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The European External Action Service and the European Commission on 24 April released their latest annual report to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on political and economic developments in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), covering 2014.

Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the European Union and its Member States have been closely following political and economic developments under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The European Union adheres to a 'one China' policy and is keen that the principle of 'one country, two systems' be fully respected and implemented.

The report concludes that, notwithstanding significant challenges in 2014, Hong Kong's unique system of governance under the ‘one country two systems’ principle continued overall to serve it well. EU-Hong Kong trade, economic and cultural relations have been growing steadily. The EU is looking forward to further strengthening and expanding its relations with the Hong Kong SAR.

The EU reiterates its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and rights in Hong Kong and its attachment to the introduction of universal suffrage.

As a stakeholder in Hong Kong's future, the EU supports the wish of the Hong Kong people to have a high degree of political participation and a genuine choice in the Chief Executive election of 2017 and thereafter. 

The EU hopes that, through constructive discussions between Hong Kong's Government and its people within the framework of the Basic Law, Hong Kong will be able to reach a timely agreement on a credible, transparent and inclusive election system.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Catherine Ray: +32 498 96 99 21 - +32 2 296 99 21 -  Catherine.Ray@ec.europa.eu -  @CatherineEUspox

Maja Kocijancic: +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu -  @MajaEUspox

Eamonn Prendergast: +32 460 75 32 93 - Eamonn.Prendergast@ec.europa.eu