Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship between the European Union Generalized Trade Preferences (GSP) and international law in the context of the Gatt/Wto. The author argues that the analysis of GSP schemes and the Appellate Body case law demonstrate the possibility of a fair integration between trade liberalization and workers' rights. The author points out that unilateral economic measures can be implemented without coming into conflict with the non-discrimination principle, on the basis of the reasonableness principle. In this regard, the importance of a multilateral approach and of the role of international organizations - namely the Ilo - is emphasized as a result of their function as standardssetting bodies and their monitoring activities.