EP urges release of Jimmy Lai and repeal of Hong Kong national security laws
Context
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 28 November 2024 addressing human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong, describing the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as serious violations of international law, fundamental freedoms and rule of law in Hong Kong. Parliament also condemned the extraterritorial application of the National Security Law and the increasing repression by Chinese and Hong Kong authorities aimed at diaspora communities in the EU.
Key Topic
MEPs demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all pro‑democracy politicians, activists and journalists sentenced on national security charges, including Jimmy Lai and Chung Pui‑Ken, and called for all charges against them to be dropped. The resolution called for repeal of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding Ordinance and urged the Council to review its 2020 conclusions and impose sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations.
What to Watch
The resolution was adopted by 473 votes for, 23 against, and 98 abstentions; MEPs urged the Council to review its 2020 conclusions and impose sanctions.
Sources
Official Documents
- General documents - Hong Kong, notably the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the national security law (28 November 2024) - Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China MEPs adopted a resolution urging sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials over national security law cases and called for repeal of the NSL and a review of 2020 EU-HK conclusions.
Latest EU trade developments
-
EU Parliament adopts tariff changes for processed poultry meat
The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading on 21 November 2012 to implement exchange-of-letters agreements with Brazil and Thailand modifying tariff concessions on processed poultry meat and to amend the EU tariff nomenclature.
Read more -
Corrigendum to EP position on firearms import, export and transit measures
The European Parliament issued a corrigendum on 30 October 2024 to its first-reading position of 23 April 2024 on a recast Regulation implementing Article 10 of the UN Firearms Protocol, covering import, export and transit measures for firearms, their essential components and ammunition.
Read more -
EU and Australia agree FTA and Security and Defence Partnership
The EU and Australia adopted a Security and Defence Partnership, concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement, and agreed to launch formal negotiations for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe.
Read more
From the same institution
-
EU envoy briefs delegation after Canada mission
Joost Korte, EU Envoy for the EU–Canada partnership, briefed the European Parliament delegation after a two‑week mission to Canada and outlined priorities ahead of a tentative autumn 2026 summit.
Read more -
MEPs back lowering most tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods
MEPs in the International Trade Committee adopted their position on two legislative proposals to eliminate most tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods, by 29 votes in favour, 9 against and 1 abstention.
Read more -
DMER mission to Argentina, 30 March–1 April 2026
The Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER) will visit Buenos Aires and Salta from 30 March to 1 April 2026 to meet national and provincial authorities, stakeholders and to visit European companies and an EU-funded project.
Read more
Similar policy actions
-
83rd TLD IPM in Washington urges de-escalation in trade tensions
MEPs and new US TLD leadership met in Washington for the 83rd Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and agreed a Joint Statement calling for de-escalation in transatlantic trade tensions.
Read more -
90th EU‑US Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue held in Warsaw
The 90th EU‑US Inter‑Parliamentary Meeting of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue took place on 14–15 June 2025 in Warsaw, with MEPs and US House members exchanging on trade, security and digital issues.
Read more -
DMER mission to Argentina, 30 March–1 April 2026
The Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER) will visit Buenos Aires and Salta from 30 March to 1 April 2026 to meet national and provincial authorities, stakeholders and to visit European companies and an EU-funded project.
Read more