After weeks of prevarication and attempted statements on behalf of the EU - blocked by Hungary (see EUROPE 12713/30) - the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, promised on Wednesday 9 June that the EU would step up its response to the situation in Hong Kong.
In his statement, the High Representative denounced the changes to the electoral system adopted by Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on 27 May, which “are another breach of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle”, and underlined his serious concerns about the arrests of prominent democracy supporters.
Mr Borrell therefore called on China to act in accordance with its international commitments and legal obligations and to respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and its rights and freedoms. “The EU expects the Chinese and the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in the democratic process” in the city-state, he warned. The EU calls on all parties to respect the independence of the judiciary in the city-state, Mr Borrell added.
The High Representative said that the EU would continue to implement the July 2020 package (see EUROPE 12538/10), but would also step up its actions. According to Mr Borrell, the EU will increase its support for civil society and the media, promote freedom of expression, facilitate the mobility of Hong Kong citizens and monitor the trials of democracy activists in Hong Kong.
A visit by senior EU officials will be considered, according to the High Representative.
“The EU is committed to respond appropriately to the extraterritorial application of the National Security Law against any EU citizen or business”, Mr Borrell also warned.
Finally, the EU will strengthen coordination and consultation with international partners, including in multilateral fora.
These announcements partly take up the proposals that were being negotiated between the Member States to establish a joint declaration (see EUROPE 12711/11). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)