MEPs were divided on Tuesday 9 February on how to further sanction those responsible for the coup in Myanmar, including the idea of suspending trade preferences granted through the Everything but Arms initiative (see EUROPE 12653/18).
MEPs debated the situation in Myanmar (see EUROPE 12650/20) in the presence of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. On Thursday, the European Parliament is expected to adopt a joint resolution by several political groups on the subject.
Josep Borrell said that the coup had “abruptly turned back the clock of history” in the country. “It is crucial to act swiftly, strongly and in coordination with our partners” he hammered home. He mentioned three tools available for action: - consideration of additional targeted sanctions against the military and companies owned by the military; - the review of development assistance; - Everything but Arms trade preferences.
He warned against any measures that would harm the population. The Foreign Affairs Council of 22 February will examine these options. “We must avoid rushing”. Measures could indeed have negative effects on the most vulnerable people, he said, citing the example of the garment sector.
Daniel Caspary (EPP, Germany) said that “care must be taken” in adopting certain sanctions, including the reversal of trade agreements under the Everything but Arms initiative.
It is necessary to “think about the consequences for the populations. Sanctions have sometimes failed to achieve their goals”, he noted. Measures could benefit China, Mr Caspary concluded.
Marianne Vind (S&D, Denmark) used all her speaking time by observing a minute’s silence, with a rose in her hand, in support of the Myanmar people.
“The EU Council should impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for this coup and against those who committed crimes against the Rohingyas “ said Urmas Paet (Renew Europe, Estonia).
Jérôme Rivière (ID, France) advised the EU to use “concrete measures”: the “suspension of trade preferences” that allow Myanmar to export to the EU duty-free under the Everything but Arms initiative.
Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, Germany) condemned the use of force against demonstrators on Tuesday. She called for an investigation in trade preferences to be launched. “Are they to the advantage of the conglomerates or the population?”, she wondered. If necessary, “military conglomerates” should be “sanctioned”, she said.
The EU already has an embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression. Fourteen high-ranking Tatmadaw and border police officers are subject to sanctions. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur, with Camille-Cerise Gessant)