Brussels, 14/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on Tuesday 13 May, European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros announced the launch of a consultation process within the European Network of Ombudsmen on access to information contained in databases. This follows a complaint from a Danish journalist about the refusal of the European Commission to disclose data on beneficiaries of EU agricultural subsidies.
In 2005, a Danish journalist asked the Commission to disclose data on beneficiaries of EU agricultural subsidies. The Commission refused access, arguing that the data were confidential. It also stated that EU rules on access to documents apply to databases only if the data concerned can be easily retrieved, using existing search tools. The Ombudsman criticised the Commission for failing to provide adequate justification for its refusal to disclose the data. He also expressed concern over the Commission's practice of applying the access to documents rules only when the data can be easily retrieved. Given the vast amount of information stored in databases maintained by the EU administration, such a practice would seriously endanger the public's right of access to documents or information.
In light of the anticipated reform of the EU's rules on public access to documents, the Ombudsman has decided to consult his national colleagues in the European Network of Ombudsmen on how the issue of access to information in databases is dealt with in their respective countries. The Ombudsman himself has already proposed a general obligation for the EU administration to make new databases as easily accessible as possible. He hopes, by the end of May, to receive information from his colleagues on national “best practice” to guarantee maximum public access to information stored in databases.
The European Network of Ombudsmen was set up in 1996 to help ensure that citizens' complaints are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible. The network consists of 90 offices in 31 European countries. Within the network, ombudsmen transfer complaints to the body best placed to deal with the relevant issue, exchange information on legal issues and promote best practice.
The letter launching the consultation process is available at:
http: //http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/letters.en/20080319-l.htm (O.J.)