A European Union (EU) GSP+ Monitoring Mission will visit Sri Lanka from April 28 to May 7, 2025, to assess the country’s progress in meeting the conditions tied to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concessions.
In a statement, the EU noted that this visit is part of the regular biannual monitoring process, which the Sri Lankan government has committed to as a requirement for continuing to benefit from GSP+. During the visit, the Mission will engage with government officials, institutions, politicians, civil society, business associations, and trade unions, while also conducting site visits.
Sri Lanka is one of eight low- or lower-middle income countries currently benefiting from the GSP+ scheme. The arrangement serves as a special incentive for Sustainable Development and Good Governance and is available to vulnerable developing nations that have ratified and effectively implemented 27 international conventions relating to human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance.
The European Union, comprising 27 member states and a population of 450 million, is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market. In 2024, Sri Lankan exports to the EU totaled €2.7 billion, with approximately 85% of those exports enjoying duty-free access through the GSP+ mechanism.
