Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Annual report 2014

Since the handover of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, the European Union (EU) and its Member States have closely followed political and economic developments in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. In line with the commitment given to the European Parliament in 1997, an annual report is issued on developments in Hong Kong. This is the 17th report, covering developments in 2014.

Hong Kong is at a crucial stage in its democratic development, with unprecedented protests and more polarised and intense debates, revealing both political and socio-economic divides. The EU reiterates its commitment to strengthening democracy, including the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, fundamental freedoms and rights, transparency, and freedom of information and expression in Hong Kong.

As a stakeholder in Hong Kong’s future and in line with the Basic Law, the EU supports the introduction of universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive in 2017 and for the Legislative Council by 2020. The EU supports the Hong Kong people’s desire for a high degree of political participation and genuine choice in the 2017 Chief Executive election and thereafter. An accountable government contributes to stability and prosperity, helps to safeguard basic rights and freedoms, and serves to sustain Hong Kong’s standing and competitiveness as a key international business centre. Universal suffrage would give the government greater public support and legitimacy in reaching Hong Kong’s economic objectives and tackling social challenges.

The EU hopes that, through constructive discussion, Hong Kong will be able to reach timely agreement on an election system that is democratic, fair, open and transparent. Following this, the EU also hopes that the process for introducing universal suffrage for electing all members of the Legislative Council in 2020 will be started without delay.

While respecting the principle of sovereignty, the EU is ready to cooperate on issues relating to electoral reform, including inter-parliamentary exchanges and sharing practical experience on democratic development.