Greenpeace International has filed a lawsuit against U.S. pipeline company Energy Transfer in a Dutch court, the environmental group said on Tuesday, adding it was the first test of a new European law aimed at curbing lawsuits intended to silence rights activists.

Greenpeace has filed an anti-intimidation court case against a U.S. energy company suing the environmental organization for hundreds of millions

Greenpeace International has filed a lawsuit against U.S. pipeline company Energy Transfer in Dutch court, marking the first test of a new European law aimed at preventing lawsuits that silence watchdog groups.

A significantly large civil trial in North Dakota over events nearly nine years ago is set to start later this month in Morton County.Energy Transfer Partners, owners of the Dakota Access Pipeline, is suing Greenpeace International for $300 million in damages stemming from protests over the pipeline’s construction.

The lawsuit is believed to be the first case to test new EU rules adopted to protect civil society organizations and journalists from abusive litigation.

Greenpeace sues Energy Transfer in Dutch court over SLAPP lawsuits, aiming to protect free speech and prevent financial harm linked to Dakota Access protests.