside as well as outside the WTO in order to assess the magnitude of the crisis. It will be argued that while certain developments inside the organisation, when seen in accumulation would already warrant serious attention, only together with developments taking place outside of the WTO, the two strands of developments unfold their full potential for the crisis. The overall situation renders the WTO in a difficult position, as it is currently unable to adapt to these challenges, while keeping calm and carrying on might similarly further the crisis. While States might improve and further develop their trade relations in bi- and plurilateral agreements, it is only the WTO that reflects and stands for the multilateral post (cold) war order.

The perception of the WTO is currently one of an organisation in crisis. Yet, appraisal varies regarding its extent and seriousness: Is it merely a rough time or are we standing on the edge of destruction? The article will trace developments inside as well as outside the WTO in order to assess the magnitude of the crisis. It will be argued that while certain developments inside the organisation, when seen in accumulation would already warrant serious attention, only together with developments taking place outside of the WTO, the two strands of developments unfold their full potential for the crisis. The overall situation renders the WTO in a difficult position, as it is currently unable to adapt to these challenges, while keeping calm and carrying on might similarly further the crisis. While States might improve and further develop their trade relations in bi- and plurilateral agreements, it is only the WTO that reflects and stands for the multilateral post (cold) war order.

This article examines the concept, development and implementation of the no harm principle and its wider role in public international law. While generally acknowledged in international environmental law protecting other states from physical harm caused to their territory, in other areas of international law the principle is of increasing importance in order to find a balancing mechanism between colliding states’ interest in case of negative externalities caused by one state to the detriment of other states. The article traces implementations of the regulatory mechanism to focus on the adverse effect in other areas of public international law, ranging from trade and monetary agreements to invocation of the concept in current initiatives especially in the context of harmful tax competition and banking regulations. This will show the general capability to balance colliding states’ interest providing solutions for an increasingly interdependent world and giving meaning to the concept of a global community.

This article examines the concept, development and implementation of the no harm principle and its wider role in public international law. While generally acknowledged in international environmental law protecting other states from physical harm caused to their territory, in other areas of international law the principle is of increasing importance in order to find a balancing mechanism between colliding states’ interest in case of negative externalities caused by one state to the detriment of other states. The article traces implementations of the regulatory mechanism to focus on the adverse effect in other areas of public international law, ranging from trade and monetary agreements to invocation of the concept in current initiatives especially in the context of harmful tax competition and banking regulations. This will show the general capability to balance colliding states’ interest providing solutions for an increasingly interdependent world and giving meaning to the concept of a global community.

Die Arbeit befasst sich mit der Frage nach Existenz und Umfang des Schädigungsverbots im Völkerrecht. Dabei liegt der Arbeit das Verständnis zugrunde, dass auch rechtmäßige Handlungen der Staaten durch die zunehmende Interdependenz zu Beeinträchtigungen bis hin zu Schädigungen bei anderen Staaten führen können. Dabei wurden die Referenzgebiete mit Blick darauf gewählt, dass es sich beim Umweltvölkerrecht um ein gewohnheitsrechtlich verankertes Schädigungsverbot zum Schutze der territorialen Souveränität handelt, beim Welthandelsrecht und Währungsrecht das Schädigungsverbot in Form einer vertraglichen Ausgestaltung vorliegt und beim Steuerrecht überlegt werden kann, welche grundsätzlichen Überlegungen zur Akzeptanz eines Schädigungsverbots in einem Gebiet führen, das jedenfalls auf multilateraler Ebene noch nicht vertraglich durchdrungen ist.

Die Arbeit befasst sich mit der Frage nach Existenz und Umfang des Schädigungsverbots im Völkerrecht. Dabei liegt der Arbeit das Verständnis zugrunde, dass auch rechtmäßige Handlungen der Staaten durch die zunehmende Interdependenz zu Beeinträchtigungen bis hin zu Schädigungen bei anderen Staaten führen können. Dabei wurden die Referenzgebiete mit Blick darauf gewählt, dass es sich beim Umweltvölkerrecht um ein gewohnheitsrechtlich verankertes Schädigungsverbot zum Schutze der territorialen Souveränität handelt, beim Welthandelsrecht und Währungsrecht das Schädigungsverbot in Form einer vertraglichen Ausgestaltung vorliegt und beim Steuerrecht überlegt werden kann, welche grundsätzlichen Überlegungen zur Akzeptanz eines Schädigungsverbots in einem Gebiet führen, das jedenfalls auf multilateraler Ebene noch nicht vertraglich durchdrungen ist.