The conference will address the growing issue of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation)—legal actions designed to harass or intimidate individuals or groups to silence free expression and participation in public discourse.
SLAPPs undermine freedom of expression and hinder the open exchange of ideas that is essential in a democratic society. Over the past five years, civil society organizations have recorded hundreds of SLAPP cases across Europe, leading to significant advocacy efforts. These efforts have mobilized European institutions to take action, and in 2024, Europe has been introducing its first comprehensive legal frameworks to counter SLAPPs. These include the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on Countering SLAPPs and the EU’s anti-SLAPP legal package.
The main objective of the conference is to introduce these newly adopted legal instruments to a broader audience. Discussions will focus on legislative and policy frameworks as well as governmental initiatives aimed at implementing and adapting these standards at the national level. The event will also feature testimonies from SLAPP victims and showcase the ongoing work of CASE and other civil society organizations in their efforts to battle SLAPPs across Europe.
Attendees will include high-level representatives from the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the European Parliament, as well as members of the CASE coalition, targets of SLAPPs, legal and media professionals, policymakers, journalists, academics, and advocates for free speech. This diverse group of stakeholders will come together to explore ways to strengthen legal protections against SLAPPs, promote public awareness of the issue, and ensure the protection of freedom of expression and public participation in Europe.
The conference will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussions on the next steps in the fight against SLAPPs, helping to shape a more resilient and protective legal environment across Europe.
For futher information, visit the conference’s website
The conference full agenda is availble on Sched portal
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