Brussels, 04 July 2025: In an Op-Ed co-signed by 34 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) from four major political groups (EPP, S&D, Renew Europe and Greens/EFA) have called on the People’s Republic of China to respect the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists and cease all efforts to interfere in the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

This initiative published by EUObserver on the eve of His Holiness’ birthday reflects a strong cross-party consensus within the European Parliament in support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has shared a long and meaningful relationship with the European Parliament, having visited it on seven occasions and met with successive Presidents and Members.

The unified stance taken by MEPs from across political spectrum signals growing recognition with the EU of the broader geopolitical and moral implications of China’s intensifying repression in Tibet. This initiative reinforces previous resolutions of the European Parliament and aligns with international efforts by other democratic nations that have issued similar statements and/or enacted legislation opposing Chinese interference in Tibetan religious matter.

Welcoming this powerful expression of solidarity and principled stance, Representative Rigzin Genkhang expressed deep gratitude to the lawmakers for their collective voice in standing up for the right of the Tibetan Buddhists across the world to choose their spiritual leaders in accordance with Buddhist traditions without interference by any government, let alone an authoritarian atheist regime.

-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels