Décret n° 2026-337 du 30 avril 2026 relatif aux procédures engagées contre des personnes en raison de leur participation au débat public et portant transposition de la directive (UE) 2024/1069 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 11 avril 2024 sur la protection des personnes qui participent au débat public contre les demandes en justice manifestement infondées ou les procédures judiciaires abusives (« poursuites stratégiques altérant le débat public »)

This decree implements EU rules designed to protect individuals and organizations from meritless legal actions intended to silence them. It aims to prevent 'Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation' (SLAPPs), which are often used to intimidate those involved in public debate, such as journalists, activists, and researchers. The measure affects anyone participating in public discourse in France. It introduces safeguards to identify and dismiss clearly unfounded or abusive legal proceedings, ensuring that the right to free expression is not chilled by the threat of costly litigation.