EU report shows growing focus on national security undermines fundamental freedoms in Macao

The European Commission and the High Representative have adopted today their 26th annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region. This report covers developments in 2025.

The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration signed in 1987 stipulates that the social and economic system of Macao should remain unchanged for at least 50 years under the principle of ‘one country, two systems'. However, 2025 was marked by a further erosion of fundamental freedoms and rights that are meant to be protected until at least 2049.

Former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San was arrested on 30 July under Macao's Law on Safeguarding of National Security for allegedly 'colluding with foreign forces'. This was the first arrest under this law, which was last amended in 2023 to align more closely with Mainland security legislation. Au Kam San has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest.

Independent media outlet All About Macau announced its closure in October citing ‘increasing pressure and risk' after the government had deregistered the outlet.

Macao's eighth Legislative Assembly election took place in September. 14 lawmakers were directly elected, 12 indirectly by associations in different social sectors, and seven additional lawmakers were appointed by the Chief Executive. Preceding the election, the Electoral Affairs Commission had disqualified 12 candidates for failing to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the Macao Special Administrative Region.

In 2025, the EU was Macao's second-largest trading partner in goods, amounting to €887 million and accounting for 25.3% of Macao's total trade. The EU´s foreign direct investment stock in Macao accounted for €1.68 billion.

Background

Since the handover of Macao to the People's Republic of China in 1999, the EU and its Member States have been closely following political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the ‘one country, two systems' principle.

In line with the commitment given to the European Parliament in 1999, the European Commission and the High Representative issue an annual report on political and economic developments in Macao. This is the 26th report, covering developments in 2025.

For More Information

Link to the report