Anwsers:
In its bilateral relations with third countries, the European Union has been able to make significant progress in the promotion of social and labour rights. In all of the trade agreements it has recently concluded — e.g. with Chile, or the Cotonou partnership agreement with the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries, or its cooperation agreement with South Africa — the recognition and promotion of labour rights have been an integral part of the deal.
The European Union is thus using trade to promote labour rights autonomously. In particular, developing countries that ensure respect for the core labour rights defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) are eligible for additional trade preferences under the Union’s GSP. A further reform of the scheme, applicable from 2006, focuses on maximizing benefits to recipients and promoting the full application of core labour standards in beneficiary countries. The scheme also refers specifically to temporary withdrawal of all tariff preferences in respect of Myanmar, which is the subject of an ongoing ILO procedure concerning widespread use of forced labour.