Independent Legal Analysis of the Amendments to the Criminal Code and Recommendations on Freedom of Expression - Reports

The latest SCiDEV analysis warns that Albania’s draft Penal Code poses serious risks to freedom of expression and media independence, urging decriminalization of defamation and alignment with European human rights and rule of law standards

EAPIL Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions - Stakeholders

The European Association of Private International Law (EAPIL) Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions is focused on the analysis and promotion of the correct and effective implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1069 across the Member States of the European Union. The Directive introduces safeguards against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which pose a growing threat to freedom of expression and the rule of law. Particular attention is devoted to Articles 16 and 17, which introduce specific rules of private international law (PIL), as well as to other procedural provisions with PIL relevance. By fostering scholarly and practical dialogue, the WG aims to contribute to a consistent and coherent transposition of the Directive, enhancing the protection of democratic debate throughout the European legal space.

MFRR Summit - Safeguarding journalism, defending democracy - Reports

This year’s MFRR Summit feeds into EU Democracy Shield policy discussions and highlights journalism as vital democratic infrastructure. Drawing on MFRR’s monitoring, missions, and policy work, the event will explore five key pillars of media resilience: economic viability, safety, legal protection, AI governance, and implementation of safeguards

EU Rule of Law Report: A welcome but insufficient response to deteriorating media freedom - Article

OBCT joins MFRR partners in responding to the publication of the European Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report, urging the EU to strengthen its commitment to media freedom and the protection of independent journalism

2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter: Italy - Reports

The 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in Italy's media landscape, including regulatory reforms and funding for public service media. Concerns remain over journalist safety, legal pressures, and stalled defamation law reform

2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter: Romania - Reports

The 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights persistent challenges to media independence in Romania, including opaque political advertising, weak regulatory enforcement, limited ownership transparency, and stalled reforms to public service media governance

Organisations across Europe take part in actions against SLAPPs as Greenpeace International brings a groundbreaking legal case - Article

OBCT joins free expression organisations for the European Day of Action against SLAPPs

Challenges to the Rule of Law and Media Freedom in Montenegro - Reports

This shadow report provides an updated overview of the media landscape in Montenegro, highlighting the most pressing issues affecting the sector. Particular attention is given to political influence over the public broadcaster, the media regulator, and the broader impact of foreign actors

Shadow Report on Media Freedom in North Macedonia - Reports

This shadow report offers an updated overview of North Macedonia’s media landscape. It highlights both positive developments and persisting or emerging challenges. The report also includes a set of recommendations addressed to national authorities and EU stakeholders, urging decisive action to uphold media freedom in line with European and international standards

Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) - Support Centres

Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) is a nonprofit initiative founded in November 2022 during COP27 by Equation Campaign. Its mission is to protect frontline climate defenders—activists, scientists, journalists, Indigenous leaders, parents, and students—who often face legal, financial, and political backlash for their work.

CliDef operates through a four-pronged strategy:

1. Providing legal advice and strategic planning to help individuals anticipate and respond to legal reprisals effectively;
2. Funding and supporting local lawyers and NGOs, since pro bono legal help is scarce in many regions; 
3. Coordinating legal support, matching defenders with the right attorneys and staying involved throughout cases;
4. Building a global legal network, expanding the pool of expertise—ranging from tax and defamation to criminal defense—to strengthen climate defenders worldwide.

CliDef ensures that those fighting for climate justice are not legally outgunned by fossil-fuel interests or government power, enabling them to continue their vital work.