Authoritarian regimes target people around the world who stand up for freedom and justice — not only in their own countries, but even when these people have already fled into exile. Those affected report intimidation, cyberattacks, threats against family members, and massive pressure on diaspora communities. These are above all journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition voices — precisely the people we need to build a more just and democratic world.

But transnational repression means that they are safe nowhere. This strikes at the core of our democracies, because freedom of expression can only flourish without fear and intimidation. That is why we in the European Parliament are now working on a report that aims to improve protection for those affected and strengthen cooperation between EU institutions, security authorities, and Member States.

At the Berlin Freedom Conference, I presented our work and made it clear: we must stop transnational repression so that those affected can finally be safe in Europe.