SAR Europe contributes to European Commission public consultation concerning SLAPPs

On January 10, 2022, SAR Europe contributed to an online questionnaire as part of the European Commission’s public consultation concerning SLAPPs, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. SLAPPs have a chilling effect on academic freedom and public discourse by targeting those who speak out on issues of public interest. Researchers, scholars, and scientists increasingly find themselves in the crosshairs of strategic lawsuits, that purposefully tie the targeted parties into time-consuming and resource-exhausting litigation. These suits damage reputations and discourage scholars from contributing to public discourse. In recognition of the increased threat that strategic lawsuits pose, the European Commission has launched a public consultation to better understand the issue, and how it can be remedied. To ensure the report effectively captures challenges to academic freedom and threats to academics, students, scientists, and researchers in Europe, SAR Europe also encouraged wide participation in this consultation amongst the SAR Network.

SAR Europe is a member of the Coalition Against SLAPPS in Europe which is calling on the European Union to adopt an EU Anti-SLAPP Directive to stop SLAPPs against scholars, journalists, and other members of civil society.