The European SLAPP Contest 2026

The European SLAPP Contest is back again! With only weeks to go before the deadline for countries to install the EU anti-SLAPP law in their national legal systems and SLAPP lawsuits still on the rise, it is important that the year’s biggest legal bullies get the recognition they deserve!

Journalists, activists, human rights defenders, academics, whistleblowers and other public watchdogs work tirelessly to expose crime, corruption, and misconduct that threaten the public good. Their work is a cornerstone of our democracy. However, wealthy and influential politicians and business leaders continue to find new ways to intimidate and silence those who dare to hold them accountable. The huge personal and financial risk faced by SLAPP targets can not only prevent them from doing this important work but also acts as a warning to anyone else thinking of challenging abuses of power. This is known as a “chilling effect” and this is why we believe the European SLAPP Contest is so important: it denies SLAPP bullies the impunity they seek and shows SLAPP victims that they are not alone.

The 2026 Shortlist

People’s Choice award

Coming soon.

Meet the Jury!