Myanmar: Is US undermining EU's diplomatic blockade?
With the US reopening talks with Myanmar's military-backed government and several Southeast Asian countries restarting diplomatic contacts, the EU is facing uncomfortable questions about its own boycott of the junta.
The United States is engaging in diplomatic talks with Myanmar's military-backed government, aiming to tackle online scam centers, secure the release of an imprisoned American businessman, and potentially gain access to the country's rare-earth resources. However, the European Union continues to reject the legitimacy of the military junta in Myanmar, maintaining sanctions and limited diplomatic engagement.
The EU's policy of non-recognition of the current military regime stems from the ongoing violence, human rights violations, and the attack against its own population. Despite this stance, the bloc is closely monitoring the developments in discussions and positions of the United States, Japan, ASEAN countries, and other major actors involved in Myanmar's situation.
The EU supports ASEAN efforts, particularly the Five-Point Consensus, which has yet to be fully implemented. Last year, bilateral goods trade between the EU and Myanmar amounted to approximately €4 billion, up from €3.4 billion in 2019. However, the EU has decided not to withdraw Myanmar's preferential trade access due to concerns about the consequences for workers, especially young women employed in the garment industry.
Myanmar's military regime has been accused of human rights abuses, and the civil war has resulted in an estimated 100,000 deaths and over 4 million people internally displaced. Despite the EU's attempts to engage with the regime, the most important rare earth mining operations are now controlled by Myanmar's ethnic rebels, raising questions about the US's potential impact through negotiations with the junta.
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