A joint staff working document published by the European Commission on 16 July 2026 assesses Uzbekistan's performance under the EU's Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+) for the period 2023-2025, finding progress on social and environmental commitments but serious backsliding on civil and political rights that threatens continued eligibility under the scheme.
Uzbekistan has been a GSP+ beneficiary since 2021. EU imports using GSP+ preferences rose nearly five-fold to EUR 448.2 million in 2024, with a 92.2% utilisation rate. The assessment, prepared by the Commission's trade department, notes positive steps including the 2024 Law on Violence against Children, re-establishment of the Labour Inspectorate, ratification of ILO Convention No. 155, updated UNFCCC and biodiversity targets, and maintained eradication of systemic child and forced labour in cotton harvesting.
However, the document raises serious concerns about worsening media and civic space restrictions, intimidation of journalists and activists, and 30,000 criminal prosecutions for slander and defamation in 2024. It also highlights arbitrary detention cases, gaps in torture prevention, and criminalisation of same-sex conduct under Article 120 of the Criminal Code. The assessment sets key priorities for continued eligibility: ensuring civil society and media freedom, protecting against torture, adopting anti-discrimination legislation, strengthening labour rights enforcement, and bolstering independent anti-corruption bodies.
The assessment accompanies a broader joint report to the European Parliament and the Council on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences covering 2023-2025. Under revised GSP rules taking effect from 2027, stricter compliance requirements may apply, making Uzbekistan's political rights record a critical factor for future eligibility.
Uzbek exporters benefit from continued tariff preferences but face uncertainty if political rights backsliding leads to suspension. EU importers relying on Uzbek textiles and agricultural goods may face higher costs if preferences are withdrawn. Uzbek civil society and human rights defenders could see improved conditions if the EU pressures Tashkent, but risk further repression if the assessment triggers a negative reaction. The European Commission and EU member states must balance trade interests with values-based conditionality, a tension that will intensify under the 2027 GSP revision.