The report covers events in 2022, which marked the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China and the second anniversary of the National Security Law (NSL) imposition. The report underscores the continuous erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, democratic principles, and freedoms, raising concerns about China's commitment to the 'one country, two systems' principle.

Throughout 2022, law enforcement arrested individuals on national security grounds, resulting in 236 arrests under the NSL and related laws, with a 100% conviction rate. Several prominent figures were awaiting trial, including pro-democracy activists, members of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, and media figure Jimmy Lai. The colonial-era sedition law was frequently invoked, accounting for a significant portion of arrests. A European national was arrested under this law on November 1.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee, during the fourth periodic review, called on Hong Kong to repeal the current National Security Law, citing concerns about potential transfers of cases to mainland China for investigation, prosecution, trial, and sentencing. Freedom of the press deteriorated notably in 2022, with arrests of journalists and closures of independent media outlets. Hong Kong ranked 148th in the 2022 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

The report also highlights EU-Hong Kong commercial ties, emphasizing the EU's status as the largest foreign business community with 1,600 companies. The EU ranked as Hong Kong's third-largest goods trading partner, experiencing a 25.1% growth in bilateral trade in services. Despite economic challenges, Hong Kong maintained its position as the world's third-largest investment destination and fifth-largest trading economy.