15/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Member states have no veto over release of documents held by the Commission. European Ombudsman P. Nikiforos Diamandouros called on the European Commission on 15 December to release documents originating from Spain concerning the controversial construction of an industrial port in Granadilla, Tenerife. This follows a complaint from the European Environmental Bureau (EBB). The Commission explained its refusal by referring to objections to disclosure from the Spanish authorities. The Ombudsman pointed out, however, that, if member states request the Commission not to release documents it receives from them, they must give convincing arguments based on EU transparency rules. He noted that Spain has yet to provide such convincing arguments. The Ombudsman had also called on the Commission to release internal documents concerning the construction of the Granadilla port. The Commission accepted this recommendation and released the documents, thus demonstrating its willingness to improve the transparency of its procedures. (O.L./transl.jl)