EU excludes Belarus from the Generalised System of Preferences

Belarus has been excluded from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) by the permanent European Union representatives in Brussels, who found that the rights of working people in Belarus had been violated.

The decision was based on the findings of an EU expert committee on Wednesday.

In 2003, the Belarus independent trade union submitted a report to the European Union about the issue.

The GSP provides its members with trade privileges and favourable rates and tariffs.

Experts believe that the restrictions could cost Belarus 300-400 MLN euros a year.