Moldova’s media targeted by SLAPP - Article

SLAPPs, or vexatious lawsuits, often target media outlets that engage in investigative journalism. Moldova is no exception. We discussed the issue during a recent workshop in Chisinau

This article has been first published by OBCT, also available in ITA

North Macedonia: Appeal court ruling on Investigative Reporting Lab a worrying setback for media freedom - Article

A recent defamation decision by the Court of Appeal in North Macedonia against the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL) is a worrying development for media freedom in the country, which should be overturned on further appeal, the partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) said today

Towards Stronger Anti-SLAPP Protections in Romania - Article

Growing awareness of SLAPPs in Romania has spurred new legislative and civil society initiatives. Yet, their success will hinge on coordinated action to protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression

From Survivor to Defendant – How the law is being weaponized to silence victims of sexual violence - Reports

Index on Censorship's latest report examines how SLAPPs are being used to silence survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. It highlights the urgent need for legal and policy reforms to protect survivors’ right to speak out and uphold freedom of expression

Bulgaria: Press Freedom Undermined by Political Polarisation and Delayed Reforms - Article

Media freedom in Bulgaria faces entrenched challenges in a climate of political polarisation and legislative inertia, with urgent action needed by government and public authorities to push forward both domestic and EU-mandated reforms, a coalition of international press freedom organisations said today

Bulgaria: Mission to examine media freedom and independent journalism - Article

OBCT joins international coalition for media freedom mission to Bulgaria

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