EU Launches WTO Dispute Against Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Rules

EU Launches WTO Dispute Against Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Rules

EU challenges Taiwan’s offshore wind rules at WTO. EU claims local content requirements discriminate against imported goods, increase costs, and hinder renewable energy transition. Both sides have 60 days to resolve dispute before potential WTO panel.

The European Union has sought dispute settlement consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding Taiwan’s local content requirements for offshore wind projects. The EU argues that Taiwan’s criteria for local content eligibility and capacity allocation auctions violate WTO rules, which mandate non-discrimination against imported goods and services.

The EU’s statement emphasizes that these local content requirements not only create inefficiencies and increase costs but also complicate the transition to renewable energy, ultimately impeding global climate goals. This request starts a process where both parties have up to 60 days to resolve the issue before the EU can request the WTO to establish a panel for a ruling.