The European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka convened the 27th Session of the EU–Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo on Thursday (12 Feb), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Held in a friendly and open atmosphere, the meeting reviewed the state of relations and featured wide‑ranging discussions on governance, reconciliation, human rights, trade, development cooperation, education, fisheries, maritime collaboration, environment, climate change, security cooperation, readmission, and regional and international cooperation. 

Both sides exchanged updates and views, underscoring the importance of continued partnership across these diverse areas.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss the current political and economic developments in Sri Lanka and the European Union, emphasizing updates on policy reforms, procedural improvements and legislative initiatives taken by both sides on matters of mutual interest. 

The Joint Commission took stock of the work of the EU-Sri Lanka Working Group on Governance, Human Rights and Rule of Law held on 5th May 2025, the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held virtually on 13th November 2025, and the Working Group on Development Cooperation held on 11th February 2026. 

The discussion of the Joint Commission focused on Sri Lanka’s recent developments in the areas of democracy, governance, rule of law and human rights, including repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), amendments to the Online Safety Act (OSA), rights of minorities, women, children and labour rights, steps taken to combat bribery and corruption and freedom of expression and association.

Sri Lanka also informed the EU on steps being taken towards advancing reconciliation and the strengthened role being played by independent national institutions, notably the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR) and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation.

The two sides agreed on the importance of continued cooperation in deterring and eliminating IUU fishing practices and honoring commitments in the fisheries sector. Furthermore, both parties discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in higher education, research, and technical cooperation through the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe framework programs. Productive exchanges also took place regarding environmental and climate cooperation, as well as migration and readmission policies.

The EU updated Sri Lanka on the new regulations on the Generalized scheme of tariff preferences Plus (GSP). Sri Lanka appreciated the GSP special incentive arrangement’s (GSP+) contribution to sustainable development in the country and expressed its intention to reapply for the scheme after the current cycle ends. The EU stressed the importance of the time-bound delivery of the commitments under the current GSP+, including in particular the work on the anti-terror legislation, bringing it in line with the international conventions.  In this regard, the EU encouraged engagement with the UN competent bodies on counter terrorism. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 27 core conventions under the current GSP+ scheme. The EU encouraged regular updates on progress.

The EU and Sri Lanka reiterated their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, effective multilateralism, and the principles of international law and the UN Charter. Both parties noted their constructive engagement on a free and open Indo-Pacific region and underscored the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The two sides agreed to explore further investment opportunities under the Global Gateway strategy with Team Europe. In this regard, the EU confirmed its interest and commitment to support the engagement of the EU private sector.

Sri Lanka and the EU explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the security field and notably on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

It was agreed to convene the next Joint Commission meeting in Brussels in 2027.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka and Ms Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says Sri Lanka will have to reapply for the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

Taking to ‘X’, he said Sri Lanka has to reapply as the trade concession will end by 2027.

“I double checked… There is no quota to seek an increase,” he said. 

MP Harsha de Silva further said Sri Lanka now has to deliver on its promises on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act (OSA).

He made the comments following a discussion with the visiting European Union Commission delegation. (Newswire)

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The Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service of the European Union, Charles Whiteley, said the European Union has a favourable perspective on the current GSP+ review process on Sri Lanka.

He made these remarks during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today, as part of an official visit by a European Union delegation to Sri Lanka.

Whiteley highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU, which has led to significant trade gains. He affirmed the EU’s willingness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in achieving further commercial progress.

He stated that the GSP+ concessions from the European Union are anticipated to encourage Sri Lanka to provide products that meet standardised quality requirements. He further said that the continuation of the GSP+ trade concession is assessed on alignment with the current government’s policy commitments and progress.

The meeting assessed Sri Lanka’s advancements in executing 27 international conventions related to the European Union’s GSP+ tax concession, known as the Generalised System of Preferences.

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for the EU’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. He acknowledged that the GSP+ facility has played an important role in supporting the country’s export sector and economic recovery.

The President further noted that the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy was the result of a deeply flawed political system, marked by corruption and mismanagement. The President stated that the current administration is working to rebuild the country through stable and transparent governance, though this transformation will require time.

Highlighting a key shift in political support, the President pointed out that, unlike previous governments, which relied heavily on support from the South, the current administration was elected with the collective support of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities from across the country. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering on the promises made to all citizens.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Labour, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-law, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, the Ambassador designate of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E. Carmen Moreno, General for Trade and Economic Security – Policy Officer of the European Commission’s Directorate Mr. Guido Dolara, Desk Officer for Sri Lanka at European External Action Service Ms. Galija Agisheva along with other EU and Sri Lankan officials. (PMD News)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has held discussions with the EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Carmen Moreno, on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

In a statement on ‘X’, MP Premadasa said the discussions focused on the full use of GSP+, following the recent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka by the US Government. 

MP Premadasa highlighted the importance of engaging with partners like the EU to unlock new export opportunities

“With GSP+ access already in place, the question is, are we making full use of it? As US tariffs loom, we must engage partners like the EU not just to manage risks, but to unlock new export opportunities. Sri Lanka must act, not wait,” MP Sajith Premadasa said. (Newswire)

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The 26th session of the Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) will be convened in Brussels today (Feb 22). 

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the meeting will be co-chaired by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and EU European External Action Service Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Paola Pampaloni.

The Sri Lanka delegation to the Joint Commission will comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General’s Department and Ministry of Finance.

The EU- Sri Lanka Joint Commission serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union, covering a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest inter alia trade and investments, development assistance, fisheries, education, counter-terrorism, governance and human rights,  Indo-pacific & maritime security and environment.

The outcome of the three Working Groups which report to the Joint Commission, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights, Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Development Cooperation will be presented to the Joint Commission.

The European Union will also brief on the current developments in the EU including an update on the new GSP Regulation and the new cycle of the EU GSP+ concessions.

The previous session of the Joint Commission meeting was held in May 2023 in Colombo. (NewsWire)

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The Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) offers trade incentives for developing countries, but Pakistan’s eligibility for this program is contentious. Despite benefiting since 2014, Pakistan’s compliance is dismal, marked by human rights violations, labour abuses, poor governance, and environmental negligence. Blasphemy cases and labour rights breaches persist, undermining GSP+ criteria. Governance crises, fostering extremism over development, led to conflicts and economic distress. A deepening economic crisis, driven by mismanagement and substantial debt, further questions Pakistan’s suitability for GSP+ extension. As the scheme’s expiration looms, Pakistan’s inability to meet standards makes its renewal unjustifiable. The EU must uphold compliance standards and refrain from endorsing Pakistan’s failures, aligning with its commitment to global justice and shared values.

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is a trade incentive programme initiated by the European Union (EU). It is designed to accommodate the demands and developmental needs of developing countries. The GSP+ offers zero tariffs on exports of items to the EU countries by the recognised developing and least developed countries under the GSP+ programme by the EU and covers more than two-thirds of all tariff lines.

The GSP+ facilitates a country to significantly improve its economy by boosting the country’s exports and making it more competitive in the marketplace due to the lowering of tariffs by the EU. Significantly, by promoting the principles of good governance and sustainable development, the GSP+ encourages beneficiary countries to improve their governance and practices in the domains of human rights, environmental and climate protection.

By removing the import duties, the EU’s GSP+ helps developing countries in their poverty alleviation and employment generation efforts. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), nearly 50 years ago, asked developed economies to enable the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The GSP was born out of this effort. Currently, nearly a dozen countries have the GSP mechanism in place.

One of the requirements to avail the benefits of the GSP+ is that countries make a commitment to implement 27 international conventions pertaining to human rights, environmental protection, good governance, and labour laws. However, some countries benefitting from this GSP mechanism, such as Pakistan, raise an important question of whether this preferential treatment be continued for them given the gross violation of the compliance requirements, especially in the fields of human rights and good governance measures.

The EU-Pakistan relations date back to 1962. Agreements such as the Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development of 2004 as well as the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan of 2019 have been guiding the relations between Pakistan and the EU. Pakistan has benefitted immensely from the GSP+ mechanism since 2014. The GSP+ has helped Pakistan in its endeavours towards sustainable development, poverty reduction, and integration with the global economy while emphasising good governance at the same time.

Despite such benefits, the compliance on the part of Pakistan has been extremely poor. Ranging from human rights violations, poor governance records, and undermining of labour rights, to aggravating economic crisis, among others, Pakistan has been violating the foundational requirements of the GSP+ system.

One of the primary conditions for GSP+ status is compliance with international human rights conventions. Pakistan has a very abysmal record in this area. It has consistently undermined values such as freedom of expression, religious freedom, and the rights of minorities. The rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan are another cause for alarm.[7]

In the realm of labour rights and working conditions for labourers and workers, there are frequent reports of violations. Many Pakistani labour laws are not aligned with international standards. These reports highlight violations such as forced labour, child labour, unhygienic workplaces, and hazardous working conditions, all of which constitute a clear breach of the GSP+ norms and standards related to labour rights requirements.

In the area of climate action and environmental protection as well, the efforts and commitment of the Pakistani government remain subdued and hollow. Despite itself facing several challenges including air and water pollution, inefficient waste management, and deforestation, among others. Pakistan’s failure to effectively address these issues has a complete bearing on the continuation of its GSP+ status.

Good governance serves as a crucial benchmark for determining a developing country’s eligibility for continued GSP+ status. Unfortunately, the Pakistani state is currently grappling with a governance crisis—a predicament largely of its own making, resulting from decades of flawed policies. Pakistan finds itself in a state of internal conflict, having prioritized supporting extremism and militancy under the guise of jihad over long-term economic growth. Instead of focusing on sustainable development, it has often engaged in short-sighted conflicts, be they direct or proxy, with India. The consequences of this approach are evident in the rise of terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TLP), initially supported by Pakistan’s army and intelligence agency ISI, which now pose a threat to the Pakistani state itself, leading to the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives and law enforcement personnel.

Economically, Pakistan is currently under considerable duress, facing a deep crisis. Its deflating economy grapples with spiralling inflation, a depreciating Pakistani Rupee, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and a general downturn in various macroeconomic indicators. The situation has become so dire that the Pakistani state is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. This crisis is pushing millions of people into poverty and even starvation, exacerbated by the government’s inability to import basic and essential items. Frequent power outages have become the new normal for Pakistan.

The current economic crisis is attributed to its myopic policy decision resulting in excessive spending on non-developmental and economically unviable projects. Economic mismanagement and financing of futile infrastructure projects like the Gwadar-Kashgar Railway line project through long-term debt instruments, and relying massively on external borrowing rather than from domestic institutions added to its troubles. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which Pakistan readily joined has now put Pakistan under a Chinese debt of $64 billion.

In conclusion, as the expiration of the GSP+ scheme looms, it is evident that Pakistan stands far from meeting the criteria for its renewal. The country’s deep-seated crisis of governance, economic turmoil, deficient labor laws, blatant human rights violations, abuse of power against minorities, and a conspicuous disregard for climate action and environmental protection paint a dismal picture. Pakistan’s current state positions it as a pariah in the international community, sharply contrasting with nations striving for progress, peace, and stability.

The European Union, as a proponent of justice and adherence to standards, would be remiss in encouraging the continuation of Pakistan’s gross abuse of power and poor governance. The GSP+ mechanism is designed with clear compliance standards, and Pakistan’s failure to meet these benchmarks renders it ineligible for any preferential treatment. It is imperative for the EU to make a resolute stand against enabling a nation that falls significantly short of the international community’s expectations, fostering a commitment to shared values and the pursuit of a just global order. (Islam Khabar)

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The European Commission has proposed a 4-year extension to the current GSP+ scheme until December 31, 2027, allowing countries like Sri Lanka continued access to EU markets, it was reported.

According to the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, the extension has been provided as a result of ongoing negotiations between the co-legislators of the European Union regarding the new GSP+ arrangement.

The move ensures that countries, such as Sri Lanka, do not lose their preferential access in the interim.

The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka further said that the extension of the tariff facility will grant Sri Lanka continued access to the EU markets with the same obligations under 27 international conventions.

“As one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, w/ nearly EUR 3.2 billion worth of Sri Lankan #exports to the EU in 2022 alone, we recognise the importance of GSP+ for Sri Lankan exporters,” it added, taking to Twitter.

The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka added, “ For Sri Lanka, the GSP+ extension proposal means that, for now, nothing changes – same access to EU market and same obligation to comply with the 27 international conventions, which are key to ensuring that #economicrecovery is not just fast, but also #fair, #just, and #green.”

The EU GSP Regulation to be adopted for 2024 – 2033, will be effective from 1 January 2024 for the next 10 years. (NewsWire)

-1/3: Did you know that the current GSP+ scheme is set to expire on 31 Dec 2023?

As one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, w/ nearly EUR 3.2 billion worth of Sri Lankan #exports to the in 2022 alone, we recognise the importance of GSP+ for Sri Lankan exporters.

— EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) July 19, 2023

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The European Union delegation will brief Sri Lanka on the new cycle of the EU GSP Regulation to be adopted for 2024 – 2033, which will be effective from 1 January 2024 for the next 10 years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. 

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the briefing will take place during the 25th Session of the Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and the European Union which will be convened tomorrow (May 09) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

The meeting will be co-chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Aruni Wijewardane and the Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service of the EU, Paola Pampaloni.

The Joint Commission will deliberate on a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest to both sides and discuss areas for future cooperation. 

The outcome of the three Working Groups established under the Joint Commission namely, the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights; the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation; and the Working Group on Development Cooperation will also be discussed in detail during the meeting. 

The Sri Lanka delegation will consist of representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies, Justice, Prison Affairs & Constitutional Reforms, Trade, Commerce & Food Security, Labour & Foreign Employment, Education, Environment, Defence, Fisheries, Public Security, Urban Development & Housing and the Attorney General’s Department as well as senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The previous session of the Joint Commission meeting was held in February 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. (NewsWire)

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