Reports on requests

The number of requests for public access to Eurojust documents decreased slightly in 2019, with a total of 16 requests compared to 20 in 2018. In addition, Eurojust received eight consultation requests in accordance with Article 4(4) of Regulation 1049/2001, as a third-party author of the requested document. This represents an increase compared to the two consultation requests received in 2018. No confirmatory application was received in 2019.

Of the 16 requests received, 14 concerned non-case related documents and two concerned case related documents. The requests related to 27 documents in total in the non-case related domain. Regarding this last category, the documents requested were assessed for disclosure against the exceptions laid down in the Eurojust Decision on rules regarding public access to documents (hereinafter: ‘Eurojust Decision’):

Access to 17 documents was granted in full.

Three documents were partially disclosed, after an assessment against the exceptions of the Eurojust Decision.

• In one document, the exception laid down in Article 4(2) second indent applied to it (protection of court proceedings and legal advice).

• Access to a second document was not possible because of the exception laid down in Article 4(1) (a) fifth indent (protection of the public interest as regards national investigations and prosecutions in which Eurojust assists).

• A third document was subject to the exceptions laid down in Article 4(1) (a) fifth indent and Article 4(2) second and third indent (protection of investigations).

In four cases, full access was refused.

• In one case, the exceptions laid down both in Article 4(1) (a) fifth and sixth indents of the Eurojust Decision (public interest protection and fulfilment of Eurojust’s tasks in reinforcing the fight against serious crime) and Article 4(2) second indent applied.

• Access to two further documents was refused on the basis of the exceptions laid down in Article 4(1) (a) fifth indent, and on the basis of Article 4(2) second indent.

• Finally, access to the fourth document was refused on the basis of the exception laid down in Article 4(3) (disclosure would undermine Eurojust’s decision-making process).

In three cases, Eurojust did not hold the requested documents.

Finally, Eurojust continued to update the Public Register of documents. The growing list of documents made directly available to the public via the Public Register makes it easier for citizens to access documents held by Eurojust without the need to make a formal access to documents request, and further enhances transparency and availability of information about Eurojust’s activities.

Please consult the following link for the full report on requests in 2019.