In this opinion piece signed by 34 Members of the European Parliament, the authors call on the European Union to take a stronger stance in support of Tibetan religious freedom and against Chinese government interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama.

They highlight the Dalai Lama’s commitment to non-violence, dialogue, and the Middle Way Approach seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet within China, and argue that Beijing’s policies of assimilation, including the boarding school system and attempts to control the reincarnation process, threaten Tibetan identity and culture.

The MEPs call on the EU and its Member States to issue a joint statement affirming that the selection of Tibetan Buddhist leaders must take place without state interference and according to religious traditions, and to consider sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chinese officials involved in such interference. They also urge China to resume meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Dalai Lama, based on the 2008 Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable path towards peace and stability in Tibet.

List of signatories: Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS (Lithuania, S&D) Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (Lithuania, Renew Europe) Saskia BRICMONT (Belgium, Greens/EFA) Per CLAUSEN (Denmark, GUE/NGL) João COTRIM DE FIGUEIREDO (Portugal, Renew Europe) Sebastian EVERDING (Germany, GUE/NGL) Michael GAHLER (Germany, EPP) Hanna GEDIN (Sweden, GUE/NGL) Markéta GREGOROVÁ (Czechia, Greens/EFA) Hannes HEIDE (Austria, S&D) Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (Lithuania, EPP) Ondřej KOLÁŘ (Czechia, EPP) Andrey KOVATCHEV (Bulgaria, EPP) Miriam LEXMANN (Slovakia, EPP) Reinhold LOPATKA (Austria, EPP) Erik MARQUARDT (Germany, Greens/EFA) Sara MATTHIEU (Belgium, Greens/EFA) Liudas MAŽYLIS (Lithuania, EPP) Verena MERTENS (Germany, EPP) Luděk NIEDERMAYER (Czechia, EPP) Rasmus NORDQVIST (Denmark, Greens/EFA) Danuše NERUDOVÁ (Czechia, EPP) Maria OHISALO (Finland, Greens/EFA) Leoluca ORLANDO (Italy, Greens/EFA) Urmas PAET (Estonia, Renew) Kira Marie PETER-HANSEN (Denmark, Greens/EFA) Chloé RIDEL (France, S&D) Majdouline SBAÏ (France, Greens/EFA) Jonas SJÖSTEDT (Sweden, GUE/NGL) Villy SØVNDAL (Denmark, Greens/EFA) Bruno TOBBACK (Belgium, S&D) Dainius ŽALIMAS (Lithuania, Renew Europe) and chair of the EU Parliament Tibet Friendship Group Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ (Czech Republic, EPP) Milan ZVER (Slovenia, EPP)

The resolution welcomes the resumption of contacts between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities following the March 2008 unrest and calls on both sides to intensify dialogue with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable political solution for Tibet.

It also expresses concern over China's continued human rights violations in Tibet, condemning the arbitrary arrests and detention of Tibetans following the 2008 protests and calling for an end to the "patriotic re-education" campaign.

It further urges the Chinese authorities to release Tibetan political prisoners and human rights defenders detained after the March 2008 uprising (except those convicted of violent crimes), to respect human rights and minority rights, and to honour the commitments made in connection with hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.

In this declaration, the EU expresses serious concern over Nepal’s deportation of 18 Tibetan asylum seekers, including eight minors, to China.

The EU states that the forced return of asylum seekers without access for UNHCR violated humanitarian principles and international law.

It regrets that appeals by EU missions in Kathmandu to release the individuals and process their cases in accordance with established procedures were not followed, and reiterates that respect for international norms and human rights is a fundamental element of EU cooperation with Nepal.

In this statement, the European Union welcomes the fifth round of talks between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Government and expresses strong support for the continuation of dialogue.

The EU hopes that both sides "will be willing to address in good faith substantive issues in order to find pragmatic solutions which can contribute to a peaceful and sustainable settlement for Tibet that both sides agree upon."

In this statement, the European Union welcomes the fourth round of talks between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Government held on 30 June and 1 July 2005 in Switzerland.

The EU expresses strong support for the continuation of dialogue and calls for serious negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Tibet issue agreed upon by both sides.

In this declaration, the EU condemns the executions of two Tibetans, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, following death sentences issued in connection with the 2008 Lhasa unrest.

The EU reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty and recalls that it had previously called for the commutation of death sentences imposed on Tibetans involved in the unrest. While recognising China’s right to prosecute those responsible for violence, the EU raises concerns over whether due process and fair trial guarantees were respected and calls on China to commute all death sentences related to the Lhasa riots.

The EU also renews its broader call for China to abolish the death penalty and establish a moratorium in line with UN General Assembly resolutions.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament, the EU HR/VP states that:

-The EU raised concerns about China’s Counter-Terrorism Law during the public consultation process and after its adoption, warning that its vague definition of terrorism could be used to target ethnic and religious minorities, including Tibetans. The Commission notes that the Chinese authorities did not provide a formal response to these concerns.

-HR/VP Mogherini raised the issue directly with senior Chinese officials, stressing the EU’s concerns about the law’s definition of terrorism and the need for China to comply with international law.

-During the 2015 EU–China Human Rights Dialogue, the EU raised the situation in Tibet, asking what measures China intended to take to address underlying grievances, including restrictions on the freedom to practice Tibetan religion and culture.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-002309-15), the EU HR/VP states that

-The human rights situation in Tibet was raised during the 33rd and 34th EU–China Human Rights Dialogues, including concerns about the rights of Tibetans, restrictions on religious and cultural freedom, individual cases, and the underlying grievances that have contributed to self-immolations.

-The EU Special Representative for Human Rights visited the Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai in 2013 and followed up during a second visit in 2015 by raising questions with the Chinese authorities about developments in monasteries and the situation of self-immolators, their families, and communities.

-The EU is aware of increased state control over Tibetan monasteries, including the permanent stationing of government and Party officials in monasteries and the reported closure of several monasteries in Driru County, issues which were also raised by the EU Special Representative during his visit.

-HR/VP Mogherini is kept fully informed of developments in Tibet.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-000218-16), the EU HR/VP states that the human rights situation in Tibet is systematically raised with the Chinese authorities through the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue. She notes that the EU has raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of religion and culture, as well as the underlying grievances that have contributed to Tibetan self-immolations.

She also highlights visits by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to the Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai, during which concerns about developments in monasteries and the treatment of self-immolators, their families, and communities were discussed with Chinese authorities.

She further notes that the EU systematically raises the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council, with specific reference to Tibet and Xinjiang.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-000233-16), the EU HR/VP states that the EU has called on Chinese authorities to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, including their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, to practice their religion, preserve their culture, and use their own language.

She also notes that the EU has urged China to allow unrestricted access for foreign diplomats and journalists to Tibetan autonomous areas.

She further reiterates the EU’s support for the resumption of dialogue between Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama on the basis of the Middle Way Approach.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-000798-18), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the promotion and protection of human rights remains an integral part of the EU’s engagement with China.

She highlights that, during the 19th EU–China Summit and the subsequent EU–China Human Rights Dialogue in June 2017, the EU raised concerns regarding the human rights situation in Tibet, including restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, the demolitions at Larung Gar Academy, and the expulsion of monastic individuals.

She notes that the EU called for the release of Tibetan activists, writers, and religious figures detained in connection with the exercise of their human rights, and confirms that it will continue to urge China to respect human rights in accordance with international obligations.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-001299-19), the EU HR/VP states that the EU is monitoring the situation in Tibet and has consistently called on China to respect the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including in Tibet and Xinjiang.

She notes that, during the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue in April 2019, the EU raised concerns regarding the situation in Tibet, including women’s rights and reproductive rights in the context of China’s former one-child policy.

She confirms that the EU will continue its bilateral engagement with China on these issues, as well as monitoring developments related to reproductive rights and women’s rights in Tibet.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-006541-17), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the EU raised concerns over the human rights situation in China, including restrictions on freedom of expression and the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang, during the EU–China Summit and subsequent EU–China Human Rights Dialogue in June 2017.

She highlights that, during the Human Rights Dialogue, the EU raised concerns regarding freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, the demolitions at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, and the expulsion of monastic individuals in Tibet. She also also notes that the EU called for the release of individuals detained in connection with the exercise of their human rights, including Tibetan activists, writers, and religious figures, and confirms that the EU will continue to urge China to respect human rights in line with international obligations.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 5 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-002786/2020/rev.1), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the EU has repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and minority rights in Tibet, including during HR/VP Borrell’s Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in June 2020. He highlights that the selection of religious leaders should take place without government interference and in accordance with religious norms, noting that China’s revised regulations on religious affairs raise concerns in this regard. The Commission further recalls that, in the framework of the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue, the EU has repeatedly called on China to respect the succession process of the Dalai Lama and confirms that it will continue to follow the issue closely.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 5 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-000811/2020), the EU HR/VP states that the EU has repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and called on China to respect the rights of persons belonging to minorities, particularly in Xinjiang and Tibet.

He notes that, in the framework of the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue, the EU has consistently expressed its expectation that China respect the succession process of the Dalai Lama in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist norms, a position also reiterated during the 2019 Human Rights Dialogue. He states that the EU will continue to express its position on this matter.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by a Member of the European Parliament (Question E-005249/2015), EU Commissioner Malmström on behalf of the European Commission states that the human rights situation in Tibet is systematically raised with Chinese authorities through the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue.

He notes that Tibet was also raised by HR/VP Mogherini during the EU–China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on 5 May, and that references to the human rights situation in Tibet are regularly included in EU statements during sessions of the UN Human Rights Council.

The Commissioner further clarifies that the EU–China Investment Agreement is not considered the appropriate instrument to address the situation in Tibet, given its limited scope.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 9 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-005903/2020), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that he EU has "clearly and repeatedly expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Tibet in bilateral contacts with China and in multilateral fora.

He highlights that the EU raised its concerns with China in different frameworks, including at the UN Human Rights Council, the EU–China Summit and the EU–China leaders’ meeting.

He further notes that, in the framework of the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue, the EU has consistently expressed concerns regarding restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, the right to education in a minority language, and arbitrary arrests, detentions and disappearances of Tibetans, while reports of mass labour transfer schemes targeting Tibetans have added to the EU’s existing concerns.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 11 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-001329/2023), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the EU has consistently raised concerns over the human rights situation in Tibet, particularly restrictions on freedom of religion or belief.

The HR/VP reiterates that the selection of religious leaders should take place without government interference and in accordance with religious traditions. He notes that the EU has repeatedly raised the issue of the succession process of the Dalai Lama with Chinese authorities, including in the EU–China Human Rights Dialogue and at high-level political meetings, and confirms that it will continue to reiterate its position as needed.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 12 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-001705/2021), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the EU condemns torture and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment and continues to call on China to respect its human rights obligations, including the rights of minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang.

The Commission notes that EU leaders have repeatedly raised the situation of Tibetans with Chinese authorities and that the EU has called for the release of those detained for exercising their fundamental rights, as well as for fair trials and protection from torture and ill-treatment in detention.

The EU confirms that cases of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and ill-treatment will continue to be raised in bilateral and multilateral engagements with China.

In this answer to a parliamentary question tabled by 10 Members of the European Parliament (Question E-006975/2020), the EU HR/VP on behalf of the European Commission states that the EU has repeatedly raised concerns over the human rights situation in Tibet, including restrictions on religious freedom, minority language education, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and reports of mass labour transfer schemes targeting Tibetans. The Commission reaffirms the EU’s commitment to combating forced labour and promoting the ratification and implementation by China of relevant International Labour Organization conventions. It also notes that, under the EU–China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, China committed to continued efforts to ratify ILO conventions on forced labour, and that the EU will call on China to uphold this commitment. Any EU sanctions against individuals or entities would require a unanimous decision by the Council.