Therefore, the applicants have not established the seriousness of the alleged harm, as affects each of them individually, and this assumes that their expectations relative to the impractical character of the rules of execution are founded. Consequently, the condition related to the urgency cannot be considered as fulfilled as it concerns them.

Representatives of Canada's Inuit population sued the EU [JURIST report] in January, arguing that the hunting represented a traditional aspect of the Inuit's lifestyle. The Canadian government took action against the ban [press release] in November, initiating the World Trade Organization [official website] dispute resolution process by requesting consultations. The ban was implemented in September 2009 following extensive public pressure to end seal hunting by groups citing humanitarian considerations. More narrow European restrictions imposed in 1983 caused the industry to suffer a sharp decline. Commercial seal hunting is an economic and cultural staple for the Inuit, who contend that their methods are necessary and humane.