The European Parliament and European Union (EU) member states on Thursday (30/11) approved draft new regulations intended to protect journalists and activists from excessive legal challenges used to silence public criticism.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X, formerly Twitter, that she welcomed the agreement to “protect those who try to reveal uncomfortable truths”.
These excessive legal suits are often known as SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. SLAPP essentially aims to intimidate critics with burdensome legal action.
Even though the lawsuits sometimes seemed doomed to failure, media and NGOs were often forced to back off for fear of long and expensive legal battles.
This new rule will allow someone who is the target of a SLAPP to request a speedy dismissal by the court.
The court may also decide to make the plaintiff cover the costs of the trial, particularly the legal costs of the person facing the lawsuit.
The European Commission first proposed the draft rules in April 2022 to combat lawsuits like this, and expressed concern over the increasing use of the procedure.
The commission also recommended that European Union countries not recognize or transfer SLAPP cases to non-EU countries, such as the UK.
Many wealthy litigants flock to London – dubbed the “libel capital” of the world – to bring cases in their favor under British law, which often weighs against journalists.
The agreement still needs to be formally approved by the European Parliament. (ab/uh)