EU unhappy with arrests in Hong Kong, but does not intend to abandon the deal with China

The European bureaucrats have once again demonstrated that money is more important to them than empty words about human rights.

According to TASS, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said at a briefing in Brussels that the EU is deeply concerned about the arrest of 53 political activists in Hong Kong and calls for their immediate release, but believes that human rights issues should be considered regardless of the signing of an investment protection agreement with China. 

“China is a very diverse country, and we maintain a very diverse relationship with it. We are working on an investment agreement that protects EU investments in China, as well as Chinese investments in the EU. However, the EU also has a dialogue on human rights, and this is a separate area. The EU’s position on this track will be announced by Peter Stano”, – Mamer said.

In turn, Peter Stano expressed “the EU’s deep concern over the situation with the arrest of over 50 opposition activists in Hong Kong”.

“This arrest sends a signal that political pluralism is no longer applied in Hong Kong. We see a systematic violation of human rights, freedom of expression. We call for the immediate release of all detainees”, – he said.