BCSDN issued a press release detailing the main findings and recommendations of its latest report on the surge of Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia are among the top ten European countries for SLAPP cases, which erode basic freedoms and shrink civic space. These lawsuits, used by powerful entities to censor and intimidate critics through costly legal battles, threaten democracy and stifle public participation. BCSDN calls for transparency, inclusion, and adherence to legal provisions for consultations, urging the European Commission to ensure that Western Balkan governments respect these requirements. Effective collaboration among CSOs, governments, lawyers, judiciaries, and EU institutions is essential to combat SLAPPs. BCSDN emphasizes the need for clear definitions, specialized trainings of stakeholders, and robust support mechanisms to protect free speech and democratic engagement in the region. Join BCSDN in the fight against SLAPPs to safeguard democracy in the Western Balkans. Read the full release here.
Source: BCSDN