Ending Libel Tourism: Reform of EU Defamation law

Description of impact

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights includes a clear commitment to freedom of expression. However, the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist, in October 2017 exposed the fragility of this commitment, highlighting the need for EU anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) legislation. Research carried out by Dr Borg-Barthet, examining in detail different approaches to anti-SLAPP legislation, provided the essential evidence that was needed to underpin calls for change. His research formed the basis for the development of a common policy platform adopted by a cross-party grouping of Members of the European Parliament and a coalition of NGOs, who used the research to advocate for change and to articulate the content of future legislation. As a result, the research has influenced debate within the EU about anti-SLAPP regulation and underpinned an acceptance by the EU of the need for legislative reform.

Outcomes to Date / Future Developments

Borg-Barthet’s research has prompted the initiation of a process of legal reform related to SLAPP in the European Union to eliminate practices, which result in the suppression of investigative journalism and public interest activism. The research has influenced debate within the EU about anti-SLAPP regulation, underpinning an acceptance by the EU of the need for legislative reform. It has provided an evidence base for NGOs, enabling them to articulate the content of future legislation. Through events and online publications, it has also raised public awareness of the impact of SLAPP legislation.

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2016 → 2020