Level: Introductory

Objective

This summer course will provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of the fundamentals of WTO and EU trade law as well as EU investment law. The course will focus on case-studies, applying instruments and concepts learned during the presentations to trade law practice.

 Key topics

• Key features of substantive WTO law: MFN and national treatment; tariff and non-tariff barriers; general and security exceptions; impact of human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development; dispute settlement mechanism
• Concrete operation of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism
• The reform of EU trade defence instruments and the new EU methodology for dumping calculation: key features and novelties
• Implementing the new Union Customs Code: main changes and challenges
• Assessing key existing and forthcoming EU free trade agreements and the impact of the CJEU’s Opinion 2/15
• Dispute settlement: proposal for a new investment court system, proposal for a new FDI screening mechanism
• EU bilateral investment agreements
• Brexit and trade: key challenges and legal issues

Speakers

Renato Antonini, Partner, Jones Day, Brussels

Jikke Biermasz, Attorney, Kneppelhout & Korthals, Rotterdam

Dylan Geraets, Trade & Customs Consultant, Mayer Brown Europe, Brussels

Torsten Kühl, Lawyer, Ahlers & Vogel, Bremen

Yves Melin, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson, Brussels

Eva Monard, Associate, Jones Day, Brussels

Aidan O’Neill QC, Matrix Chambers, London

María J. Pereyra, Senior Counsellor, Legal Affairs Division, World Trade Organization, Geneva

Luca Prete, Legal Secretary, Chambers of Advocate General Wahl, Court of Justice of the European Union, Luxembourg

Paulette Vander Schueren, Partner, Mayer Brown Europe, Brussels

 Visit of the European Court of Justice

Participants in this summer course will also have the opportunity to visit the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. 

 Social Programme

After a day's intensive training, enjoy our varied social programme: the course dinner with fellow participants, wine-tasting in the Mosel vineyards and a tour of the historic city of Trier.

  Who should attend?

The course is aimed at lawyers, in-house counsel, EU officials, civil servants and other legal practitioners seeking an introduction to WTO and EU trade law.