Macao Special Administrative Region: Annual report 2011

Since the handover of Macao to Mainland China 12 years ago, the European Union and its Member States have closely followed political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). In order to fulfil the 1999 commitment to the European Parliament an annual report is issued on developments in Macao. This is the tenth report, covering developments in 2011.

The European Union's relations with Macao are based on common values, a European heritage and shared interests in economy, environment, education and culture. During 2011, bilateral relations have developed further within the framework of the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation signed in 1992.

The EU acknowledges the satisfactory implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy during 2011 in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR. The fundamental rights and freedoms of Macao's people have been respected. The EU hopes to see further progress towards greater democracy in Macao in the framework of its Basic Law and the wishes of the people of Macao.