Der Welthandelsorganisation (WTO) wird immer wieder vorgeworfen, ein Hindernis für eine wirksame Umweltpolitik zu sein. Die Handelsregeln, so der Kernvorwurf, hätten Vorrang vor ökologischen Belangen. Die WTO hält dem entgegen, dass das Regelwerk den WTO-Mitgliedern erhebliche Spielräume in...

We investigate in a horizontal product differentiation model with North-South trade the implications of a home bias in consumers' demand for labelled goods. We compare mutual recognition and international harmonisation of ecological labels with respect to firms' profits and welfare. Northern...

Ecological labels are a market-oriented environmental policy instrument which is applied in a rising number of countries. Products have to meet several criteria in order to qualify for a label. Criteria on production processes of goods can potentially conflict with international trade rules....