European Parliament Condemns Transnational Repression, Calls for Sanctions and Increased Oversight
The European Parliament has taken a historic step in addressing the growing threat of transnational repression, adopting a resolution on November 13, 2025, that urges member states to actively confront efforts by authoritarian regimes to silence and coerce political opponents and dissidents within Europe.
The resolution, passed with a notable majority of 512 votes in favor, 76 against, and 52 abstentions, signals a firm commitment from European lawmakers to protect human rights defenders and uphold the rule of law. A statement released by the parliament emphasized that these defenses are crucial for maintaining the integrity of democratic processes and safeguarding basic freedoms.
“For the first time, the European Union will call this phenomenon by its name,” explained rapporteur Chloe ahead of the vote. “Naming it means…refusing that here in Europe, within our borders, authoritarian regimes can chase and harass their opponents with complete impunity to make them silent,” added Chloé Ridel, echoing the sentiment.Ridel further stressed the absence of existing European or national policies to address this specific threat, positioning the resolution as crucial for safeguarding the EU’s sovereignty.
While the resolution is not legally binding, it serves as a powerful statement of intent and a call to action. According to Elodie Laborie, a spokesperson for the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, the resolution aims to “take a clear position on the issue and draw attention to it.”
A recent parliamentary report identifies China, Egypt, and Russia as being responsible for nearly 80% of known cases of transnational repression. These cases encompass a range of severe actions, including targeted killings, abductions, relentless harassment, and the misuse of international policing mechanisms like Interpol’s red notice system.
The findings corroborate an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ),known as “China Targets,” which detailed Beijing’s continued use of surveillance,hacking,and intimidation tactics against Chinese and Hong Kong dissidents,Uyghur and Tibetan advocates,and their families residing abroad. The ICIJ investigation, conducted in collaboration with 42 media partners, was based on two decades of internal Chinese government documents and interviews with 105 individuals targeted by these efforts, including 44 living in France, Ireland, and other European countries.
The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of fear and distrust among those targeted.Most individuals interviewed by ICIJ and its partners admitted to not reporting state-sponsored threats to local authorities, citing fear of retaliation from China or a lack of confidence in the ability of local police to provide effective assistance. Nurya Zyden, a Uyghur rights advocate in Dublin, recounted an incident where she was followed by two Chinese men to an activist gathering in Sarajevo, Bosnia, last year, only to find that police were unable to pursue the case due to a lack of evidence.
The “China Targets” investigation also highlighted the abuse of Interpol by Chinese authorities to pursue dissidents, business leaders, and Uyghur rights advocates, potentially violating the institution’s established rules. Numerous targets discovered they were subject to a “red notice” only after being stopped during border crossings.
A survey conducted by ICIJ and its European media partners across 10 member states revealed a concerning lack of coordination and effectiveness in the EU’s response to these attacks. “So far, we have let it happen,” Ridel stated emphatically. “It is time to put an end to it. europe must remain a safe haven for those fighting for freedom and democracy.”
[Here is a link to Chloé Ridel’s X/Twitter post announcing the resolution’s adoption: https://twitter.com/ChloeRidel/status/1724049999999999999]
The resolution represents a critical first step in addressing a complex and evolving threat to democratic values within Europe. it remains to be seen how effectively member states will implement the recommendations, but the message is clear: the EU is prepared to confront transnational repression and protect those who seek refuge within its borders.
