Macao Special Administrative Region: Annual report 2012

Since the handover of Macao to mainland China 13 years ago, the European Union and its Member States have closely followed the political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) within the framework of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. To fulfil the 1999 commitment to the European Parliament, an annual report is issued on developments in Macao. This is the 11th such report, covering developments in 2012.

The European Union’s relations with the Macao SAR are based on common values, a European heritage and shared interests in the economy, the environment, education and culture. During 2012, bilateral relations developed further within the framework of the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation, which entered into force on 1 January 1993.

The EU acknowledges the satisfactory implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy during 2012 in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR. The fundamental rights and freedoms of Macao’s people were respected. Economic policy continued to follow market-led principles, guided by the rule of law. Promoting transperancy and good governance remained a priority on which some progress was made. Macao’s political governance system moved towards a greater degree of democracy. The EU hopes more progress will be made in this regard, eventually leading towards universal suffrage for the election of both the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly.