Liberals criticize Europol’s refusal to disclose information under pressure from USA In response to pressure from the USA, Europol refused the European Ombudsman to disclose a report requested by Dutch liberal Sophie in ‘t Veld, ALDE vice-president (Netherlands, D66). This became evident today following reporting of the European Ombudsman, see: (ombudsman.europa.eu/cases/decision.faces/en/54678/html.bookmark). This is a flagrant violation of EU law on freedom of information and the powers of the European Ombudsman, under pressure from the United States, said In t Veld. The ALDE politician asked Europol in June 2012 for access to the report written by EU privacy watchdogs. It contains an inspection report on the implementation of the so-called SWIFT treaty by the USA. The privacy supervisors did not object to the disclosure, yet Europol denied access. In’t Veld then contacted the European Ombudsman, Emily OReilly. Europol denied O’Reilly access as well, following opposition from American side. Europol invokes agreements between the American government and the European Commission. It is shocking that an ally is trying to prevent the EU from applying its own law on access to documents. Europol now even refuses to assist the Ombudsman in the exercise of its statutory powers and duties cooperation says In t Veld. “This is the result of deals made by the European Commission with the USA, without involving the European Parliament or the Council. The rights of the citizens and democratic scrutiny have shamelessly been covered up”. Cecilia Wikström (Sweden, Folkpartiet liberalerna), coordinator of the Civil Liberties committee adds: We have to build trust between European institutions, agencies and mostly to European citizens, and transparency is an important tool in order to establish that trust. This is clearly a step in the wrong direction which is most regrettable. According to In t Veld this issue shows once more the importance of clear European rules on the confidentiality of official documents in an international context. A fully-fledged political union should come with transparency and open government. The time of secretive diplomatic deals is behind us. For that reason, the European Ombudsman made openness in governing a priority. Our citizens are out of the game, which does not contribute to the trust. If we conclude treaties, democratic scrutiny is a prerequisite. The European liberals will definitely keep a sharp eye on this important aspect when negotiating new international treaties: No control, no signature. in t Veld continues. Sophie in t Veld wrote last years Transparency report on behalf of the European Parliament and won a lawsuit against the Member States before the European Court of Justice On September 24, the D66 politician will present her Roadmap to Transparency, with concrete plans to make the European Union more transparent.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:03:26 +0000
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