EU opens infringement case against Italy for not implementing SLAPP rules

The European Commission has issued formal notices of infringement to Italy and 13 other EU members for failing to fully transpose Directive 2024/1069, which seeks to protect journalists, human‑rights defenders and civil‑society organisations from abusive strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs). The notice, a "letter of formal notice", gives the states two months to respond and detail the measures taken; otherwise the Commission may issue a reasoned opinion and refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice.

Italy records the highest number of SLAPP cases in the EU, with 21 reports, prompting concerns from press‑freedom groups about judicial intimidation. The same procedure has been opened against Greece and other countries, highlighting broader EU efforts to strengthen legal safeguards for public participation and investigative journalism.