Building on EU-Hong Kong ties for peace
Vincent Piket says the EU's foreign policy of promoting democracy and peace finds a home in Hong Kong, where bilateral ties have been strong
Today is Europe Day, the anniversary of the declaration by Robert Schuman, the former foreign minister of France, which is seen as the symbolic start of the integration of the formerly divided and war-torn European continent.
It is an opportunity to celebrate the European Union's achievements in promoting democracy, human rights, peace and prosperity on the continent. For that, the EU was awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. We see this great honour as a call not only to commemorate our past achievements but also look forward to how we can take this work further.
In today's Europe, democracy is a constant work in progress; it needs to be valued and protected. We share a responsibility to safeguard democracy, not just on our own continent, but around the world. Since 2009, the EU high representative Catherine Ashton has led the European External Action Service to this purpose.
Through its work, the EU promotes its values around the world. We have made human rights the silver thread that runs through EU foreign policy, assisting democratic transitions around the globe and helping minorities, social groups and non-governmental organisations voice their concerns.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to global challenges, the EU is able to bring under one umbrella all elements of our external action - diplomatic, political, trade, development and humanitarian aid, as well as military training. This allows us like no other country or international organisation to address all dimensions of a crisis and sow the seeds of deep democracy and prosperity.
We are also tackling new challenges such as the freedom and security of cyberspace, education, energy and water security, and climate change.