Abstract: The dispute settlement mechanism has been called the ‘crown jewel’ of the WTO, as it ensures a secure and predictable multilateral trading system. The mechanism has been under review since 1998, but without any results. Its Appellate Body has been dysfunctional since 2019. MPIA, an interim arrangement set up by some WTO members does not offer a permanent solution. The most recent draft texts for a review of the mechanism are also far from being a good basis for a negotiated outcome.