On April 8 The Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) held a crucial in-person strategy meeting in Brussels, bringing together advocates, civil society groups, and legal experts from across Europe. The gathering provided an opportunity for members to assess the progress made over the past year in the fight against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), review the effectiveness of ongoing efforts, and plan for the year ahead. The discussions were centered around strengthening national responses, ensuring the transposition and implementation of European anti-SLAPP standards, and fostering deeper collaboration between countries and civil society actors to combat SLAPPs in all their forms.
The meeting featured working group sessions on legal, advocacy, and campaign strategies, where participants critically examined the goals set in 2024, evaluated successes, and identified challenges. A major focus was on creating ambitious yet achievable objectives for 2025 to ensure that SLAPP victims are better protected under European law. The discussions also underscored the need for coordinated actions to tackle SLAPPs at both the EU and national levels, leveraging the power of regional networks like CASE and its members.
BCSDN was represented by Simona Mladenovska, Policy and Advocacy Officer and co-author of From Silence to Strength: A Regional Response to SLAPPs in the Western Balkans. She shared valuable insights on the regional context of SLAPPs. Additionally, Uroš Jovanović, representing Civic Initiatives, a BCSDN member organization, introduced the SLAPP.rs web page, a crucial tool in Serbia for SLAPP-proofing cases and raising awareness about SLAPP tactics. Their contributions underscored the importance of regional cooperation in tackling the unique challenges faced by civil society in the Western Balkans.
In addition to the strategy sessions, the meeting also marked the European SLAPP Contest 2025, where the winners were announced in various categories, each shedding light on the individuals and organizations that have engaged in abusive legal tactics to silence public participation. The contest honored the following recipients:
- Corporate Bully of the Year: Clean Tech International (Romania)
- SLAPP Politician of the Year: Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture (France)
- Farcical Threat of the Year: Signature Clinic (UK)
- International Bully of the Year: Energy Transfer (US/Netherlands)
- SLAPP Addict of the Year: ENI (Italy)
These categories underscore the diverse nature of SLAPP abuse, from corporate giants to political figures, each using legal actions to intimidate, harass, and silence critics. The Corporate Bully of the Year and SLAPP Politician of the Year awards highlighted the political and economic power behind some of the most prominent SLAPP cases.
The event not only celebrated the creativity and resilience of those standing up against SLAPPs but also served as a powerful reminder that the fight against SLAPPs is far from over. By exposing these cases and pushing for stronger protections, CASE members remain committed to ensuring that SLAPPs are not used to silence free speech and public participation across Europe.