Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001550/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Dainius Žalimas (Renew), Mariusz Kamiński (ECR), Hannes Heide (S&D), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Bruno Tobback (S&D), Verena Mertens (PPE), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew)
On the 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, we are deeply concerned over his abduction by the Chinese authorities on 17 May 1995. Thirty years on, no information about his whereabouts has been provided. This ongoing disappearance raises serious concerns about the Panchen Lama’s well-being and the safety of other Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
In light of this, we would like to ask the following questions:
- 1.Has the EU engaged with China to press for clarification on the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, and what outcomes have been achieved?
- 2.Does the VP/HR plan to bring up the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama during the upcoming EU-China strategic dialogue, and what concrete actions are being pursued to ensure accountability for his abduction and the broader violation of religious freedoms in Tibet?
- 3.The Chinese Government has expressed its intention to interfere in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, disregarding Tibetan traditions and violating religious freedom. In response, the United States introduced the Tibet Policy and Support Act of 2019, affirming that only the Tibetan Buddhist community can decide on the Dalai Lama’s succession. What is the EU’s position on this issue?
Submitted: 16.4.2025