In a significant move to bolster support for Tibet, the European Parliament witnessed the formal launch of the EP Friends of Tibet today on the initiative of MEP Prof. Dainius Zalimas and with the support of over 20 MEPs from all major political groups within the European Parliament.

The event was launched at the European Parliament in Brussels with the participation of 7 MEPs and Parliamentary Assistants representing a dozen EU member states despite falling on a busy day with the Holocaust memorial being observed around the same time.

MEP Prof. Zalimas from Lithuania and a long-time friend of Tibet introduced the aims and objectives of the group. He expressed his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the plight of the Tibetan people and promoting their fundamental rights on the international stage.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Zalimas stated, “The establishment of the European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet marks a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to support the Tibetan cause. We are united in our commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people and ensuring their voices are heard in the European Parliament.”

Representative Rigzin Genkhang of the Office of Tibet Brussels expressed her gratitude to everyone present at the event and said it was a big day for Tibet in the European Parliament. She then provided a brief background information on the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, including the recent earthquake in Tibet. She also talked about the CTA’s initiative to observe His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday as the “Year of Compassion”.

Additionally, Representative Genkhang briefed attendees about the upcoming 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet to be held in Tokyo in June and requested the MEPs to confirm their participation if they hadn’t already done it.

Other MEPs thanked the Chair and the Office of Tibet, Brussels, for the invitation to be part of the EP Friends of Tibet and expressed their readiness to use all instruments available to put Tibet back on the agenda of the European Parliament.

The launch of the European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet marks a significant step forward and as it begins its work; it is expected to become an important voice in the European Parliament for the promotion of peace, human rights, and the preservation of Tibet’s unique cultural identity.

The event concluded with the offering of traditional Tibetan scarves to everyone present and a renewed sense of commitment to Tibet and her people.

Vincent Metten and Melanie from ICT were also present at the launch.