Public Access to Documents
1 April 2021 (updated 1 year, 11 months ago) // Published in printed Issue 1/2021 pp 18 – 19
Riehle_Cornelia_Neu_SW.jpg Cornelia Riehle LL.M.

In 2019, Statewatch filed a complaint to the European Ombudsman concerning Frontex. The complaint concerned Frontex’s alleged non-compliance with EU rules on public access to documents, the lack of information about sensitive documents in its annual reports, and the agency’s policy to not provide access to public documents to non-EU citizens residing outside the EU. On 3 February 2021, the European Ombudsman closed the case with the following conclusions:

  • Concerning access to public documents, Frontex agreed to update its public register of documents. Furthermore, the Agency agreed to publish the number of sensitive documents it holds that are not included in its public register.
  • Regarding requests for access from non-EU citizens not residing in the EU, the Ombudsman found no maladministration in the agency’s approach to dealing with such requests on a case-by-case basis.

News Guide

EU Frontex

Author

Riehle_Cornelia_Neu_SW.jpg
Cornelia Riehle LL.M.

Institution:
Academy of European Law (ERA)

Department:
Criminal Law

Position:
Deputy Head of Section