Overview

• The draft bill was unveiled by Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig on June 19 as part of Germany’s effort to transpose the EU’s anti-SLAPP directive.
• Under the proposal, courts would prioritize dismissal of manifestly abusive suits and could levy special filing fees on plaintiffs.
• It would allow judges to require plaintiffs to secure estimated defendants’ costs and broaden defendants’ reimbursement rights.
• After a consultation period with associations ending in August, the legislation will move to cabinet and Bundestag approval.
• The German Journalists’ Association has welcomed the initiative as essential for press freedom, though critics contend it may not go far enough.