Sealing regimes. A regime theoretical analysis of the effects of EU-regulations

Abstract

This thesis utilizes the framework of Regime Theory to analyze the relationship between legislation implemented within one actor and the effects of this legislation in other actors of the same regime. The legislation I have chosen to exemplify this is Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009, which has been implemented within the EU. This regulation effectively bans all products derived from seal from the internal market of the EU. To analyze the effects of this regulation, I have analyzed documents put forth by Canada and Norway, two of the leading nations in the sealing industry, to see how the regulation has effected this industry and the management of Arctic stocks of seal. Additionally, I have studied the effects of the regulation on the political environment between the actors, and the result and precedence set by the challenge put forth to the WTO by Norway and Canada against the regulation. This thesis concludes that the industry and management has been affected negatively as a result of the regulation. The political environment has been affected to some extent where the EU has been refused admittance to the Arctic Council, albeit not preventing the continuation, evolution and emergence of trade agreements. The WTO verdict was in the favor of the EU, setting precedence on questions of animal welfare vs. trade.