The European Ombudsman’s role in access to documents

Abstract

The right of public access to EU documents was formally established 30 years ago, and given widespread effect through legislation in 2001. The European Ombudsman is a redress mechanism for those seeking access to EU documents. Together with the Court of Justice, the Ombudsman has helped to define how this right can be exercised and set best practice for the EU administration in dealing with access to documents. In doing so, the Ombudsman has helped to develop how this crucial right is used to make EU decision making more transparent. The Ombudsman encourages the EU institutions to take a more proactive approach to transparency.