Where the law stands, Dossier 2026/2703(RSP)
New Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 30 April 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 30 April 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
30 April 2026 · decision 3
Foreign affairs, Resolution
New Chinese law on ‘ethnic unity and progress’ and the intensified suppression of ethnic identities
Adopted 439 for · 52 against · 71 abstained by a large majority
AI summary:The text condemns forced Sinicisation, restrictions on minority languages, interference in cultural and religious life, and all forms of forced labour, urging China to repeal or amend the law.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
No change of substance: the two versions differ only in presentation — cover page, numbering or the parts a report carries that the adopted text does not.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The resolution now frames the issue in terms of international law and EU-China relations, and adds calls for sanctions and prisoner releases. It drops specific references to Tibet and the Dalai Lama succession, and instead urges suspension of extradition treaties and a UN report. The new text also adds a call for the EU to activate its human rights sanctions regime against officials.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 30 Apr 2026
AI summary:The European Parliament strongly condemns China's repressive assimilation policies and the new Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress, which restricts cultural, religious and linguistic freedoms.
Tabled for plenary· 29 Apr 2026
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0216/2026
AI summary:Parliament condemns China's repressive assimilation policies and the new 'Ethnic Unity and Progress' law, urging its repeal and an end to discrimination against minorities.
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0234/2026
AI summary:This resolution condemns China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress as forced assimilation, violating minority rights, and calls for its reversal and international scrutiny.
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0232/2026
AI summary:This resolution expresses grave concern over China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, warning it risks legitimising forced assimilation and violates China's constitution and international obligations.
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0214/2026
AI summary:This resolution denounces China's new law on 'ethnic unity and progress', which could erode ethnic identities and undermine minority rights.
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0223/2026
AI summary:Parliament condemns China's new Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress, which it says promotes assimilation and restricts cultural, religious and linguistic freedoms. It urges China to repeal the law and calls on the Council to use the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against responsible officials.
Tabled for plenary· 27 Apr 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0233/2026
AI summary:This resolution condemns China's new law on 'ethnic unity and progress' for suppressing minority identities, particularly Tibetan, and calls for its repeal and the release of detained individuals.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
30 April 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 30 Apr 2026 Motion for a resolution B10-0214/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0216/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0223/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0232/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0233/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0234/2026Adopted text TA10-0152/2026
29 April 2026
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
Sitting of 29 Apr 2026 Motion for a resolution B10-0214/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0216/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0223/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0232/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0233/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0234/2026
29 April 2026
3 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2026/2703(RSP)