    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 22 (Monday, June 5, 2000)]
    [Pages 1257-1258]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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

    [[Page 1258]]

    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.