According to the Parliament, people who have fled their country still face threats, surveillance, and other forms of cross-border repression within the European Union. Russia, China, Iran, and Belarus are cited in particular.
Earlier this week, a Russian artist and outspoken critic of President Putin was shot dead in eastern Poland. The 44-year-old man is suspected to have fallen victim to a targeted attack.
Protection
Members of the European Parliament believe that the current European approach falls short. They urge the European institutions and EU countries to cooperate more closely and better protect victims. More attention must be given to people seeking safety in Europe who do not always feel safe here.
Promotion
The Parliament also wants a common European definition of transnational repression. This should clarify when foreign governments or their intermediaries are guilty of intimidating or pressuring persons residing in Europe. For example, Vietnamese dissidents receive extra protection in Germany but barely any in other EU countries; meanwhile, others from different countries are better protected elsewhere.
Exiles
Journalists in exile also deserve extra protection according to the European Parliament. They are among the groups that are regularly targeted by threats and surveillance from their country of origin.
Another point of concern is the increasing use of digital tools. Surveillance and other technological instruments (such as eavesdropping) are playing an increasingly significant role in monitoring and pressuring opponents abroad, the Parliament states.
Furthermore, the Parliament points out that not only the individuals themselves are affected. Family members can also be targeted by pressure and intimidation, meaning the impact of these practices extends beyond the direct victims.
Foreign agents
A report by MEP Hannah Neumann (The Greens) advocates for stronger and better coordinated European action. The report emphasizes that the European Union must strengthen its capacity to recognize, record, and counter this form of repression.
According to the Parliament, this is not just about protecting individual victims. The practices of “foreign agents” also pose a challenge to democracy and security within the EU. Therefore, MEPs urge measures to ensure that dissidents and critics seeking protection in Europe are truly provided with safety.