Austria moves forward with anti-SLAPP law as Burgenland asbestos scandal deepens

Austria has introduced draft legislation implementing the European Union’s directive against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), aimed at shielding journalists and activists from intimidation litigation. The proposal empowers courts to quickly dismiss abusive legal actions, grant compensation to targeted parties, and impose penalties on claimants. Non-governmental organisations welcomed the proposal, whereas the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber warned of potential negative consequences for businesses.

Concurrently, regional officials in Burgenland face scrutiny over delayed decisions regarding extensive asbestos contamination. Decades of mining serpentinite rock containing naturally occurring asbestos has resulted in contaminated gravel and road materials distributed across parts of Austria and neighbouring Hungary, triggering a backlog of unacted-upon expert assessments.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Presse