27/02/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 27 February, MEPs validated the provisional political agreement reached by the EU Council and European Parliament on 30 November on the directive to combat SLAPPs (546 votes in favour, 47 against and 31 abstentions) (see EUROPE 13304/5). In particular, the agreement provides for the early dismissal of unfounded claims and the possibility of requiring the claimant to bear the estimated costs of the proceedings, including the defendant's legal representation and damages. Judgments handed down in third countries in unfounded or abusive proceedings will not be recognised within the EU. Legal aid will have to be provided by the Member States for cross-border civil proceedings. To see the text: https://aeur.eu/f/aku (TM)