Repubblika

EU Legislative Interests

Repubblika’s work is focused on defending the rule of law, promoting democratic accountability, combating corruption, and protecting fundamental rights in Malta and across the European Union. Our advocacy efforts have been directed at the European Commission, the European Parliament, and other relevant EU institutions in connection with the following legislative and policy initiatives: • EU Rule of Law Mechanism, including the Annual Rule of Law Reports (COM(2019) 343 final and subsequent reports). We engage with the Commission’s monitoring process through submissions, expert consultations, and dialogue, with the aim of ensuring an accurate assessment of systemic rule of law challenges in Malta and advocating for enforcement tools where necessary. • Proposal for a Directive on combating corruption by criminal law (COM(2023) 234 final), as part of the broader EU Anti-Corruption Framework. We support EU-level harmonisation of corruption offences and sanctions, improved transparency, and better coordination between national authorities and EU bodies such as OLAF and the EPPO. • European Democracy Action Plan (COM(2020) 790 final), particularly with regard to media pluralism, protection of journalists, and civic participation. We advocate for strong EU action against threats to independent journalism and democratic engagement. • Proposal for a Directive on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) (COM(2022) 497 final) and the accompanying Recommendation (EU) 2022/758 on the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. We are active in promoting stronger legal safeguards against abusive litigation used to silence public watchdogs, including civil society actors. • EU initiatives to safeguard civic space, including the Council Conclusions on civic space (May 2023) and ongoing work by the Commission and Parliament on strengthening the enabling environment for civil society organisations within the EU. We advocate for a regulatory and funding framework that protects public interest advocacy, especially in countries where the space for civil society is under pressure. Through these efforts, Repubblika aims to ensure that the European Union upholds its values under Article 2 TEU and applies its governance tools consistently across Member States, including Malta.

Communication Activities

Repubblika regularly undertakes public-facing activities aimed at raising awareness, stimulating civic engagement, and influencing EU policy in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, democratic values, and press freedom. These include: • Written submissions to the European Commission in the context of the Annual Rule of Law Reports, providing expert analysis of legal and institutional developments in Malta and highlighting systemic concerns; • Public campaigns and media interventions advocating for EU action on the rule of law in Malta, including press conferences, petitions, public statements, and opinion pieces in Maltese and international media; • Participation in European civil society platforms, including contributions to joint letters and position papers addressed to EU institutions regarding the proposed anti-corruption directive, the anti-SLAPP directive, and other initiatives under the European Democracy Action Plan; • Conferences and webinars, both hosted and attended, that explore EU tools for safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, including events co-organised with civil society partners and academic institutions; • Monitoring and reporting on strategic litigation and threats to journalists, particularly in cases linked to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. These include calls for implementation of the Commission’s SLAPP Directive and Recommendation on journalist protection; • Coordination of EU-funded projects, such as those under the CERV programme, which contribute to cross-border civic action and policy dialogue on issues directly linked to EU democratic values; • Publications and research outputs, such as policy reports, legal commentaries, and briefings aimed at both national and EU audiences, which contribute to informed policy debate on governance and fundamental rights in the EU. These activities form part of our broader strategy to contribute constructively to EU policymaking and to reinforce the Union’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Repubblika is an active member of civil society networks and cooperates with other organisations that share its commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and anti-corruption. These relationships are an important part of our advocacy work, including at the European level. Membership in formal networks and associations: • CHANCE – Civil Hub Against orgaNised Crime in Europe: Repubblika is a full member of the CHANCE Network, a pan-European civil society platform focused on the fight against organised crime and corruption and the defence of democratic governance. Repubblika also currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Network. • S-Com (Sustainable Communication): Repubblika is a member of the civil society consortium coordinated by S-Com, a European platform working on projects related to democracy, digital citizenship, and civic participation, including Horizon Europe and CERV-funded initiatives. • The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation: While not a formal membership, Repubblika cooperates closely with the Foundation in areas related to justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia, the protection of journalists, and the promotion of press freedom in Europe. Project-based and collaborative associations: • Repubblika is a regular participant in EU-funded projects and joint initiatives led by civil society organisations in Italy, Germany, Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium, focusing on civic education, anti-corruption, and strengthening democratic participation across Europe. • Through these projects, Repubblika has collaborated with organisations such as Libera (Italy), Between Association (Portugal), ACDD (Romania), FIADYS (Spain), and mafianeindanke (Germany). Where appropriate, we acknowledge funding and joint implementation in accordance with EU transparency standards.

Organisation Members

Our members are individuals who subscribe to annual membership, paying a fee ranging from €15 to €25 for yearly membership. We do not have any corporate memberships or affiliations.