Moldova - September 2026

On 24 September, Moldova’s Parliament passed a legislative package designed to provide stronger protection for individuals targeted by strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). These reforms seek to protect journalists, activists, civil society organizations, researchers and other persons exposed to lawsuits aimed at discouraging public engagement, criticism, advocacy or investigative reporting on matters of public interest. The package introduces safeguards against abusive litigation, including mechanisms for the early dismissal of unfounded claims and penalties for abusive plaintiffs. The legislation goes beyond the requirements of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive by extending protections to domestic, as well as international cases. The law is scheduled to enter into force twelve months after it is published in the Official Gazette.

Sources: Parliament of Moldova, Juridice Moldova