Overview

• China has formally lifted sanctions imposed in 2021 on five current and former Members of the European Parliament and the Parliament’s human rights subcommittee.
• The move clears the way for resuming negotiations on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, halted since 2021 over the sanctions dispute.
• The sanctions were originally imposed in retaliation for EU criticism of China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other human rights issues.
• European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is expected to announce the decision, which was welcomed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
• While the sanctions’ removal signals progress, European lawmakers remain critical of China’s human rights record and market access barriers.