PhD student: Ms W. Noordhoek

Promotors: P.J. Kuijper, Dr J.H. Mathis, Mrs Dr A.A.M. Schrauwen

Duration: 1/10/2010 - 30/9/2014

Abstract:

The project\'s focus is on the legal framework for ethical labeling from a European and WTO law perspective. As the use of ethical labels in Europe is growing, so is criticism about the accountability and legitimacy of private labeling organizations and the call for European market regulation. The question of how to reconcile public regulation of ethical norms and European and international free trade rules becomes pressing. Do the rules of the game\' need to be changed, or can public regulation of ethical labels be designed in a manner that fits into the European and WTO trade rules? The answer of this question will require theoretical work on the concepts of public regulation and free trade.