2026 marks a significant milestone in EU–LDCs engagement in the field of trade and economic cooperation as it is the 25th anniversary of the EU’s landmark Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative. 2026 is also a milestone year for the GSP overall, with the publication of the new GSP rules which confirm the renewed Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) scheme for the next 10 years and the EBA’s continuation. The new scheme will apply from 1 January 2027. Together, these milestones provide an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of EU trade preferences to developing-country trade and sustainable development, while looking ahead to how the new framework can support stronger and more resilient trade partnerships.
Partner countries, in particular Asian and African Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have significantly benefitted from the EBA, and will continue to do so under the EU’s new GSP regulation. In an increasingly fragmented global trading environment, the GSP and in particular the EBA arrangement provides LDCs with a valuable source of stable, predictable, and preferential access to a high-income market of over 450 million consumers. While this cannot by itself overcome structural development challenges, it helps beneficiary countries maintain export competitiveness, attract investment, diversify production, and integrate into regional and Global Value Chains (GVCs).
For many LDCs, particularly in Africa, these advantages become even more important as global trade becomes increasingly uncertain and divided. Moreover, the EU accompanies GSP beneficiaries with numerous development cooperation projects that help them to reap the benefits of market access and support their sustainable development. As a number of LDCs are foreseen to graduate out of the category over the lifetime of the next GSP Regulation, emphasis will also be paid to arrangements, such as the new GSP and GSP+, designed to support a smooth transition out of EBA.
Objective
This public briefing will present the European Union’s new Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) regulation to UNCTAD membership and include experience-sharing interventions on GSP preferences by several delegations and a Q&A session.
The briefing will particularly focus on the benefits for LDCs via the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) offer. Overall, the event should contribute to strengthening stakeholder networks and cooperation and raise awareness of the EU GSP.
Modalities
The briefing will be delivered by the European Commission (Jorg Wojahn, Head of Unit for Bilateral Relations in Trade and Sustainable Development, Unit C3, Directorate General for Trade; accompanied by Kristiyana Kalcheva). It will outline the key features of the EU GSP and its contributions to socio-economic development; highlight the main changes in the new GSP scheme entering into application on 1 January 2027; and offer opportunities for experience-sharing and questions from LDC delegations and UNCTAD’s membership.
The event will be held in person in Geneva with virtual connection available (TBC).
