The sanctions were imposed by Beijing in March 2021 in response to EU criticism of the treatment of the Uyghur minority in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. The measures affected, among others, MEPs Michael Gahler, Raphaël Glucksmann, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Miriam Lexmann, and former parliamentarian Reinhard Bütikofer. They were banned from visiting China and conducting business with Chinese entities.
In response to the Chinese sanctions, the European Parliament decided at the time to suspend all official talks with China and to halt the ratification of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). This investment agreement was intended to give European companies better access to the Chinese market.
The lifting of the sanctions was announced this week by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament. She emphasized the importance of parliamentarians being able to carry out their mandate freely and engage in discussions with Chinese officials and politicians without fear of repercussions. Metsola indicated that the relationship with China remains complex and multifaceted, but that dialogue and engagement are the best approaches.
Although the sanctions against the five MEPs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights have been lifted, other Chinese sanctions remain in effect. For example, Belgian parliamentarian Samuel Cogolati remains sanctioned due to his resolution labeling the treatment of the Uyghurs as genocide.
The recent rapprochement between Brussels and Beijing comes at a time when the United States, under President Donald Trump's leadership, has imposed high import tariffs on Chinese products. These trade measures have prompted China to strengthen ties with other trade partners, including the EU.
The lifting of the sanctions is seen as an attempt by China to improve relations with the EU and potentially revive the investment agreement. Nonetheless, the European Parliament remains critical and stresses from Strasbourg that lifting the sanctions does not mean overlooking the ongoing challenges in EU-China relations.
The European Commission continues to pressure China to further open its markets, particularly in sectors such as medical equipment. Additionally, several investigations have been launched against Chinese companies due to dumping and unfair trade practices.