Many NGOs focus on matters Protocols and general transparency They have celebrated The verdict issued by the EU General Court on WednesdayOne of the two agencies of the union’s court (TJUE). This suggests that the European Commission has not provided a credible explanation after refusing to provide high -level WhatsApp conversations Between Ursula Van der Leine and Faizer’s director during coronavirus infections. These will be in the purchase contracts of the Gov -19 vaccine with the pharmaceutical company.
After the ‘New York Times’, a US newspaper made a request to access the news about the news between Van Ter Lain and Faiser’s president, Albert Borla. At the time, The Commission denied this petition.
“Today’s decision This is a win for transparency And responsible in the EU. He sends a powerful message that the medieval communications are not beyond the general examination, ”the spokesperson of the ‘New York Times’ said in a statement after the sentence. The authorities are obliged Treat text messages like any other job document And criticizes the administration of the European Commission. According to the court, it cannot be confirmed that there are no documents requested by the Commission, and must be provided Trusted explanations This allows the public and the court to understand why the documents cannot be found.
“Today’s judgment clearly demonstrates that democratic transparency and responsibility should not be used behind closed doors in the EU,” MEP said Delhi Mats (Luxembourg / greens). Central Europe also says that when important decisions and contracts are made confidentially Business welfare prevails more than general benefit. Mats also participated in another judicial procedure launched in 2021 against Van Ter Lion on the transparency of vaccine contracts. In that case, the Commission released the most censored documents; The European Union Justice Court later condemned a vague character When noticing irregularities in the stated practice.
In 2022, EU Ombudsman, Theresa Anjinho, criticized the administration of the Commission before the ‘New York Times’, described him as “touching the attention of the EU.” In response to today’s verdict, Anjinho declared the following: “Court – as a guardian – the right to access the documents – the affected companies re -underlined as much as possible and a non -writer as possible. Always prepare and retain documents relating to their activities“He has asked the guardian commission to make the necessary decisions from today’s sentence and guarantee the full respect of the public to access the documents.
“This sentence again reminds us that the European Union is managed by law and its leaders are subject to Free media and a continuous study of an independent court“The victory of ‘NYT’ is the success of everyone, because this phrase will lead to more responsibility for the actions of the leaders of the EU. “For what happened.” In his opinion, transparency and accountability is essential when it comes to public health decisions, such as these agreements that affect millions of people. “We need to restore public confidence. There are open questions. And we hope it is time for the Commission Show your assurance to increase public responsibility“He said more.
The European Commission, which is two months to present the appeal, has said that it will closely examine the decision of the General Court before deciding on its next action. He has also announced plans to accept the new decision that will provide a detailed explanation in response to the original request of the ‘New York Times’. “Transparency for the Commission and President Van Ter Leyon is always very important. We will definitely fulfill the existing solid legal structure to implement our duties,” a spokesman for the Commission said.
