China faces growing European backlash over ethnic unity law targeting Tibetans

Brussels [Belgium], July 12 (ANI): European leaders and lawmakers have intensified criticism of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, describing it as a measure that undermines the cultural, linguistic and religious identity of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities.

Opposition has continued to grow across Europe since the law came into effect on July 1, with politicians from multiple parties urging Beijing to repeal the legislation, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

According to CTA, the criticism follows a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on April 30, 2026, in which lawmakers overwhelmingly condemned the legislation, arguing that it promotes forced assimilation of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians and other communities. The resolution also called on China to withdraw the law.

During parliamentary debates, several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) accused Beijing of using the legislation to weaken ethnic identities. They maintained that matters such as the succession of the Dalai Lama should remain exclusively within the religious domain and rejected any role of the Chinese government in the process. Other lawmakers argued that the law restricts minority languages, erodes cultural traditions and violates internationally recognised human rights.

Representing the European Commission, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib reiterated the European Union’s concerns over the human rights situation in Tibet. She highlighted restrictions on religious freedom, preservation of Tibetan culture and identity, and called for transparency regarding the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.

The European Union had raised concerns about the legislation during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, warning about its possible extraterritorial implications, as highlighted by CTA.

Opposition has also emerged from national legislatures across Europe. Dutch, French and Belgian lawmakers urged stronger European coordination on Tibet, with calls for an EU Special Representative for Tibet and greater diplomatic engagement with Beijing over the protection of Tibetan cultural and religious rights, as reported by CTA. (ANI)

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