WTO after the 12th Ministerial Conference – the effects of the arrangements in the light of the reform of the World Trade Organization
WTO after the 12th Ministerial Conference – the effects of the arrangements in the light of the reform of the World Trade Organization

Summary/Abstract: This article reflects on the outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), which tookplace on 12–17 June 2022 in Geneva. The aim of the article is to analyse the effects of this meetingin the context of the reform of the multilateral system. For this purpose, the following researchquestions were posed: (1) What arrangements were made during MC12? (2) Are the adoptedagreements relevant for the future reform of the multilateral system within the WTO? The analysispresented in the study demonstrated that this conference, which had been postponed severaltimes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a confirmation that the negotiating crisis of recent yearshad been overcome. Additionally, the author emphasised that the agreements reached amongthe representatives of 164 member countries should be seen as a success, especially in view ofthe international tensions accompanying the meeting. The arrangements that were made, therefore,also provide a deeper understanding of the functioning of the multilateral system within the WTOand its complexities.The structure of the article consists of an introduction, two sections presenting the results of theanalysis, and conclusions. Methodologically, the article is mainly based on a critical analysis of WTOsource documents and academic studies on international trade policy.

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