The EUObserver information site published an article on Tuesday 30 October denouncing the European Commission's lack of transparency on the WiFi4EU project. The on-line newspaper, which had submitted a request for access to documents, is criticising the Commission's unwarranted desire to keep certain information secret.
The WiFi4EU initiative aims to financially support the installation of free wireless access points in public spaces, such as libraries, parks or squares. A total of four calls for proposals were to be organised to award a total amount of €120 million. However, the first call - held on 15 May - had to be cancelled due to “a flaw in the contractor's software”. “This problem - explained Commissioner Mariya Gabriel a month later - allowed some municipalities to apply in good faith before the call opened, while preventing others from doing so once the call opened”. She announced a new call for proposals in the autumn.
However, according to EUObserver, the European Commission is reportedly reluctant to give more details on this computer bug. The newspaper, which submitted a request for access to public documents, points to an attempt by a senior official to delete from documents any reference to the technical design defect in the portal; a proposal that was subsequently rejected. It also criticises the fact that the Commission has been slow to respond to requests for access, which has reportedly even prompted the European Ombudsman to get involved. It also regrets that it took the intervention of the Secretary-General of the Commission, Martin Selmayr, to ensure that some information was no longer struck through. The journalist concluded by pointing out the large amount of information still missing, leaving the integrity of DG Connect in doubt. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)