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Exclusive | European Union again drops plans for measures related to China’s Hong Kong actions

  • A source familiar with the matter said the conclusions had been removed from the agenda of a preparatory meeting on Wednesday
  • A draft document seen by the Post shows a broader set of measures to be taken in response to ‘far-reaching electoral changes imposed on Hong Kong’

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The European Union has been forced to drop plans for measures and statements related to Beijing’s tightening of control in Hong Kong. Photo: Shutterstock
Finbarr Bermingham
For the second successive month, the European Union has been forced to drop plans for measures and statements related to Beijing’s tightening of control in Hong Kong, after failing to gain the endorsement of 27 member states.

A source familiar with the matter said the conclusions had been removed from the agenda of a preparatory meeting on Wednesday. They were expected to be adopted at one of two meetings of the EU’s 27 foreign ministers to be held on Thursday and next Monday.

Last month, Hungary blocked conclusions on Hong Kong in response to the ongoing roll-out of sweeping national security legislation and Beijing’s electoral reform for the city. Officials worked up a new set of conclusions for May’s events, but they met the same fate.

A draft document seen by the South China Morning Post shows a broader set of measures to be taken in response to “far-reaching electoral changes imposed on Hong Kong”, which “run counter to the commitments to greater democratic representation through universal suffrage as the ultimate aim for the selection of the chief executive” of Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong announces more electoral system changes to block opposition

Hong Kong announces more electoral system changes to block opposition

Twelve measures were laid out by the EU, including a “full review” of relations with Hong Kong and discussing with member states on the “implementation of their extradition treaties” with China.

Others were coordinating the EU’s positions on Hong Kong with partners at the United Nations and Group of 7, scrutinising the rule of law in the city and responding to extraterritorial application of the national security law against EU citizens.
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