Brussels, 14 June 2025: The European Union and China held the 40th round of their Human Rights Dialogue on 13 June in Brussels, with EU officials criticising China’s human rights practices, particularly highlighting the situation in Tibet.

During the discussions, the EU reiterated its concerns over China’s interference in the selection of religious leaders, including the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama stressing that it should happen in accordance with religious norms.

The EU also demanded transparency regarding the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, who has been missing for 30 years after being abducted by the Chinese authorities as a child in 1995.

Multiple Tibetan voices featured prominently in the EU’s list of emblematic individual cases. The Union pressed for improved treatment and the release of several Tibetan religious figures, writers, and activists currently imprisoned, including Go Sherab Gyatso, Tashi Dorje, Anya Sengra, Tsongon Tsering, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrub, and Lobsang Gephel. The Dialogue was preceded by a field visit to South Tyrol to study regional autonomy mechanisms and models for minority protection, encouraging China to consider similar approaches in its governance.

While acknowledging China’s economic development achievements, the EU urged Beijing to pursue a rights-based approach to governance, development, and minority policy.

Representative Rigzin Genkhang of the Office of Tibet Brussels expressed deep gratitude to the EU for its principled position on the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the fate of the 11th Panchen Lama and the plight of Tibetan prisoners of conscience. “The EU’s support sustains the hopes of millions of Tibetans striving to preserve their identity, culture and fundamental freedoms,” she further continued.

The next round of the Human Rights Dialogue is scheduled to take place in China in 2026.