The European Parliament today adopted its first-ever resolution on transnational repression (TNR), marking a historic milestone in the EU’s acknowledgment of and commitment to combating — this growing global phenomenon.
The resolution, adopted by a strong majority, is based on a comprehensive study prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), which cited the Egyptian Human Rights Forum’s (EHRF) research and documentation on cases of transnational repression targeting Egyptian human rights defenders and political activists abroad. Based on EHRF’s contribution and input from other experts, Egypt was identified as one of the top perpetrators of transnational repression and featured as one of the four case studies in the study.
EHRF also submitted formal input to the AFET report and co-organised a public event at the European Parliament in June 2025 with MEP Chloé Ridel to shed light on the widespread use of transnational repression by authorities in the MENA region.
This resolution represents a significant step forward in the EU’s institutional recognition of the threats faced by exiled activists and journalists, reinforcing the need for a coordinated European response to protect those targeted beyond their borders. It also acknowledges that authoritarian repression does not stop at national borders, establishing a foundation for EU-wide preventive and accountability measures and sending a clear message that Europe stands with exiled human rights defenders and will not tolerate cross-border intimidation, surveillance, or retaliation.
📄 Read the full resolution here: European Parliament Resolution on Transnational Repression (A-10-2025-0206)
📘 Read the AFET Committee study here: AFET Study (AM-775655)
