Newspapers in call for action on freedom of information in EU

IN an appeal to the EU Inter-Governmental Conference (IGC) for more transparency and freedom of information, European newspaper editors have declared that the time for "empty promises" is over.

An open letter published in 18 newspapers, including The Irish Times, today calls on the IGC to "open Europe now". The initiator of the appeal, Mr Arne Ruth of the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, says that there are few indications that the IGC in Amsterdam early next week will ensure democratic control of EU activities.

In an attempt to mobilise public opinion, Mr Ruth has sought the support of 17 other publications for the letter. The text, as published here, calls for greater access to documents relating to legislation, jurisdiction and the right of unconditional public access as a first principle; access to chronological records of all documents; immediate response to requests for documents, and an appeals mechanism where this is refused; and the right of EU officials to "blow the whistle" and disclose information when their broader loyalty to society tells them that this is the correct course of action.

For too long, Europe has waged war against itself in a "recurring dance of death", the text says. The success of European integration, peace and security depends on whether or not the citizens feel a part of what is happening. The IGC must respond to the demand that Europeans be guaranteed an insight into EU affairs, it says.

The list of signatories includes The Irish Times; Berlingske Tidende, Denmark; Diario de Noticias, Portugal; Dagens Nyheter, Sweden; Frankfurter Rundschau

Germany; Guardian, Britain; Helsingin Sanomat, Finland; Hufvudstadsbladet, Finland;

Kathimerini, Greece; Kurier, Austria; Liberation, France; La Libre Belgique, Belgium; Luxemburger Wort, Luxembourg; Et Pais, Spain; Politiken, Denmark; La Stampa, Italy; De Standaard, Belgium; and Der Votkskrant, Holland.

. The following is the full text of the open letter published in advance of the EU Inter-Governmental Conference meeting in Amsterdam next week by European newspapers:

Open Europe Now!

Will Europe become a Europe of the citizenry or a Europe of the political, financial and judicial establishments? This question is increasingly being asked around the Continent.

Over the centuries, Europe has waged war against itself in a recurring dance of death. The ultimate aim of European integration is to secure peace once and for all. But we are convinced that the success of the European project depends on whether or not the European citizens view the project as their own - and whether or not they have sound reasons for doing so.

The Inter-Governmental Conference must provide answers in this respect, especially an answer to the demand that EU citizens should be guaranteed insight into EU affairs.

If the European Union is to be brought close to its citizens, the following principles must be satisfied:

. Access to documents relating to legislation, jurisdiction and administration should be guaranteed as a fundamental citizen's right, not seen as a concession reluctantly bestowed.

. In the realm of public affairs, the burden of proof must lie with those advocating secrecy, not with those demanding that public affairs should be open to the public. Such access should be viewed as a basic right that does not need justifying. Secrecy should be the exception, requiring justification.

. The right of public access, therefore, must be laid down unconditionally, as a first principle. Criteria for legitimate exceptions could then follow. Such exceptions, both in their formulation and their implementation, must be conditional on the obligation to take into account the interest of free debate and public enlightenment.

. All Union institutions, administrative bodies and committees should be obliged to keep chronological records of all documents received from without or drawn up within. Such routine lists are the gateways for public access. To know what to ask for, you must know what is actually there.

. Requests for access to documents may be made anonymously and must be answered without delay. Copies shall be supplied at cost-price and electronic access shall be given free of charge. Appeals against any refusals to supply the requested material shall be examined by an independent authority.

. EU officials should be given the legal right to "blow the whistle", to disclose information, when their broader loyalty to society tells them that this is the correct thing to do.

. It is of vital importance that the right of public access to Union affairs and rules guaranteeing its effectiveness now become firmly embedded in Union law. The time for empty promises is over.