The Second European Anti-SLAPP Conference, held on November 14 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, addressed the growing threat of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and their misuse to suppress public participation and freedom of expression. Co-organized by the CoE, CASE, and ECPMF, the event focused on implementing key frameworks such as the CoE Recommendation and the EU Directive to counter SLAPPs. Discussions explored national anti-SLAPP initiatives, the personal and organizational toll of SLAPPs, and the urgent need for strong legal safeguards, legislative updates, and judicial training. Civil society’s role in advocacy and capacity-building was emphasized, alongside tools like the Anti-SLAPP Monitor to track progress. Representatives from BCSDN, Marija Vishinova from the Executive Office, and Uroš Jovanović from Civic Initiatives, both part of the EU Anti-SLAPP Coalition (CASE), followed the conference, highlighting its importance in defending media freedom and democratic values across Europe. Find more here.
Source: European Anti-SLAPP Conference