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The time the European Commission takes to deal with requests for public access to documents

TA-9-2024-0172 · P9_TA(2024)0172 · PE758.046

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 26 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's resolution calls on the Commission to fix systematic delays in handling public access to documents. It backs the Ombudsman's findings of maladministration and asks the Commission to publish vaccine contracts and text messages. It says work-related text and instant messages are documents under Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and invites other EU institutions to recognise this. It asks the Commission to publish documents and statistics proactively. It warns that if the delays are not addressed by the time the new College of Commissioners is established, Parliament will consider using all available parliamentary instruments, including action before the Court of Justice.

Key points

  1. Recalls that public access to documents held by EU institutions is set out in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights and improves legitimacy and public trust.
  2. Insists the Commission must implement Article 15(3) TFEU in line with democratic principles and says transparency is fundamental to accountability and democratic scrutiny.
  3. Welcomes the Ombudsman's recommendations on recording work-related text and instant messages, recognises such messages as documents under Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, and invites other EU institutions to follow them publicly.
  4. Regrets the Ombudsman's findings of systemic and significant delays, including that in 85 % of reviewed cases the Commission did not decide within legal time limits and in 60 % the delay exceeded 60 working days, and calls this maladministration.
  5. Supports the Ombudsman's role in facilitating access and her recommendations to the Commission on correcting the situation as a matter of priority.
  6. Recalls the 2021 refusal to treat text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a pharmaceutical CEO as documents, takes note of the Ombudsman's finding of maladministration, and calls on the Commission to conduct a full search without delay.
  7. Notes many citizens' complaints about extreme delays, supports the view that access delayed is access denied, and says administrative processes should be streamlined.
  8. Recalls that restrictions on access, particularly to legislative documents, should be exceptional and limited to what is absolutely necessary, and that denials must rest on clearly defined legal exemptions with reasoned justification.
  9. Stresses that delays undermine citizens' participation, may have a dissuasive effect, and that increasing volume and complexity of requests cannot justify systemic delays.
  10. Is convinced that proactive publication of documents in the register is the best way to lower the number of requests and avoid delays and unnecessary legal disputes.
  11. Urges the Commission to correct its delays, requests immediate and full publication of all COVID-19 vaccine purchase contracts financed wholly or partially with public funds, and calls for reform of its management of access requests.
  12. Calls on the Commission to implement the Ombudsman's recommendations, publish documents and statistics on handling requests including compliance with deadlines, and publish the text messages exchanged with the CEO of Pfizer on procurement of 1.8 billion doses.

Who is affected

  • The European Commission: must correct delays, publish vaccine contracts and text messages, and report to Parliament on compliance with time limits.
  • Other EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies: invited to recognise work-related text and instant messages as documents and follow the Ombudsman's recommendations.
  • Citizens and residents of the EU: their right to access documents and to scrutinise EU institutions is the subject of the resolution.
  • The European Ombudsman: her findings, recommendations and role in facilitating access are supported.

Figures and deadlines

  • 85 % of reviewed cases: Commission did not decide within legal time limits.
  • 60 % of cases: delay amounted to more than 60 working days.
  • 1.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines: procurement negotiations whose text messages are sought.
  • 25 % increase of the price per dose: unexplained, cited in relation to vaccine procurement.
  • EUR 35 billion in public money: total cost cited for the vaccine procurement.

Legal basis: Articles 1, 9, 10, 11 and 16 TEU; Articles 15 and 228 TFEU; Articles 41 and 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.