The anti-danish trade boycott : can it be challenged under the world trade organization?

Abstract EN

A trade boycott against Danish goods ensued from the publication of cartoons in a Danish newspaper that were considered insulting to the Muslim world.

The European Union (EU) threatened to initiate a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against some Arab countries.

The purpose of this article is to examine the issues which could arise out of the EU action.

The article will examine if the EU has a valid complaint against Arab countries under the WTO agreements, and if so, under what provisions.

This article also discusses the various defenses available to Arab countries.

The article concludes that both Arab countries and the EU have valid claims, but argues that Arab countries stand to win the case.