EUROPEAN IMPLEMENTATION NETWORK – EIN

Pro bono tackling SLAPPs in Greece 

Pro Publico matched the European Implementation Network (EIN) with the global law firm Mayer Brown to provide pro bono legal research supporting the fight against SLAPPs and the effective implementation of freedom of expression judgments in Greece.

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies. However, across Europe, journalists, activists, and civil society actors increasingly face Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These lawsuits are designed not to win on the merits, but to intimidate, silence, and exhaust those who speak out.

In Greece, civil defamation proceedings have become a particular concern. They risk undermining free speech and contradicting long-standing case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). This is where pro bono support for freedom of expression can play a decisive role.

Strengthening freedom of expression through implementation of ECtHR judgments

The European Implementation Network (EIN) works to ensure that ECtHR judgments do not remain symbolic victories. Instead, they should lead to real change on the ground.

Based in Strasbourg, EIN supports lawyers and civil society organisations across the Council of Europe’s 46 Member States. Its mission is clear: turn human rights judgments into effective reforms at national level. In practice, this means engaging with the Committee of Ministers, supporting NGOs, and monitoring whether states comply with their obligations.

Within this broader mission, EIN launched a project focused on freedom of expression in Europe. The project addresses growing threats such as abusive defamation laws, pressure on journalists, and the misuse of civil litigation to suppress public debate. Greece emerged as a priority country due to persistent concerns around SLAPPs and the stalled implementation of the ECtHR judgment Vasilakis v. Greece.

Why EIN needed targeted pro bono legal research on SLAPPs in Greece

The Vasilakis judgment has been pending implementation since 2008. It concerns disproportionate civil damages imposed for defamation, in breach of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

To support a Rule 9 submission to the Committee of Ministers, EIN needed solid evidence. Specifically, it sought research on:

  • Civil defamation cases affecting journalists and activists

  • Patterns indicating abusive litigation

  • Reports from NGOs, media, and professional associations

  • Case law showing whether the problem is systemic

This type of research is time-intensive and requires strong comparative and analytical legal skills. For a civil society organisation, accessing such expertise can be challenging. This is where Pro Publico’s matchmaking role became essential.

Mayer Brown’s contribution: high-quality pro bono research with real impact

Mayer Brown, a leading international law firm with a strong pro bono tradition, stepped in to support EIN. The research was led by Nikoleta Kyriazopoulou, who prepared an in-depth paper analysing ten SLAPP-related civil defamation cases in Greece.

The research provided:

  • Clear summaries of relevant domestic case law

  • Identification of recurring patterns in civil defamation claims

  • A solid legal foundation grounded in freedom of expression standards

As EIN noted, “the legal quality of the document is there, so it’s reassuring to have such a partner.” The research offered a credible and well-structured overview of the issue, helping EIN better understand how SLAPPs operate in practice within the Greek legal system.

From the firm’s perspective, the collaboration was equally meaningful. Working on freedom of expression and democratic accountability aligns closely with Mayer Brown’s pro bono values and international human rights engagement.

From research to advocacy: how the pro bono work was used

The research delivered by Mayer Brown now serves as a key input for EIN’s ongoing advocacy. It supports civil society engagement with the Committee of Ministers and helps frame the discussion around the scale, nature, and persistence of SLAPPs in Greece.

While the research was prepared independently from the implementation process, it created a strong evidence base. This allows EIN and its Greek partners to:

  • Demonstrate that the problem goes beyond isolated cases

  • Argue that general measures are still required

  • Advocate for reforms preventing disproportionate civil damages

As one of EIN’s experts observed, such material is “crucial to assist the Committee of Ministers in measuring the problem and finding solutions.”

Importantly, the collaboration also clarified how clear scoping and expectation-setting are essential in pro bono projects. 

Why Pro Publico’s matchmaking mattered

Pro Publico acted as the trusted matchmaker, connecting a beneficiary with a precise legal need to a provider with the right expertise and commitment. Beyond the match itself, Pro Publico ensured a structured framework, helped manage expectations, and supported transparent dialogue between all parties.

This case illustrates how pro bono support for freedom of expression works best when legal excellence, civil society insight, and careful coordination come together.

As Pro Publico, we believe that impactful pro bono is not just about hours. It is about relevance, clarity, and long-term change.

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