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As legal expert Dr. Alexandra Hofer was invited to consult EU MP’s on what kind of sanctions and countermeasures the EU can adopt in response to 'foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation'. In contrast to others Dr. Alexandra Hofer is convinced that sanctions are not the most appropriate tool to enforce international law.

“Individuals do not only care about the costs”.

Dr. Alexandra Hofer explained to them the legal framework that applies to restrictive measures adopted by the EU. According to her, the kind of sanctions and countermeasures the EU can adopt depend on:

1. who the EU is targeting (a state or a non-state actor, including private individuals)
2. what type of action the EU is responding to (not all forms of 'interference' would justify a countermeasure)
3. what the organization’s obligations are under international law (it is important to make the distinction between acts of retorsion, internationally wrongful acts and countermeasures).

Dr. Alexandra Hofer argued that the wisest course of action is for the EU to adopt proportionate retorsions that do not harm the civilian population. This however does not mean it is politically sound. Trough her research she came to the conclusion “that sanctions are ineffective in coercing changes in behavior and therefore are not the most appropriate tool to enforce international law".

Watch the complete hearing .