Joint answer given by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission

7.11.2022

The EU has swiftly condemned in the strongest terms the military coup carried out in Myanmar on 1 February 2021. The EU calls upon the military to respect human rights, freedom of expression, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

Following the military coup, the EU has adopted four rounds of sanctions targeting a total of 65 individuals and 10 entities, including an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities.

The participation of Myanmar in the Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangement of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) continues to meet one of its key objectives, i.e. to contribute to the eradication of poverty in beneficiary countries. In the case of Myanmar, the Commission aims to ensure that the pursuit of that goal continues at a time of a dire humanitarian crisis in the country.

Any adverse impact on the livelihood of Myanmar’s population, in particular vulnerable groups, as a consequence of a potential withdrawal of EBA preferences needs to be avoided.

In the meantime, the EBA enhanced engagement process with Myanmar continues, albeit without any contact with the government.

The engagement takes place through contacts with business, non-governmental organisations, and democratic forces. The Commission and the European External Action Service are actively engaged with other stakeholders in Myanmar’s society , so that the channels of communication are kept open.

The Commission re-assesses on a regular basis its policy on the EBA engagement with Myanmar and follows closely the developments on the ground to adapt accordingly.