On 16 July 2026, the European Commission and the High Representative published a Joint Staff Working Document assessing the EU's Enhanced Engagement with Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar under the Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangement for the period 2023-2025. The report evaluates human and labour rights compliance in the three beneficiary countries, noting progress in Bangladesh, persistent gaps in Cambodia, and a severe crisis in Myanmar, while maintaining EBA preferences for all three.
The document, accompanying the Joint Report to the European Parliament and the Council on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for 2023-2025, is the third such Enhanced Engagement report. It covers developments from 2023 to 2025 and updates on the EU's use of trade preferences, development aid, and targeted measures to support rights and poverty reduction.
ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OP-CAT) in 2025, withdrawal of a reservation to the Convention against Torture on 3 February 2026, submission of a CEDAW report in 2025, and accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPED) in August 2024. A new government was sworn in on 17 February 2026 after a peaceful referendum on 12 February 2026. Labour law amendments in April 2026 addressed trade union registration and discrimination. Bangladesh also ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190 in 2025. However, challenges remain: OHCHR-documented violations in July/August 2024, threats from the Cyber Security Act of 2023, and persistent child labour.
Cambodia's assessment notes the 12th EU–Cambodia Joint Committee on 25 April 2024 and the 13th in March 2026. Opposition leader Kem Sokha was pardoned on 26 May 2026. The Decent Work Country Program 2024-2028 was adopted. However, the EU had partially withdrawn GSP preferences in 2020. Concerns include forced labour in scam centres, child labour, anti-union discrimination, and restricted civic space.
Myanmar remains in crisis following the 2021 military coup, with grave human rights violations. The EU maintains EBA preferences to avoid harming civilians. The electoral process in December 2025/January 2026 was deemed not free or fair. Over 16 million people are in urgent need. The EU adopts restrictive measures and has no formal engagement with the regime.
On development, the EU allocated EUR 470 million under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Bangladesh (2021-2027), EUR 235 million for Cambodia, and cooperation with Myanmar is guided by the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of February 2021.
acknowledging progress in Bangladesh, pressing Cambodia on persistent gaps, and maintaining pressure on Myanmar's junta while protecting vulnerable populations. The European Parliament and Council are expected to discuss the findings in upcoming sessions.