WTOAbkommen

WTOAbkommen refers to the body of multilateral trade agreements that constitute the legal framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agreements were negotiated mainly during the Uruguay Round of negotiations (1986–1994) and updated by subsequent amendments and new agreements. They cover trade in goods, services, and intellectual property, and include three core treaties: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) as the foundation for trade in goods, General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In addition, a number of plurilateral agreements apply to specific sectors or groups of members, such as the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and the Information Technology Agreement (ITA).

The WTOAbkommen enshrines key principles: most-favored-nation treatment, national treatment, and binding tariff schedules; transparency obligations; and rules governing subsidies, antidumping, safeguards, and dispute settlement. The dispute settlement system provides panels and an Appellate Body to resolve conflicts and enforce rulings. Members periodically review trade policies through the Trade Policy Review Mechanism.

Membership and implementation: New members accede by negotiating a protocol of accession and implementing domestic reforms to comply with WTO rules; the agreements take effect after ratification by member states. The framework supports transparency, predictable rules, and binding commitments that aim to liberalize trade while allowing exceptions for development, public health, environmental protection, and other objectives.