The Burmese military junta needs to be hit where it hurts, according to MEPs on the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA), who discussed trade relations with Myanmar on Thursday 15 April.
The country is under the Everything But Arms (EBA) regime of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). Aimed at the least developed countries, this regime allows the removal of tariffs on all goods imported from the country in question, except for arms.
“The links between the economy and the military junta are significant. So I think we should consider the possibility of withdrawing EBA preferences”, said Svenja Hahn (Renew Europe, Germany).
Most of her colleagues joined her on this point, arguing for respect for human rights in exchange for tariff preferences. For some, the military that abuses human rights in Myanmar owns exporting companies. “Myanmar has companies run by the Ministry of Defence, whose profits go to the military regime. [...] Exports from private companies are almost non-existent”, said Danilo Oscar Lancini (ID, Italy).
The Greens/EFA are the only ones to have shown a reservation on this suspension. Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, Finland) called for restraint on measures that could affect the general population. “As far as I know, it is difficult to identify products that are in the hands of the military regime. So I think it is premature to launch an investigation into the suspension of preferences”.
The European Commission, represented by Peter Berz, Head of Unit for South East Asia in DG Trade, also agreed: “We have looked at which sectors the military are active in. We have concluded that there are not many exports to the EU by military-owned companies”. The EU High Representative is opposed to this measure, which would affect the population (see EUROPE 12663/2).
Sanctions against Myanmar are expected to be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 April. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)