To strengthen the capacities of judicial actors to effectively address emerging challenges related to freedom of expression, particularly in the context of increasing pressure on journalists and media professionals, a training on freedom of expression and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) was held in Skopje on 28 April 2026. 

Special emphasis was placed on identifying and responding to SLAPPs, which pose a significant risk to open public debate and democratic participation. The activity was organised in co-operation with the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and brought together 30 judges and public prosecutors, with the aim of enhancing their understanding and application of European standards in this field. 
Participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering key thematic areas, including how SLAPP lawsuits can undermine freedom of expression, as well as practical examples for identifying SLAPP indicators in judicial practice. The training also explored the balance between freedom of expression and professional responsibility in journalism, highlighting the role of ethical standards and due diligence.
Discussions addressed the scope and limits of freedom of expression, with a particular focus on the application of legal principles through the analysis of case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. Through interactive exchanges and case-based learning, participants examined how European standards can be effectively applied in domestic judicial practice. This training marks the first in a series of capacity building activities in 2026, with three additional sessions to follow in Štip, Bitola, and Gostivar.
This initiative contributed to strengthening the role of the judiciary in safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring a more enabling environment for journalists, in line with Council of Europe standards. It was implemented by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression within the framework of the action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in North Macedonia”, under the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.