European Union

Political and economic relations

The EU and Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)

EU-Macao relations are based on a 1992 Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The European Commission’s 1998 Communication “Building a comprehensive partnership with China” , which supported Macao’s high degree of autonomy, was followed by a 1999 Communication “The EU and Macao: beyond 2000” which underlined the importance of smooth implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and set out ways in which the EU could contribute to Macao’s political and economic development. The European Commission issues annual reports on developments in Macao SAR, the most recent of which was on 10 May 2012.

Trade & Cooperation Agreement

The European Union's relations with Macao are based on common values, a European heritage and a shared interest in areas such as the economy, the environment, education and culture. Relations have developed under the framework of the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation signed in 1992 between the EU and Macao.

Enhancing cooperation between the EU and Macao is a key goal, as well as the focal point of discussions at the annual EC-Macao Joint Committee Meetings. The last one was held on 29 June 2011 in Macao and it was the tenth meeting since China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macao on 20 December 1999. These annual bilateral meetings are an effective way for both sides to discuss issues of common interest, global challenges and ways to enhance further cooperation.

The 17th European Union-Macao Joint Committee meeting was held in Brussels on 4 December 2012, in accordance with Article 16 of the Agreement for Trade and Co-operation between the European Economic Community and Macao of 15 December 1992. This was the 11th annual meeting since China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) was headed by Mr. Gerhard Sabathil, Director for North East Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service; and the Delegation of the Macao SAR was headed by Ms. Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Administration and Justice. Both sides reiterated their appreciation for the annual bilateral meeting as an effective forum to discuss issues of common interest and ways to further closer co-operation.

EC Macao Joint Committee Meeting Press Statement:

2012 Joint Press Statement pdf - 12 KB [12 KB]