EP votes through Anti-SLAPPs legislation

Today, February 27^th, the European Parliament unanimously adopted the Anti-SLAPPs Directive (also known as Daphne’s law) with 546 MEPs in favour, 47 against and 31 abstentions. This is a massive victory for media workers and their abilities to play a crucial role in European democracy, and comes after an extensive campaign from trade unions and NGOs.

As a part of the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE), Eurocadres are delighted to see our advocacy activities reach a positive conclusion, and will continue our efforts throughout the transposition process.

Such an overwhelming Parliamentary majority follows on from the agreement reached with the Council in November of 2023, with a number of necessary provisions included to deliver sufficient protection to media personnel. Following on from the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act, the 2019 – 2024 mandate has left it late, but succeeded, in taking the action so clearly needed. Having initially began our work in 2021 on this file, Eurocadres have consistently called for:

• The establishment of  minimum standards, which should protect victims while preventing and sanctioning the misuse of anti-SLAPP measures
• The prevention of ‘libel tourism’ or ‘forum shopping’ through uniform and predictable defamation rules, reform of Brussels I and Rome II Regulations
• Sanctions for the claimant if they fail to justify why their action is not abusive, rules to ensure the consideration of abusive motives even if early dismissal is not granted, and the payment of costs and damages suffered by the victim
• Financial aid for legal and psychological help for victims of SLAPPs

“Today’s agreement is a historic victory for an integral part of European democracy. Far-right and anti-democratic forces have desperately tried to infringe upon media freedom and pluralism, with a strong legislative response now delivered from Brussels”

With these assurances now given by the Commission, Council and Parliament, attention turns to ensuring the transposition reflects the needs of these workers. Reacting to the result of the vote, Eurocadres President Nayla Glaise stated; “Today’s agreement is a historic victory for an integral part of European democracy. Far-right and anti-democratic forces have desperately tried to infringe upon media freedom and pluralism, with a strong legislative response now delivered from Brussels.

Between this Anti-SLAPP Directive and the European Media Freedom Act, Europe has done what it can to alleviate the issues facing media workers, including journalists.

We will continue to work with workers throughout Europe to ensure a fair transposition in the coming months. While we celebrate the vote, many have not yet felt the benefits of the work done.

Now we must ensure that workers are sufficiently protected”.

Member States now have two years to transpose the text into national law.