The nation meets eligibility criteria for the first time since it was added to the list in 1971.
Xaysana Keopimpha led a lavish lifestyle prior to his 2017 arrest at a Bangkok airport.
The EU says it raised cases of disappeared persons and urged Laos to sign a UN convention.
Losses are massive despite government anti-corruption campaigns, citizens and officials report.
But further tests are needed to determine the level of pesticide and herbicide residue in their blood.
The group was held in a room surrounded by wire fencing and forced to work under threat for long hours at little pay.
Somkot Mangnomek, governor of Xieng Khouang province, had authorized a shipment of timber without central government approval.
But workers say the raise is necessary to combat increases in living costs.
Zhao Wei says accusations his network is trafficking in drugs, people and wildlife are "unreasonable" and "malicious."
Authorities arrest two Laotians for wildlife smuggling after the endangered mammals are rescued.
Sources say the two-month-old decree is stifling civil society work.
The numbers held in captivity continue to grow despite a year-old government pledge to close the farms.
Projects are planned across many sectors, with Laos's leaders counting on economic growth to support their legitimacy.
The cross-border traffic in valuable timber continues despite government efforts to halt the trade, sources say.
Two affected provinces have already approved the plans, with two other provinces and the capital still considering them.
Lack of funds and available workers have slowed attempts to restore forest cover in the heavily logged country.
