The EU Council could adopt additional measures towards Hong Kong in the coming days, according to draft conclusions dated 30 April, seen by EUROPE on Monday 3 May.
Highlighting changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system (see EUROPE 12677/18), “the EU and its Member States have decided to endorse” a coordinated set of actions, in addition to the further implementation of measures agreed by the EU Council on 28 July 2020 (see EUROPE 12538/10). According to the draft conclusions, these actions will be “implemented at EU and/or Member State level, as deemed appropriate, in accordance with their respective areas of competence”.
The EU and its Member States should therefore undertake a comprehensive review of relations with Hong Kong in the light of the current situation. The Europeans pledge to continue to pay increased attention to the city-state’s situation in the overall EU-China relationship and to intensify dialogue with the Chinese government on Hong Kong issues.
They also intend, “when the situation allows”, to coordinate a visit of high-level representatives to Hong Kong to engage with key stakeholders.
“In case of extraterritorial application of the [National Security Law] against any EU citizen or business, the Council will respond appropriately”, the EU Council warns.
Europeans should also facilitate the mobility of Hong Kongers. To this end, they intend to coordinate on the issue of the reception of Hong Kong citizens who may be subject to repression because of their political beliefs and to support the mobility of highly skilled or competent workers, students, and young people. The Europeans will also consider suspending the reciprocity condition on the temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU in relation to Covid-19. They will also discuss, among Member States, the implementation of their extradition treaties with China.
The EU and Member States will also continue to examine the rule of law situation in Hong Kong. “The EU will maintain close vigilance with respect to the functioning of the judiciary”, the draft conclusions warn. Increased engagement with Hong Kong civil society and media, both domestically and internationally, is planned, as is the promotion of freedom of expression through support for Hong Kong artists and cultural and academic institutions.
The establishment of a new consultation platform on Hong Kong with the EU institutions, Member States, European businesses and civil society organisations is another action highlighted.
Finally, the Europeans want to strengthen coordination and consultation with a wide range of partners, including the UN and the G7. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)