By Martin Banks

Romanian MEP Georgina Teodorescu has urged the EU to rethink Pakistan’s GSP+ status unless the country respects “certain things.”

This refers to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which generally grants duty-free access for products to the European market in exchange for adhering to international conventions on human rights, labour, environment, and governance.

Pakistan was granted GSP+  at the start of 2014 gaining, says the MEP, “privileged access to the majority” of its exports to the European markets.

The deputy, who is vice chair of the committee on employment and social affairs, says that in 2015 alone Pakistan doubled its exports, “bringing a huge boost to the economy.”

But Teodorescu, a member of the mainstream ECR group in the EU parliament, claims Pakistan has not yet met the norms and conditions that accompany such status.

She told a conference in the EU parliament in Brussels that, “Instead of having less and less cases of human rights breach (es), the situation in Pakistan is going worse day by day and diplomatic dialogue remains result-less.”

“Among the worst violations currently taking place we can mention the misuse of the blasphemy laws, enforced disappearances and persecution of religious minorities,” she claimed.

She added, “The debate we are having today here is important. We can deliver a strong message to Pakistan and to all third countries in similar situations. The EU is open and willing to help. But certain things must be respected and, among them, human rights occupy the first conditionality,” said the Euro deputy.

She said, “Access to GSP+ is not forever.”

She said the EU review of the GSP+ review cycle ends this year and the “EU must now face a clear choice: either to continue on the GSP+ path or to suspend it.”

Also speaking at the event was Dr. Naseem Ahmed Sajjit, Chairman of Baloch National Movement. A detailed documentary on the issue, compiled by EUToday, was also shown to participants at the meeting.

Responding, a European Commission spokesperson told this site, “Pakistan – as is the case for other GSP+ beneficiaries – is subject to continuous monitoring of its implementation of the 27 international Conventions under the GSP Regulation, including on Human Rights.”

The spokesman commented, “The Commission and EEAS have just completed the fifth GSP monitoring mission in Pakistan and will reflect its findings, including on Human Rights, in a report to the European Parliament and the Council, which should be published in the first half of 2026.

“It is therefore premature at this stage to give views on any possible withdrawal of GSP+ preferences,” said the spokesman.