The EU has issued a statement on..........>

HONG KONG: The EU has issued a statement on Beijing's decision to implement a

new security law in Hong Kong.

- The statement does not criticise the law in explicit terms, in contrast to

pronouncements from the US State Department.

- The declaration by EU High Rep. for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell reads: "The

European Union has a strong stake in the continued stability and prosperity of

Hong Kong under the 'One Country Two Systems' principle. It attaches great

importance to the preservation of Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, in line

with the Basic Law and with international commitments, as well as to the respect

for this principle."

- "The EU considers that democratic debate, consultation of key stakeholders,

and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong would represent the

best way of proceeding with the adoption of national security legislation, as

foreseen in Article 23 of the Basic Law, while also upholding Hong Kong's

autonomy and the 'One Country Two Systems' principle. The EU will continue to

follow developments closely."