Media dark computer-Photo by Gery Wibowo on Unsplash
(BRUSSELS) – The EU Council and European Parliament agreed draft rules Thursday to ensure EU-wide protection for journalists and media organisations against unfounded and abusive legal proceedings.
The new law will apply in cross-border cases and protect people and organisations active in areas like fundamental rights, the environment, the fight against disinformation and corruption investigations against abusive court proceedings intended to intimidate and harass. Cases will be considered to be cross-border unless both parties are domiciled in the same country as the court and the case is relevant only to one member state.
Defendants will be able to apply for the early dismissal of manifestly unfounded claims and in such cases the SLAPP initiators will have to prove their case is well founded. Courts will be expected to deal swiftly with such applications. To prevent abusive lawsuits, courts will be able to impose dissuasive penalties on claimants, usually represented by lobby groups, corporations or politicians. The courts can oblige the claimant to pay all the costs of proceedings, including the defendant’s legal representation. Where national law does not allow these costs to be fully paid for by the claimant, EU governments will have to ensure they are covered, unless they are excessive.
People targeted by SLAPPs could be compensated for inflicted damage. SLAPP victims will also have access to comprehensive information on support measures, including on financial assistance, legal aid and psychological support via an appropriate channel such as an information centre. Member states will have to provide legal aid in cross-border civil proceedings, ensure that final SLAPP-related judgements are published in an easily accessible and electronic format and gather data on SLAPP cases.
EU countries will make sure that third-country judgments in unfounded or abusive proceedings against individuals of institutions domiciled in their territory will not be recognised. Those targeted by SLAPP will be able to claim compensation for related costs and damages in their domestic court.
Once formally approved by the plenary and the member states, the legislation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal. Member states will have two years to transpose the legislation into national law.
Further information, European Parliament
