Understanding the European Parliament role in the EU response to the Hong Kong protests of 2019

The thesis explores the debates held and declarations approved by the European Parliament (EP) in regard to the Hong Kong protests unfolded in 2019 against the “Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Bill”. The proposed amendment bill threatened the “one country, two systems” principle which governs Hong Kong and China’s relations. Adopting a constructivist approach, the thesis analyses the role of the EP in EU foreign policy and its formal and informal powers. Indeed, although the EP does not possess great formal power in EU external actions, it manages to impact EU decisions using alternative strategies. Within the EU, the Parliament is the body that gives democratic legitimacy to the Community and throughout its history was able to slowly gain more influence and powers. By using a discourse analysis on the scripts produced by the EP, it is possible to examine its point of view on the matter, as well as identify the self-perception of the Parliament in EU foreign affairs. The EP employs various technics and strategies to fulfil its role as watchdog of European values and normative power among EU institutions. In its interventions about the Hong Kong predicament the EP clearly shows its disapproval of China’s actions and urges for a strong and united European stance. Its activities are in line with the identity the EP has built within the EU and international framework.