09-10-2007 European think tank to discuss $100 billion WTO dispute over internet gambling

Following Antigua's victory at WTO and the decision to withdraw gambling from its free trade commitments, the United States could be liable for up to $100 billion in trade concessions to the European Union. A possibility to be discussed on Wednesday by the Centre for the New Europe, a Brussels-based think tank with a special interest in free markets and open trade.

"This is by far the most significant WTO case ever and its implications for both the US and the EU are enormous," said Nao Matsukata, a former United States trade official.
"This is also a watershed moment for the WTO because a major world power is thumbing its nose at the institution and disregarding its obligations," he added.

"One major question is how strong the EU will be in pushing the US for all of the concessions available to it," said Craig Pouncey, a Brussels-based trade lawyer with Herbert Smith.