A new overview published by the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) shows that the deadline for EU Member States to transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive has passed with uneven implementation across Europe, raising concerns about the level of protection available to journalists, activists, and civil society actors facing abusive lawsuits aimed at silencing public participation. While some Member States have advanced legislative reforms, others continue to lag behind, leaving significant gaps in protection mechanisms and access to safeguards against strategic litigation. The developments are particularly relevant for enlargement countries in the Western Balkans, where SLAPPs increasingly affect investigative journalists, watchdog organisations, activists, and independent media operating in already fragile civic space environments. As EU accession processes place growing emphasis on rule of law, media freedom, and fundamental rights, alignment with Anti-SLAPP standards is becoming an important benchmark for democratic resilience and protection of public participation across the region. Read more here.
Source: CASE Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe