Honourable Financial Secretary Paul Chan,
Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng,
Consuls General,
Distinguished guests
Dear friends,

-    It is my honour and great pleasure to welcome you to Europe Day 2025.

-    I would also like to acknowledge the presence of Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, President of the Legislative Council Mr. Andrew Leung and Convener of the Executive Council Mrs. Regina Ip. Thank you very much for joining us this evening!

-    On Europe Day, we celebrate the historical achievement that is the European Union, and the values underpinning our union. This year’s Europe Day carries particular significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration that started the European integration process.

-    It is wonderful to be able to host you this evening at the incredible Hong Kong Maritime Museum. Its impressive collection reminds us that the geographic distance that separates us has never been an obstacle. Today - EU-Hong Kong relations are close, broad and deep.

-    Why Close? The EU is a major trading partner of Hong Kong, with a trading relationship worth 67 billion EUR or over 588 billion HKD and EU investment in Hong Kong was at 82 billion EUR last year. Furthermore - We remain the largest non-Chinese foreign business community in the city ahead of Japan, the US and the UK. And for over half of the EU companies present in Hong Kong, their office is also the regional HQ.

-    Why Broad? EU citizens and companies are not concentrated in one sector. They are present in all walks of life – yes finance, business, transport and logistics but also retail, food and beverage, construction, engineering, arts, academia and environmental services. If I may say so immodestly, EU nationals thereby contribute to Hong Kong’s dynamism and success.

-    And Deep? While the EU Office was only established in 1993, the EU and its Member States have built up long-standing relationships with Hong Kong over many many years.

-    I have only been in HK for 8 months. So - what are my personal impressions?

-    There is a well known Cantonese proverb: “The Pearl is covered with straw”. Indeed often this is very true in life. But it is certainly not true about Hong Kong.

-    Hong Kong is even at first glance, truly the Pearl of the Orient and one of the world’s great cities with its outstanding natural beauty, its unique man-made wonders and its open, enterprising and international society. In my first months here I have also greatly appreciated the openness the administration has accorded me  – Dear Secretary – I thank you for always making time in your busy agenda for the EU,  I have enjoyed the enriching interactions with the business community and of course the hospitality of the Hong Kong people. 

-    The EU Office has been contributing to strengthening further our close ties with a plethora of initiatives and people-to-people exchanges.

-    These range from Speak Dating to mark the European Day of languages. I was amazed to see how many Hong Kongers wanted to engage in some of the 24 EU languages.

-    It reminds me of Nelson Mandela’s famous statement: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in HIS language - that goes to his heart”.

-    I will try hard to improve my Cantonese too!

-    I also had the pleasure of opening the European Union Film Festival. As many of you know, I have a passion for movies. Hong Kong has a proud history. Just the other day Maria Jose and I went to see “In the mood for love” which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Truly magical. If you have not seen it – go see it – if you have seen it – go see it again. And Hong Kong clearly has enormous potential to once again thrive on the movie scene. For our Film Festival - it was wonderful to see so much interest in the wide offering from EU countries. We will soon launch the EU-Asia Documentary Festival.

-    And we also held the first Study in Europe Fair last November at the Metropolitan University Hong Kong. As often said, not all classrooms have four walls and increased travel and people-to-people exchanges are vitally important. We need to engage more not less.

-    These are just a few of the highlights. And let me underline – they are all “Team Europe” initiatives – meaning the EU office along with close collaboration of EU Consulates and cultural institutes. We really are living the motto of the EU – United in Diversity!

-    A strong focus of our engagement has also been and will remain the existential issue of sustainability and the green transition. The EU and Hong Kong share the same goal – striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. I am very grateful that Chief Executive John Lee will again join us to open the Green Way conference on sustainability on 23 June.

-    In the years to come, we aim to strengthen our existing ties and explore new avenues for cooperation that will benefit both sides, whilst upholding universal values.

-    On the latter, it is clear that, as with all good friends, we do also sometimes raise issues on which we disagree. The EU will continue to offer any critique in a constructive manner – because we care about Hong Kong and wish to contribute to Hong Kong remaining unique and successful.

-    We believe that going forward, in particular as Hong Kong seeks to transform itself into an innovation hub, it is vital that Hong Kong nurtures and not harms one of the most important pillars of its success – having an open, vibrant and international society – Hong Kong’s uniqueness. We will actively support this.

-    Ladies and Gentlemen, in a fast-changing world, the EU is an important force. Economically, I have already mentioned our important trade & investment relations and large business presence. More broadly- the EU is the world’s second largest economy, largest trading block and the primary trading partner for more than 80 countries. In short - the EU represents one of the most open economies worldwide and will continue to support multilateral rules and the World Trade Organisation.

-    Indeed globally we are staunch supporters of the rules based international order which has laid the foundations for the peace, stability and growing prosperity that we have all enjoyed in the past decades. The ongoing illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been raging on for over three years, remains a stark reminder of the importance of respect for international norms and values. Might can never mean right! The EU, the largest supporter of Ukraine, remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace which can only be achieved through strength.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

-    Hong Kong has long been at the crossroads between East and West. This evening to celebrate Europe Day, we bring you a crossroads of a different kind.

-    We have again invited the EU Consulates-General and Chambers of Commerce to contribute to what we call a “Carrefour de l’Europe” or “Crossroads of Europe”.

-    I am sure I don’t have to encourage you to visit in a moment the stalls, which the EU Member States have generously set up, where you can taste delicacies and discover cultural treasures from all over the EU.

-    And perhaps we can also entice you to stay a bit longer with our lucky draw, which will happen on this stage at 7:15pm. Upon your arrival you have received a number – hold on to it tightly, I promise it will be worth it. We have received fantastic prizes from our sponsors, ranging from concert tickets with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta or tickets for Ocean Park to see An An and Ke Ke, a tantalizing driving experience with the Ferrari Owners Club of Hong Kong to the fantastic prize of two business class ticket flights to Europe with Cathay Pacific! And I congratulate Cathay Group for not only ordering 150 new Airbuses but also Cathay Pacific for starting three new direct flights to Europe from this summer – including to Brussels! May I also use this opportunity to thank our platinum sponsors without which this evening would not have been possible: in addition to Cathay Pacific also Pastoret and Santander. I also thank our other sponsors, who will appear throughout the evening on our LED wall.

-    I would like to thank again the Consulates General of the EU Member States for their support to tonight’s event.

-    A massive thanks to all the fabulous EU Office team who work tirelessly but always with good humour and to whom I owe so much during these first 8 months. I may often be the face but you dear colleagues are the beating heart of the EU here in HK. You are all awesome!

-    And to close – a massive shout-out to my wonderful wife Maria-Jose. As the actor Jim Carrie said “Behind every (great) man is a woman rolling her eyes”. Thanks for being such a rock and so supportive.

-    With that – Happy Europe Day and I would like to wish you all an enjoyable evening. Thank you!