BETA


2017/2204(INI) Hong Kong, 20 years after handover. Recommendation to the Council, the Commission, and the EEAS

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead AFET SMITH Alyn (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE) ŠUICA Dubravka (icon: PPE PPE), PICULA Tonino (icon: S&D S&D), BELDER Bas (icon: ECR ECR), PAET Urmas (icon: ALDE ALDE), CASTALDO Fabio Massimo (icon: EFDD EFDD)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 118

Events

2017/12/13
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2017/12/13
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 443 votes to 95, with 84 abstentions, a resolution on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Hong Kong, 20 years after handover.

The recommendations on Hong Kong mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong handover from the United Kingdom to China on 1 July 1997. Members recalled that the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration guaranteed, and the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) stipulates that Hong Kong will maintain the autonomy and independence of the executive, legislature and judiciary for 50 years after the handover of sovereignty.

The EU is Hong Kong’s second largest trading partner after mainland China. Hong Kong is the EU’s 14th largest trading partner in goods and a key partner for trade in services.

Parliament recommended to the Council, the Commission and the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to address the following issues:

One China, but two systems : the EU and the European Parliament remain strong supporters of the ‘ one country, two systems ’ principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under China as laid down in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.

This principle is of key importance for the further strengthening of present and future relations with the EU. Members condemned the constant interference of the PRC in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, which may put at risk the long-term viability of the ‘one country, two systems’ model.

Bilateral dialogue : Parliament recommended that the EU reinforce bilateral dialogue with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on a wide range of topics and policy areas , such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, trade, investment, financial services, customs, the environment, climate change, research and education, to support the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.

Reform and elections : Parliament supported the start of a political reform process that grants the people of the SAR the right to elect and to be elected in the selection process for top leadership positions, and which reflects the majority view within Hong Kong public opinion. The Governments of Hong Kong and China must maintain their commitment and to build up momentum once again for the reform of universal suffrage in the future election of the Chief Executive and the members of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, in order to have an election system that is democratic, fair, open and transparent.

Democracy, multi-party politics and freedom of the press : Members expressed concern at the increasing harassment of opposition political parties and the refusal of the Companies Registry to register a number of pro-democracy groups. They condemned threats to the personal safety of pro-democracy politicians, including abductions and physical violence, as reported by some lawmakers.

They also expressed concern at the steady deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong, with growing pressure on the media, both print and electronic, increasing self-censorship with regard to covering sensitive issues on mainland China or concerning the Hong Kong Government, and the tightening of control over the sale of sensitive political books by monopolising ownership of almost all storefront bookshops.

EU support : Members recommended that the EU find ways to support the independence of the judiciary which is under some pressure as well as support Hong Kong’s civil society, in particular organisations that uphold universal values, promote human rights and support the independence of the judiciary and press freedom.

Tax co-operation : Parliament has asked for proposals on how to develop cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities in the area of tax transparency , including Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), the combating of money laundering and terrorist funding.

North Korea : lastly, Members noted with concern that the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea has established in its reports that Hong Kong is one of two business jurisdictions in which the lar gest share of North Korean-controlled front companies have been operating. The recalled that joint international ventures with North Korea are in violation of the most recent UN Security Council resolution (2388) and Members urged the Hong Kong authorities to address the concerns of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea.

Documents
2017/12/13
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2017/12/12
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2017/11/28
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Alyn SMITH (Greens/EFA, UK) on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Hong Kong, 20 years after handover.

The recommendations on Hong Kong mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong handover from the United Kingdom to China on 1 July 1997. Members recalled that the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration guaranteed, and the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) stipulates that Hong Kong will maintain the autonomy and independence of the executive, legislature and judiciary for 50 years after the handover of sovereignty. It made the following points in its recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

One China, but two systems : the committee confirmed that the EU and the European Parliament remain strong supporters of the ‘ one country, two systems’ principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under China. This principle is of key importance for the further strengthening of present and future relations with the EU, and it should be underlined to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and China that intervening in Hong Kong's internal affairs has the potential to undermine that principle and should therefore be avoided. Members condemned the constant interference of the PRC in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, which may put at risk the long-term viability of the ‘one country, two systems’ model.

Bilateral dialogue : Members recommended that the EU reinforce bilateral dialogue with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on a wide range of topics and policy areas, such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, trade, investment, financial services, customs, the environment, climate change, research and education, to support the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.

Reform and elections : the report supported the start of a political reform process that grants the people of the SAR the right to elect and to be elected in the selection process for top leadership positions, and which reflects the majority view within Hong Kong public opinion. The Governments of Hong Kong and China must maintain their commitment and to build up momentum once again for the reform of universal suffrage in the future election of the Chief Executive and the members of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, in order to have an election system that is democratic, fair, open and transparent.

Press freedom and harassment of opposition political parties : Members expressed concern at the increasing harassment of opposition political parties and the refusal of the Companies Registry to register a number of pro-democracy groups. They condemned threats to the personal safety of pro-democracy politicians, including abductions and physical violence, as reported by some lawmakers.

They also expressed concern at the steady deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong , with growing pressure on the media, both print and electronic, increasing self-censorship with regard to covering sensitive issues on mainland China or concerning the Hong Kong Government, and the tightening of control over the sale of sensitive political books by monopolising ownership of almost all storefront bookshops.

EU support : Members recommended that the EU find ways to support the independence of the judiciary which is under some pressure as well as support Hong Kong’s civil society , in particular organisations that uphold universal values, promote human rights and support the independence of the judiciary and press freedom.

North Korea : lastly, Members noted with concern that the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea has established in its reports that Hong Kong is one of two business jurisdictions in which the largest share of North Korean-controlled front companies have been operating. Joint international ventures with North Korea are in violation of the most recent UN Security Council resolution (2388) and Members urged the Hong Kong authorities to address the concerns of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea.

Documents
2017/11/21
   EP - Vote in committee
2017/10/25
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2017/10/05
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2017/09/27
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2017/07/11
   EP - SMITH Alyn (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in AFET

Documents

Votes

A8-0382/2017 - Alyn Smith - Am 2 13/12/2017 14:23:40.000 #

2017/12/13 Outcome: +: 344, -: 251, 0: 9
IT ES BE SE PT NL AT EL LT DE EE CZ DK CY FI BG GB LU IE HR SI MT LV RO SK HU FR PL
Total
60
40
20
18
18
21
18
18
9
73
6
19
9
5
8
15
55
5
9
10
6
6
8
23
11
11
62
41
icon: S&D S&D
150

Netherlands S&D

3

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Czechia S&D

2

Denmark S&D

2

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Latvia S&D

1

Hungary S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
59

Portugal ALDE

1

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1
3

Estonia ALDE

3

Denmark ALDE

2

Finland ALDE

1

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Romania ALDE

Against (1)

3
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
48

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
44

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
32

Sweden EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1

Germany EFDD

Against (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
15

Germany NI

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (2)

2

Hungary NI

2

France NI

2

Poland NI

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2
icon: ENF ENF
33

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

Austria ENF

4

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Romania ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2
icon: ECR ECR
56

Italy ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Greece ECR

For (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

Finland ECR

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Romania ECR

Against (1)

1

Slovakia ECR

For (1)

3
icon: PPE PPE
167

Belgium PPE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

4

Netherlands PPE

2

Greece PPE

2

Lithuania PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

3

Luxembourg PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

3

A8-0382/2017 - Alyn Smith - Am 3 13/12/2017 14:23:53.000 #

2017/12/13 Outcome: +: 338, -: 247, 0: 12
IT ES BE GB EL SE NL MT LT PT EE AT DE CY FI DK BG LU IE CZ SI FR RO HR LV HU SK PL
Total
58
37
21
53
18
18
23
6
9
19
6
16
71
5
8
8
15
5
9
18
6
63
23
11
8
12
11
40
icon: S&D S&D
144

Netherlands S&D

3

Malta S&D

3

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2

Denmark S&D

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Czechia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Hungary S&D

2

Poland S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
60

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Portugal ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1
3

Finland ALDE

1

Denmark ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Romania ALDE

Against (1)

3

Croatia ALDE

2

Latvia ALDE

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
48

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
47

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
31

Sweden EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1

Germany EFDD

For (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
15

United Kingdom NI

Against (2)

2

Germany NI

2

France NI

2

Hungary NI

2

Poland NI

2
icon: ENF ENF
30

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

Austria ENF

2

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

Romania ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2
icon: ECR ECR
53

Italy ECR

Against (1)

1

Greece ECR

For (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Finland ECR

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: PPE PPE
169

Belgium PPE

Against (1)

4

Greece PPE

2
3

Lithuania PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

3

Luxembourg PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

3

A8-0382/2017 - Alyn Smith - Recommandation 13/12/2017 14:24:42.000 #

2017/12/13 Outcome: +: 490, -: 82, 0: 17
DE IT PL GB RO FR ES AT SE BE BG NL HR SK HU CZ FI PT DK LT LV EE SI MT LU IE CY EL
Total
72
58
39
53
22
61
42
17
18
18
13
23
11
11
11
17
9
16
9
9
7
6
6
6
5
9
4
16
icon: PPE PPE
160

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1
3

Luxembourg PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

1

Greece PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
146

Netherlands S&D

3

Croatia S&D

2

Hungary S&D

For (1)

1

Czechia S&D

2

Denmark S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
57
3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Romania ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

2

Finland ALDE

1

Portugal ALDE

1

Denmark ALDE

2

Latvia ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
54

Italy ECR

1

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Czechia ECR

For (1)

1
2

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Abstain (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
46

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
15

Germany NI

2

Poland NI

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

France NI

Against (1)

2

Hungary NI

2
icon: EFDD EFDD
33

Germany EFDD

Against (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

Against (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Against (1)

1
icon: ENF ENF
31

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Romania ENF

1

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
46

Italy GUE/NGL

For (1)

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

3

Portugal GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

4

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Cyprus GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1
AmendmentsDossier
101 2017/2204(INI)
2017/10/25 AFET 101 amendments...
source: 612.246

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

committees/0/shadows/4
name
SCHOLZ Helmut
group
European United Left - Nordic Green Left
abbr
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Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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Rules of Procedure EP 159
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Rules of Procedure EP 159
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  • date: 2017-11-28T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0382&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A8-0382/2017 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
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EP
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False
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Foreign Affairs
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rapporteur
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Foreign Affairs
rapporteur
group: Verts/ALE name: SMITH Alyn
docs
  • date: 2017-09-27T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE610.883 title: PE610.883 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2017-10-25T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE612.246 title: PE612.246 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
events
  • date: 2017-10-05T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-11-21T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-11-28T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0382&language=EN title: A8-0382/2017 summary: The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Alyn SMITH (Greens/EFA, UK) on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Hong Kong, 20 years after handover. The recommendations on Hong Kong mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong handover from the United Kingdom to China on 1 July 1997. Members recalled that the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration guaranteed, and the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) stipulates that Hong Kong will maintain the autonomy and independence of the executive, legislature and judiciary for 50 years after the handover of sovereignty. It made the following points in its recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: One China, but two systems : the committee confirmed that the EU and the European Parliament remain strong supporters of the ‘ one country, two systems’ principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under China. This principle is of key importance for the further strengthening of present and future relations with the EU, and it should be underlined to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and China that intervening in Hong Kong's internal affairs has the potential to undermine that principle and should therefore be avoided. Members condemned the constant interference of the PRC in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, which may put at risk the long-term viability of the ‘one country, two systems’ model. Bilateral dialogue : Members recommended that the EU reinforce bilateral dialogue with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on a wide range of topics and policy areas, such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, trade, investment, financial services, customs, the environment, climate change, research and education, to support the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. Reform and elections : the report supported the start of a political reform process that grants the people of the SAR the right to elect and to be elected in the selection process for top leadership positions, and which reflects the majority view within Hong Kong public opinion. The Governments of Hong Kong and China must maintain their commitment and to build up momentum once again for the reform of universal suffrage in the future election of the Chief Executive and the members of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, in order to have an election system that is democratic, fair, open and transparent. Press freedom and harassment of opposition political parties : Members expressed concern at the increasing harassment of opposition political parties and the refusal of the Companies Registry to register a number of pro-democracy groups. They condemned threats to the personal safety of pro-democracy politicians, including abductions and physical violence, as reported by some lawmakers. They also expressed concern at the steady deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong , with growing pressure on the media, both print and electronic, increasing self-censorship with regard to covering sensitive issues on mainland China or concerning the Hong Kong Government, and the tightening of control over the sale of sensitive political books by monopolising ownership of almost all storefront bookshops. EU support : Members recommended that the EU find ways to support the independence of the judiciary which is under some pressure as well as support Hong Kong’s civil society , in particular organisations that uphold universal values, promote human rights and support the independence of the judiciary and press freedom. North Korea : lastly, Members noted with concern that the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea has established in its reports that Hong Kong is one of two business jurisdictions in which the largest share of North Korean-controlled front companies have been operating. Joint international ventures with North Korea are in violation of the most recent UN Security Council resolution (2388) and Members urged the Hong Kong authorities to address the concerns of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea.
  • date: 2017-12-12T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20171212&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2017-12-13T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=30489&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2017-12-13T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0495 title: T8-0495/2017 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 443 votes to 95, with 84 abstentions, a resolution on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Hong Kong, 20 years after handover. The recommendations on Hong Kong mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong handover from the United Kingdom to China on 1 July 1997. Members recalled that the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration guaranteed, and the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) stipulates that Hong Kong will maintain the autonomy and independence of the executive, legislature and judiciary for 50 years after the handover of sovereignty. The EU is Hong Kong’s second largest trading partner after mainland China. Hong Kong is the EU’s 14th largest trading partner in goods and a key partner for trade in services. Parliament recommended to the Council, the Commission and the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to address the following issues: One China, but two systems : the EU and the European Parliament remain strong supporters of the ‘ one country, two systems ’ principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under China as laid down in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. This principle is of key importance for the further strengthening of present and future relations with the EU. Members condemned the constant interference of the PRC in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, which may put at risk the long-term viability of the ‘one country, two systems’ model. Bilateral dialogue : Parliament recommended that the EU reinforce bilateral dialogue with the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on a wide range of topics and policy areas , such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, trade, investment, financial services, customs, the environment, climate change, research and education, to support the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. Reform and elections : Parliament supported the start of a political reform process that grants the people of the SAR the right to elect and to be elected in the selection process for top leadership positions, and which reflects the majority view within Hong Kong public opinion. The Governments of Hong Kong and China must maintain their commitment and to build up momentum once again for the reform of universal suffrage in the future election of the Chief Executive and the members of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, in order to have an election system that is democratic, fair, open and transparent. Democracy, multi-party politics and freedom of the press : Members expressed concern at the increasing harassment of opposition political parties and the refusal of the Companies Registry to register a number of pro-democracy groups. They condemned threats to the personal safety of pro-democracy politicians, including abductions and physical violence, as reported by some lawmakers. They also expressed concern at the steady deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong, with growing pressure on the media, both print and electronic, increasing self-censorship with regard to covering sensitive issues on mainland China or concerning the Hong Kong Government, and the tightening of control over the sale of sensitive political books by monopolising ownership of almost all storefront bookshops. EU support : Members recommended that the EU find ways to support the independence of the judiciary which is under some pressure as well as support Hong Kong’s civil society, in particular organisations that uphold universal values, promote human rights and support the independence of the judiciary and press freedom. Tax co-operation : Parliament has asked for proposals on how to develop cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities in the area of tax transparency , including Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), the combating of money laundering and terrorist funding. North Korea : lastly, Members noted with concern that the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea has established in its reports that Hong Kong is one of two business jurisdictions in which the lar gest share of North Korean-controlled front companies have been operating. The recalled that joint international ventures with North Korea are in violation of the most recent UN Security Council resolution (2388) and Members urged the Hong Kong authorities to address the concerns of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea.
  • date: 2017-12-13T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
links
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    • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=30489&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament
    • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0495 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0495/2017
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    activities
    • date: 2017-10-05T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: ŠUICA Dubravka group: S&D name: PICULA Tonino group: ECR name: BELDER Bas group: GUE/NGL name: SCHOLZ Helmut responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2017-07-11T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: SMITH Alyn
    • date: 2017-12-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
    committees
    • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: ŠUICA Dubravka group: S&D name: PICULA Tonino group: ECR name: BELDER Bas group: GUE/NGL name: SCHOLZ Helmut responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2017-07-11T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: SMITH Alyn
    links
    other
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      Hong Kong, 20 years after handover. Recommendation to the Council, the Commission, and the EEAS
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