A high-level European Union GSP+ Monitoring Mission is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from April 28 to May 7, 2025. The purpose of the mission is to assess the country's progress in meeting the conditions tied to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concessions.

The visit is part of the EU’s regular biannual monitoring process, to which the Government of Sri Lanka has committed in order to continue benefiting from the GSP+ facility.

During their stay, the EU delegation will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, relevant state institutions, politicians, civil society organizations, business associations, and trade unions. The mission also includes site visits to observe implementation on the ground.

Sri Lanka is one of only eight low- or lower-middle income countries currently benefitting from the GSP+, a special incentive arrangement promoting sustainable development and good governance. Eligibility requires the ratification and effective implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance. Compliance is assessed through regular monitoring missions and reporting.

The European Union, comprising 27 Member States and a market of 450 million consumers, is Sri Lanka’s second largest export destination. In 2024, Sri Lankan exports to the EU totaled EUR 2.7 billion, with approximately 85% of those goods entering the EU market duty-free under the GSP+

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