European Anti-SLAPP Conference 2022

20 October 2022

The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) will organise the European Anti-SLAPP Conference. It is organised under the patronage of the European Parliament and with the support of the Council of Europe, and funded by the kind support of Open Society Foundations.

Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are legal threats and lawsuits used by powerful individuals and corporations to limit freedom of expression by intimidating and discouraging journalists from gathering and publishing information on public matters. The strategy of using fully or partially unfounded lawsuits against journalists force them to invest time, money, and energy into defending themselves in courts. In the last three years, civil society organisations in Europe joined forces to counter SLAPPs which resulted in mobilising the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe into responding and countering such threats with concrete initiatives.

The aim of the conference is to examine European and national political and other initiatives against SLAPPs, to bring to light its impact on journalism and to discuss available financial and practical support for journalists targeted by SLAPPs.

The conference will bring together CASE coalition members, SLAPP victims, experts, journalists, media professionals, lawyers, policymakers, free speech advocates, academics, ombudspersons, judges, and civil society representatives.

During the conference, the CASE will announce the winners of the second ever European SLAPP Contest. The SLAPP Contest is organised annually by CASE as an opportunity to recognise the most abusive lawsuits and litigants Europe has to offer. Reflecting the wide-ranging impact of SLAPPs, the contest will award powerful individuals and corporations in six different categories: the Corporate Bully of the Year, SLAPP Politician of the Year, Litigation Addict of the Year, Bully Lawyers of the Year, International Bully of the Year, and finally the People’s Choice Award!

Date: 20 October 2022

Location: Room 1, Palais de l’Europe, Council of Europe, Strasbourg

The conference will be organised with physical presence in Strasbourg and will be livestreamed.

For latest updates subscribe to our conference newsletter, visit the conference website, or keep an eye on @ECPMF and @CASECoalition Twitter.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the European Anti-SLAPP Conference.