Where the law stands, Dossier 2026/2873(RSP)
Deteriorating situation of media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong following the recent arrest of bookseller Leticia Wong and the convictions of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 17 September 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 17 September 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
17 September 2026 · decision 1
Foreign affairs, Resolution
Deteriorating situation of media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong following the recent arrest of bookseller Leticia Wong and the convictions of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung
Adopted 459 for · 12 against · 86 abstained by an overwhelming majority
AI summary:Parliament adopted the text as its official position, condemning the eradication of media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong and the use of the 2020 National Security Law against journalism, publishing and peaceful political advocacy.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
No change of substance: the two versions differ only in presentation — cover page, numbering or the parts a report carries that the adopted text does not.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The new version adds calls to repeal the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to strengthen the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, and to suspend extradition treaties with China. It drops the paragraph on China breaching the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the denunciation of prosecutions as silencing independent media. It adds Jimmy Lai to the list of people whose release is urged and to the cases for the EU Delegation to monitor, and adds details on his prison sentence. It drops the call to raise Hong Kong human rights cases in every meeting with the Hong Kong side and the instruction to forward the resolution. The other changes are wording: rephrased condemnations and descriptions of the deterioration of freedoms and the arrest and conviction figures.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 17 Sept 2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the dismantling of freedoms in Hong Kong through the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and calls for their repeal.
Tabled for plenary· 16 Sept 2026
Tabled for plenary· 14 Sept 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0399/2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the arrest of bookseller Leticia Wong and the convictions of Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho under Hong Kong's National Security Law.
Tabled for plenary· 14 Sept 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0405/2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the use of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to dismantle freedoms in Hong Kong and calls for their repeal.
Tabled for plenary· 14 Sept 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0407/2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the deterioration of media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong and the use of the 2020 National Security Law against journalists, publishers and activists.
Tabled for plenary· 14 Sept 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0401/2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the arrest of bookseller Leticia Wong and the convictions of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung in Hong Kong, and calls for the release of people detained for exercising freedom of expression, association and assembly.
Tabled for plenary· 14 Sept 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0398/2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution condemns the sentencing of Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho and the arrest of bookseller Leticia Wong Man-huen under Hong Kong's National Security Law.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 2 steps
17 September 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 17 Sept 2026 Motion for a resolution B10-0398/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0399/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0401/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0405/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0407/2026Adopted text TA10-0309/2026
16 September 2026
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
Sitting of 16 Sept 2026 Motion for a resolution B10-0398/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0399/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0401/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0405/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0407/2026
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2026/2873(RSP)