It was Germany and France, which have driven Europe's response to the crisis in Hong Kong forward. On the previous Thursday, both countries have introduced a proposal in the Political and Security Committee of Council in each member state with an Ambassador is to represent. In earlier times, all have looked first to the British, but the sit not at the table. The discussion on the proposal that was just submitted, orally, preceded by surprisingly quickly. As the foreign Ministers came together in Brussels on Monday, there was a General agreement about the course.
Thomas Gutschker
Political correspondent for the European Union, Nato and the Benelux countries, based in Brussels.
F. A. Z.The high representative for foreign Affairs Mr Josep Borrell spoke afterwards of a double message, with the answer to the "draconian" security law from Beijing. The citizens of Hong Kong be assured that you are on their side, for their autonomy and fundamental freedoms'm going to use. And in China, the message "that the recent actions have changed the rules. This will require a Review of our approach and will clearly affect our relations“. On demand of the Spaniard Borrell spoke of the measures that would be taken at European and national level. Some member States could announce "in the next few days," appropriate national steps.
Specifically mentioned Borrell four points. Three of them were proposed by Germany and France, as foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) was confirmed after the meeting. Both countries want to restrict exports of security-related goods. Because it comes to tear gas, rubber bullets and surveillance technology, such as diplomats explained. The EU arms embargo against China since the Tiananmen square massacre of 1989, to allow such exports in the past. It is only a rough guiding framework, several States have interpreted that they "can not execute deadly weapons" more. How Maas made it clear, to make the States in the future, no more exemptions for the special administrative region; Hong Kong should not be treated differently than mainland China. Thus, the EU is the consequence of this is that Beijing has given the security law, the direct rights of Intervention in Hong Kong.
in Addition, to facilitate the entry and residence conditions for citizens of Hong Kong. In many EU member States, you get already very easy for a tourist visa, but this is limited in time. Here, each state may meet for a more generous treatment. Of course, the opposition can apply for asylum. However, the States rely on other forms of stay. Therefore, you want to – the third point – for students, scientists, artists and journalists is to promote scholarships in Europe. Behind it is the hope that China could adjust its rigid course, if it came to a "brain drain" is. The UK alone has made the three million citizens of Hong Kong who are entitled to a British overseas passport, a renewable One-year visa with the prospect of. This led to a furious reaction in Beijing.
Date Of Update: 14 July 2020, 10:19
