[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
[May 31, 2000]
[Page 1058]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



United States-European Union Summit Statement on a New
World Trade Organization Round
May 31, 2000

    Since the last U.S.-EU Summit in December, we have worked together 
in Geneva to rebuild confidence in the WTO and the multilateral system, 
with particular reference to developing countries. With our trade 
partners, we have agreed to a short-term package on market access for 
the least developed countries, an implementation work program, and on 
the high priority to be accorded to effective delivery of technical 
assistance.
    The U.S. and EU reaffirm their conviction that the early launch of 
an inclusive new Round of WTO trade negotiations would offer a major 
boost to global economic growth, employment and sustainable development, 
but must address in a balanced way the concerns of all WTO members.
    The U.S. and EU pledge to build on the constructive work of the last 
six months to try to launch such a new Round during the course of the 
year. We have reiterated our common view that the WTO agenda should 
include the social issues of labor and environment, not as a matter of 
protectionism, but as a matter of social justice and sustainability.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.