Malaysia's application to set up a panel to examine the steps taken by the European Union (EU) regarding palm oil has been approved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the application was approved by a Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) meeting under the WTO last Friday (May 28). This was the second after a first application was rejected by the EU on April 28.
The panel is to examine the steps taken by the EU in implementing the Delegated Regulation under the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001 (EU RED II).
Khairuddin said Malaysia, which remained committed to pursuing legal action against the EU in line with the cabinet’s decision on July 1, 2020, filed the case on Jan 15, 2021.
"As the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, Malaysia regrets the EU's treatment of palm oil compared to other vegetable oils,” he said in a statement today.
The minister said Malaysia’s action was necessary for protecting the interests of the country's palm oil industry which made a significant contribution to the country's socio-economic development, especially smallholders.
He said the ministry, in collaboration with the Attorney-General's Chambers and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, will undertake the necessary preparations to defend the country's palm oil industry.
"The application was because of the lack of a solution during the consultations held with the EU on March 17, 2021," he said.
- Bernama
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