The European Parliament has published a study requested by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and coordinated by the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA).

“Perpetrators and methods of transnational repression and possible counter strategies” is authored by Nate Schenkkan, Independent Researcher, Zselyke Csaky, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Reform, Emile Dirks, Senior Research Associate, The Citizen Lab, University of Toronto, and Alexander Dukalskis, Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin.

Coordination was managed by TEPSA Project Officer Mathilde Chignesse and TEPSA Project Assistant Ana Leladze.

Abstract

This study examines the perpetrators and methods of transnational repression within the European Union (EU) and suggests possible counter-strategies for EU institutions. The study explains how transnational repression relates to associated issues faced by the EU, such as foreign interference, disinformation, abuse of migration frameworks and hybrid threats. Whilst the scale, scope and methods of transnational repression comprise a global phenomenon, this problem is specifically prevalent within the EU. Three case studies feature perpetrator states active inside the EU: Russia, Iran and China. In response, legal frameworks and policy responses have been developed in relevant political contexts, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and various EU Member States. The study concludes by providing recommendations for European institutions to address transnational repression.