Brussels – On the occasion of the 40th EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held on 13 June in Chongqing, China, the European Union has reaffirmed that the selection of religious leaders should happen without government interference and in accordance with religious norms – including for the succession of the Dalai Lama. The EU also demanded that China provides “transparent and reliable information” about the 11th Panchen Lama, who has been missing for 30 years.

Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director at the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), stated: “We welcome the EU’s clear position on the Dalai Lama’s succession and the Panchen Lama. Now, the EU must move from words to action by ensuring that Chinese officials involved in such religious interference are considered for listing under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.”

This renewed stance from the EU comes just weeks before the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, on 6 July 2025 – a moment that should be one of celebration for Tibetans and Buddhists worldwide. Yet inside Tibet, as documented in a new ICT report, even publicly acknowledging the Dalai Lama’s birthday remains a dangerous act. Tibetans have been detained, harassed, and imprisoned simply for possessing his image or organizing prayer ceremonies in his honor.