Preferential Services Liberalization: The Case of the European Union and Federal States

Preferential Services Liberalization provides an in-depth analysis of the conditions set by the World Trade Organization for preferential trade agreements (PTAs) in the area of services, offering a practical method to analyze these agreements and applying it to EU services agreements. It also examines the implications of multi-level governance for international services liberalization and proposes a new approach to study services commitments of federal states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Preferential Services Liberalization is a groundbreaking work that offers the first comprehensive analysis of the conditions set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for preferential trade agreements (PTAs) in the area of services. Authored by Johanna Jacobsson, this book delves deep into the relevant General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) rules and provides a practical methodology for analyzing services PTAs. Jacobsson applies this method to examine services agreements concluded by the European Union (EU), resulting in a detailed examination of the legal criteria for services PTAs and approaches to studying them. Additionally, the book goes beyond the EU's scope by exploring the implications of multi-level governance on international services liberalization. It proposes a novel approach to studying services commitments of any federal state and advocates for greater attention to be given to lower levels of government in international negotiations over services trade.

Preferential Services Liberalization is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the conditions set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for preferential trade agreements (PTAs) in the realm of services. Authored by Johanna Jacobsson, this book provides a detailed analysis of the relevant General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) rules, offering a practical methodology for analyzing services PTAs. Jacobsson applies this method to examine services agreements concluded by the European Union (EU), resulting in a comprehensive examination of the legal criteria for services PTAs and approaches to studying them. Furthermore, the book extends its scope beyond the EU by examining the implications of multi-level governance on international services liberalization. It proposes a novel approach to studying services commitments of any federal state and advocates for greater attention to be given to lower levels of government in international negotiations over services trade.

By undertaking a thorough analysis of the GATS rules and applying them to EU services agreements, Preferential Services Liberalization offers valuable insights into the legal framework for services PTAs. The book's practical approach and detailed examination of the criteria and methods for studying services PTAs make it an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of international services trade. Moreover, the book's advocacy for greater attention to lower levels of government in international negotiations over services trade highlights the importance of inclusive and balanced governance in this field. Overall, Preferential Services Liberalization is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the conditions and implications of services PTAs in the global economy.

ISBN-13: 9781108469937