Freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, yet legal challenges such as defamation, insult, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) continue to pose significant risks to the public debate and accountability. To strengthen domestic responses to these challenges, a three-day training on freedom of expression, defamation, insult, and SLAPPs was held from 3 to 5 December 2025 in Ohrid, gathering 20 civil judges and lawyers from across North Macedonia.

The training builds on previous initiatives, in particular on the Council of Europe Training Programme on countering the use of SLAPPs, to address current challenges in protecting freedom of expression and fostering stronger co-operation between legal professions to prevent such abusive lawsuits.

The training responds to the growing need for enhanced collaboration between judges and lawyers with journalists and media actors and provided a space for exchanges of practical experiences and perspectives in the fight against SLAPPs. The rising number of SLAPP cases - both in North Macedonia and the wider region - highlights the urgency of strengthening tools and responses to fight SLAPPs in line with European standards and Council of Europe recommendations.

Throughout the programme, participants took part in consultant-led discussions, practical group exercises, and analyses of real and hypothetical cases. The sessions provided a hands-on forum for applying European standards, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, within the domestic legal framework. Particular emphasis was placed on recognising abusive litigation, ensuring proportionate responses in defamation and insult proceedings, and safeguarding journalists and other public watchdogs from legal harassment that threatens public participation.

By working together in interactive sessions, judges and lawyers exchanged experiences, compared approaches, and built networks that will support more coherent and effective practices in their daily work. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that freedom of expression is protected consistently, in line with European standards. The training also raised awareness of recent developments in European jurisprudence, domestic legislation, and practical tools related to freedom of expression, defamation, insult, and SLAPPs.

The activity was organised by the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, under the project “Protecting Freedom of Expression and Media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX)”, part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, in co-operation with the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and the Bar Association.