At the request of the participants (the European Union and the United States) in the dispute European Communities and Certain Member States — Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (WT/DS316/R), the Division hearing the appeal decided to authorize observation of the oral hearings by WTO Members and the general public.  Given the participants' request to protect certain sensitive business information, public observation will be limited to the opening and closing statements that have been approved by the participants and will take place via delayed broadcast on Friday, 17 December from 10 a.m. (Please note change of date — not 14 December as previously advised).

In the light of limited seating capacity, the places reserved for the public will be allocated on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of the completed completed application form.  Completed forms should be sent by e-mail only, to the following address:  [email protected]. 

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Geneva time, on Tuesday, 14 December.  Those to whom seats have been allocated will be advised by e-mail by Wednesday, 15 December, at which time further information regarding the broadcast will be provided.  Those attending will need to present a valid passport to access the viewing room.  Please note that no audio / video recording will be permitted.  Portable phones must be switched off throughout the broadcast.  Security checks may delay access to the viewing room.

The WTO is unable to offer any support, including financial, for accommodation, flight arrangements or visas.

ONLY THOSE WITH RESERVED SEATS WILL BE ADMITTED.