A single amendment proposed by the European Parliament's Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group to a joint resolution on the cases of human rights defenders Andrie Yunus and Muhammad Rosidi in Indonesia would delete all references to EU conditionality on human rights, labour and environmental standards, replacing them with a statement prioritising economic influence through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The amendment, dated 20 May 2026, fundamentally alters the resolution's tone from one of conditional cooperation to strategic economic partnership.
The amendment removes the original call for the EU to 'enforce human rights, labour and environmental commitments in all its relations with Indonesia' and replaces a provision to fund the protection of human rights defenders and environmental activists with language stating that the CEPA 'will promote the EU's economic influence, solidify its presence in a region with immense economic potential.' This represents a clear departure from the consensus of the original co-sponsors — the European People's Party (EPP), Socialists and Democrats (S&D), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Renew Europe, and the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) — who, despite their ideological differences, had agreed to link EU relations with Indonesia to the enforcement of international standards.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The amendment pits the EU's normative foreign policy goals — human rights, labour and environmental protection — against its geostrategic and economic interests in Southeast Asia. The original text viewed Indonesia as a strategic partner but insisted on conditionality; the ESN amendment severs that link, prioritising market access and regional presence over value-driven diplomacy. The trade-off is clear: abandoning a key tool of EU foreign policy (conditionality) in exchange for potentially stronger economic ties and influence in a region of immense economic potential.
Impact on stakeholders - EU regulatory bodies and institutions: The amendment would weaken the European Commission's leverage in trade negotiations with Indonesia by removing the threat of sanctions or suspension linked to human rights violations. It could also set a precedent for other EU trade agreements, potentially diluting the EU's human rights clause in future deals. - Indonesian government: The amendment would relieve pressure on Jakarta to improve its record on protecting human rights defenders and environmental activists, as the EU would no longer explicitly link cooperation to such commitments. - Human rights defenders and environmental activists in Indonesia: The removal of funding for their protection and the deletion of conditionality would leave them more vulnerable, as the EU would no longer use its economic weight to advocate for their safety. - EU businesses and investors: The amendment could benefit EU companies seeking access to Indonesia's markets by removing potential trade barriers linked to human rights or environmental compliance. However, it may also expose them to reputational risks if Indonesia's record deteriorates.
Expected institutional follow-up The amendment will be voted on during the European Parliament's plenary session. If adopted, it would replace the relevant parts of the joint resolution. The final resolution, once passed, is non-binding but carries political weight. The European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) will take note of Parliament's position as they continue negotiations on the CEPA and broader EU-Indonesia relations. The Council has not yet taken a formal position on this specific resolution.
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