Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

1.7.2026 A100189/3

Amendment 3

Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

on behalf of The Left Group

Report A100189/2026

Adam Bielan

Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

(2025/2169(INI))

Motion for a resolution

Recital Y a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ya. whereas since the entry into force of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on 1 August 2020, trade in goods between the EU and Viet Nam has increased significantly, but in a highly unbalanced manner, with the EU’s trade deficit widening from EUR 23.4 billion in 2019 to EUR 42.5 billion in 2024; whereas this increase in trade has not been matched by convincing progress in labour rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular as regards independent trade union rights; whereas Viet Nam has failed to ratify a key labour rights convention that would allow for independent trade unions to register and operate freely, despite pledging to do so by the end of 2023, and has not taken steps to uphold other treaties it has already joined; whereas these shortcomings amount to violations of the EVFTA;

Or. en

1.7.2026 A100189/4

Amendment 4

Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

on behalf of The Left Group

Report A100189/2026

Adam Bielan

Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

(2025/2169(INI))

Motion for a resolution

Recital Y b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Yb. whereas EU-Philippines FTA negotiations have resumed without a new human rights impact assessment (HRIA), despite the European Ombudsman’s previous decision1a, which found that the Commission’s failure to carry out a HRIA in relation to its negotiation of an FTA with Viet Nam constituted maladministration;

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1a Decision of the European Ombudsman of 26 February 2016 in case 1409/2014/MHZ on the European Commission’s failure to carry out a human rights impact assessment of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement.

Or. en

1.7.2026 A100189/5

Amendment 5

Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

on behalf of The Left Group

Report A100189/2026

Adam Bielan

Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

(2025/2169(INI))

Motion for a resolution

Recital Y c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Yc. whereas the Commission announced the resumption of EU-Philippines FTA negotiations in March 2024, despite the lack of improvement in human rights in the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s rule; whereas political persecution of human rights defenders has increased in the past years, with an alarmingly high number of enforced disappearances and targeted fabricated charges related to alleged terrorism financing;

Or. en

1.7.2026 A100189/6

Amendment 6

Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

on behalf of The Left Group

Report A100189/2026

Adam Bielan

Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

(2025/2169(INI))

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1 (d) a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

(da). reverse the recent weakening of Directive (EU) 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence1a so that its scope and enforceability are strengthened again, in particular in view of the persistent exploitation of migrant workers in South-East Asian supply chains; ensure that reinforced binding due diligence obligations for companies placing products on the EU market cover the entire value chain, including recruitment and subcontracting practices, and provide for effective enforcement, sanctions, civil liability and access to remedy, so as to combat forced labour and social dumping;

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1a Directive (EU) 2024/1760 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on corporate sustainability due diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and Regulation (EU) 2023/2859 (OJ L, 2024/1760, 5.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj).

Or. en

1.7.2026 A100189/7

Amendment 7

Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

on behalf of The Left Group

Report A100189/2026

Adam Bielan

Recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region

(2025/2169(INI))

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1 (d) b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

(db). conduct a new HRIA in the light of the resumption of EU-Philippines FTA negotiations; take concrete action to ensure convincing progress in labour rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular as regards independent trade union rights, in all concluded FTAs and negotiations;

Or. en