THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Greenpeace has initiated a legal challenge against a U.S. energy firm, which is pursuing the environmental organization for hundreds of millions of dollars. This marks the first significant implementation of a new European Union directive aimed at combating baseless lawsuits that seek to intimidate and silence civil society organizations.

In an effort to counteract Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), the European Commission introduced protective measures last year designed to limit such lawsuits’ reach beyond its borders. The energy company in question, Energy Transfer, is demanding $300 million from Greenpeace in North Dakota, stemming from protests organized by the group in 2016 near the Standing Rock Reservation. The protests were a striking response to concerns held by environmental organizations and Native American tribes regarding potential risks of oil spills contaminating the water supply for the tribes.

Currently, Greenpeace, based in Amsterdam, is seeking a ruling from a Dutch court that would require Energy Transfer to compensate them for the ongoing legal battles concerning the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline.

“Greenpeace is confronting a highly damaging lawsuit that aims to deter us and other civil society groups from executing our missions,” stated the organization’s legal representative, Daniel Simons.

The recently introduced regulations would empower courts in the 27 EU member countries to dismiss SLAPP lawsuits imposed by foreign entities and can mandate those companies to cover the legal expenses incurred by the attacked organizations.

In their legal action, Greenpeace is requesting the Amsterdam District Court to classify the U.S. legal actions as a SLAPP, which would compel Energy Transfer to issue a public acknowledgment of this status and provide damages.

Energy Transfer has until July to submit a response to this legal case.