A new report commissioned by the European Parliament is calling for the European Union to adopt a far more assertive stance against transnational repression, a form of cross-border authoritarian coercion that has increasingly targeted residents and activists within Europe. The study, which cites the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ (ICIJ) “China Targets” investigation, lays out a series of policy recommendations aimed at closing gaps in protection and accountability across the bloc.

The report, authored by experts including Nate Schenkkan and Alexander Dukalskis, warns that transnational repression is an emerging threat that blends human rights violations, foreign interference, and attacks on democratic participation. “Transnational repression bundles a lot of concerns together around human rights, security, and foreign interference,” Dukalskis said in an email. “It infringes on the rights of victims, but it also degrades democratic participation and infringes on sovereignty. Recognizing those overlaps may help facilitate a cohesive response.”

Schenkkan, the lead author, emphasized the critical role of data collection. “There is a need, broadly speaking, that there be more and better data collection on transnational repression, whether it is done at the multilateral or state level,” he told ICIJ. “The knowledge drives action, so collecting the information and disseminating it is part of the process and policy framework of forcing those other stakeholders to address the issues.”

The report identifies several key measures that the EU and its member states should implement immediately. Among them is the creation of a unified EU definition of transnational repression, alongside an internal knowledge hub to centralize information on incidents across Europe. Strengthened communication channels between national law enforcement agencies are also........

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