Richard Gere, chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, addressed a conference in Riga this week, calling for European democracies to take decisive action regarding the rights of Tibetans. The event, hosted by Latvian Member of Parliament Juris Viļums, united lawmakers and civil society representatives to protest China’s upcoming Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress, which is set to take effect on July 1.
Did You Know? The European Parliament has already taken a formal stance on the matter, passing a resolution on April 30 to condemn the Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress with 439 votes in favor.
Why the Baltics are leading the call
The conference underscored a strategic show of Baltic solidarity, with parliamentarians from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia issuing a joint statement. According to ICT President Tencho Gyatso, the gathering provided a platform to expand a coalition of European nations willing to oppose what he described as China’s “unrelenting campaign of forced assimilation.” Gere drew direct parallels between the historical experiences of Baltic peoples and the current struggle for cultural survival faced by Tibetans. Tsering Yangkey, representative of the 14th Dalai Lama, noted that the declaration reflects the “unwavering admiration and love” the Baltic people hold for the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Policy goals for the European Union
Participants at the conference urged stronger EU coordination on Tibet policy, specifically advocating for the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Tibet. Dutch MP Jan Paternotte and European Parliament member Dainius Zalimas argued that such a role would insulate individual member states from political pressure exerted by Beijing. This proposal mirrors a motion adopted by the Dutch parliament in April 2025. Meanwhile, Bundestag member Michael Brand characterized the Chinese government’s current trajectory as a “global threat to stability, peace, and human rights.”
Expert Insight: The stakes of the July 1 deadline
The urgency of these diplomatic efforts is tied to the July 1 implementation of China’s Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress. Critics, including those at the Riga conference, argue this legislation codifies the forced assimilation of Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians in a way that violates both international human rights commitments and China’s own constitution. The push by European parliamentarians to pass national condemnations before the July 1 deadline suggests an attempt to create a unified legislative front to counter the policy’s enactment.
What happens next?
The coalition of 18 initial parliamentary signatories from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia is expected to grow, as organizers anticipate more MPs will join the statement in the coming weeks. If European nations move to adopt individual resolutions condemning the law, it could signal a broader shift in how the EU manages its diplomatic engagement with Beijing regarding Tibet. Additionally, the continued advocacy for an EU Special Representative remains a potential administrative hurdle for the bloc to clear in its future policy sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Joint Tibet Declaration?
The declaration calls on the international community to renew and elevate its support for Tibetan freedom and specifically urges European parliamentarians to introduce resolutions condemning China’s new law.
Why is the July 1 date significant?
July 1 is the date on which China’s Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress is scheduled to come into force, which participants describe as a turning point that codifies the forced assimilation of various ethnic groups.
What would an EU Special Representative for Tibet accomplish?
According to advocates at the conference, such a position would provide stronger EU coordination on Tibet policy and prevent individual EU member states from being pressured by Beijing for their stance on the issue.
How do you believe regional coalitions like the Baltic group influence larger European foreign policy decisions?
