Belgium Backs Tibetans’ Right on Dalai Lama Succession

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot told Parliament that the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be decided by the Tibetan Buddhist community without interference from secular authorities. The remarks came after MP Els Van Hoof raised China’s attempts to influence the recognition of the future Dalai Lama and the impact of China’s Ethnic Unity Law, which took effect on July 1, 2026. Prévot said Belgium shares concerns over religious freedom and cultural rights in Tibet and will continue raising Tibet with Chinese officials and within EU-China human rights channels.