05.18.11

Cantwell: WTO Ruling Marks ‘the End of the Line for Illegal Subsidies’

After WTO upholds final ruling, Cantwell calls on EU to comply with global rules and end Launch Aid

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement following the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body’s ruling affirming that European nations provided Airbus with illegal subsidies. Today’s announcement is in response to the European Union’s appeal of the WTO’s June 30th decision.

Today’s final ruling by the WTO is a defeat for Airbus and marks the end of the line for European government-funded illegal subsidies. Now the European Union must comply with the WTO ruling and end illegal Launch Aid, which distorts the true price of products and creates an unfair advantage in the global marketplace.

“The EU and Airbus must abide by global rules, not attempt to skirt them. These rules of the road exist to ensure fair competition for American workers and others competing in the global marketplace. Launch Aid harms the U.S. aerospace industry and its workers, and it must come to an end.”

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