Council of Europe launches new anti-SLAPP training to strengthen protections for journalists and public watchdogs
The programme offers practical instruction for judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and legal practitioners on how to identify and handle SLAPPs in line with European and international standards. It is built on recent legal frameworks, including Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2 and the EU’s 2024/1069 Directive, both of which set clear expectations for protecting individuals engaged in public participation from abusive legal tactics.
The Council of Europe has introduced a new training programme designed to help legal professionals counter Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), a tactic increasingly used to intimidate journalists, activists, and others engaged in public-interest reporting. Announced in Strasbourg on 10 November 2025, the initiative forms part of the Council of Europe’s broader efforts to safeguard freedom of expression across the region.
The programme provides judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and other legal practitioners with practical guidance on identifying and responding to abusive lawsuits. It is grounded in recent European standards, notably Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2 and the EU’s 2024/1069 Directive, both of which call for stronger procedural safeguards for individuals and organisations targeted for their participation in public debate. The training has already been deployed in several Western Balkan countries through the EU–Council of Europe Horizontal Facility, where it has been showcased at regional and European-level events as an emerging tool for countering SLAPP practices.
To support wider adoption, the Council of Europe has made the full set of training materials freely available. They may be adapted to national contexts, provided users inform the Council of Europe, acknowledge the source, and involve certified trainers to ensure consistency and quality. Public authorities in member states are encouraged to contact the Council of Europe’s Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression for assistance in organising sessions.
