Today, President Metsola informed the Conference of Presidents of the decision of the Chinese authorities to lift the sanctions against any Member (as well as their families) and Committees of the European Parliament.
“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure that every Member of this House can exercise their mandate freely, without restrictions,” President Metsola said. “Our parliamentary committees must be able to discuss European interests with their Chinese counterparts without fear of repercussions. Our relationship with China remains complex and multi-faceted. The best way to approach it is through engagement and dialogue.”
The sanctions, imposed by China in March 2021, targeted five Members of the European Parliament and the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights.
The Conference of Presidents reiterated that the lifting of sanctions does not mean the European Parliament will overlook persistent challenges in EU-China relations. Parliament will remain a strong defender of universal human rights and fundamental values worldwide while seeking to engage with global partners in a principled and clear-eyed manner.
Background
On 22 March 2021, China imposed sanctions on 10 EU individuals and 4 entities, including five MEPs and the European Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee. The sanctions, which banned the affected from entering Chinese territory led the European Parliament to halt all official dialogue with China.
In September 2024, China began seeking to re-establish communication. Multiple meetings took place since the Autumn 2024 at various levels, culminating in a 2025 Chinese decision to lift the sanctions affecting Members of the Parliament and its committees.
Useful links
Press release, May 2021: MEPs refuse any agreement with China whilst sanctions are in place
EP resolution of 2 April 2025 on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024
EP resolution of 24 October 2024 on Misinterpretation of UN resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan, October 2024
EP resolution of 10 October 2024 on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
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