The European Parliament announced that the institution's President Roberta Mezzola informed her colleagues today about China's decision to lift sanctions imposed on MEPs and their families, BTA reports.
In March 2021, Beijing introduced restrictions against 10 individuals and four organizations from the European Union, including five MEPs and the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights. The sanctions included a ban on entry to China and led to the severance of official relations between the EP and the Chinese authorities.
According to the Parliament's announcement, in September last year, China took steps to normalize relations, followed by a series of meetings at various levels. They culminated in Beijing's decision to lift sanctions against MEPs and the EP's institutional structures.
“The decision marks an important step towards restoring parliamentary dialogue with China“, the European Parliament notes.
“Our relations with China remain complex and multifaceted. Engagement and dialogue are the best approach“, said Roberta Mezzola. She stressed that the European Parliament will continue to be a strong defender of human rights and fundamental values worldwide, seeking a principled and clear engagement with its global partners.