16 June 2026
In a significant victory for democracy, human rights, and European security, the European Parliament has adopted a landmark report on Transnational Repression (TNR), sending a clear message that authoritarian regimes will no longer be allowed to intimidate, harass, or silence critics beyond their borders.
The report was approved by a decisive vote of 434 in favor, 128 against, and 104 abstentions, demonstrating broad cross-party support for stronger action against foreign governments that target dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, and diaspora communities living in Europe.
The report identifies transnational repression as a growing threat to democratic societies and highlights documented cases involving China, Iran, Russia, and Vietnam. Such practices include surveillance, harassment, intimidation, threats against family members, kidnapping attempts, and other coercive measures designed to silence individuals who have exercised their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and political participation.
The adoption of the report marks a historic step for the European Union. For the first time, the European Parliament has established a comprehensive framework defining transnational repression and proposing concrete measures to address it. These include strengthening protection for victims, improving cross-border investigations, closing legal loopholes, enhancing cooperation among EU member states, and imposing sanctions on perpetrators.
The report was led by German Member of the European Parliament Hannah Neumann, whose efforts, together with colleagues and civil society organizations, helped bring greater attention to an issue that has increasingly affected democratic societies across Europe.
The vote came just one week after a conference on Vietnamese transnational repression hosted in the European Parliament by MEPs Saskia Bricmont and Jonas Sjöstedt in cooperation with Viet Tan. During the event, victims and experts shared firsthand accounts of intimidation and harassment carried out across borders.
Several victims of Vietnamese transnational repression were present in Strasbourg for the vote, including journalist Le Trung Khoa, human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, activist Dang Thi Hue (Hue Nhu), and other Viet Tan advocates. Their testimonies have contributed to raising awareness of the growing threat posed by transnational repression within the European Union.
The significance of the report extends beyond individual cases. It represents a commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms and safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions. For many victims living in exile, the report delivers a powerful message: they are not alone, and democratic governments are prepared to defend their rights and security.
Transnational repression is not merely a human rights issue; it is also a challenge to national sovereignty and public security. By targeting individuals on European soil, authoritarian governments attempt to extend their reach into democratic societies, undermining the rule of law and threatening the safety of residents and citizens alike.
As Hannah Neumann stated following the vote, authoritarian regimes seek to send the chilling message that “you are nowhere safe.” The European Parliament’s response is equally clear: “You are safe, here and now.”
The adoption of the report is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. The challenge now is for the European Commission and EU member states to implement its recommendations and transform political commitments into concrete action. Effective enforcement, stronger protections for victims, and greater accountability for perpetrators will be essential if Europe is to remain a safe haven for those who seek freedom and justice.
At a time when authoritarianism is on the rise globally, the European Parliament’s decision stands as a powerful affirmation of democratic values. It demonstrates that freedom, human rights, and human dignity are not negotiable—and that repression must not be allowed to cross borders with impunity.
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