EU may open up files

Previously secret files could become available

By Colin Blane in Strasbourg

The European parliament has approved new rules which could give the public unprecedented access to all but the most sensitive official documents.

Under the terms of the proposed Freedom of Information policy, all official papers, even confidential ones, would have to be listed on a register.

Anyone could request to see a document. And if access were denied, they would be able to appeal.

Information officers would act as referees in cases where it was felt documents ought to be released.

Many hurdles

The list of items allowed to remain secret would be very limited.

But the parliament's proposals still have important hurdles to overcome before they can take effect.

Resistance certain

A committee chaired by the British Euro MP Michael Cashman will now hold discussions with the European Commission to seek their approval for the measures.

The proposed rules would then still have to be agreed by member states.

There is bound to be some resistance to the extent of the access to information which the European parliament wants to give.

Concern has already been expressed over defence and foreign affairs documents.