This presentation analyzes Regulation 1049/2001, defining the principles, scope, and limitations regarding the right to access European Union documents. It covers the broader normative framework, including the Aarhus Convention, the Whistleblower Directive, and relevant case law, while outlining anticipated legal trends for 2025. The discussion spans transparency in legislative procedures, such as trilogues and impact assessments, alongside administrative procedures and specific exceptions for protecting decision-making. Finally, it addresses the challenges of digital document access, external relations, and the complexities of related litigation.
e-Presentation | November 2025 | Learning time: 43 minutes
e-Presentation by Daniel Sarmiento, Professor of EU law, University Complutense of Madrid.
The presentation examines the transparency of EU trilogues within the context of CJEU case law, highlighting how the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter have elevated access to documents to a fundamental right. It details the legislative framework, including Regulation 1049/2001, while emphasizing the mutual responsibility of the Parliament and Council to maintain transparency during the law-making process. The speaker explains the inner workings of trilogues and the critical importance of public access to these negotiations to ensure democratic accountability. Finally, the talk references specific legal challenges, such as Case T-163/21, to address ongoing issues regarding the disclosure of "working documents" and the protection of legislative procedures.
e-Presentation | November 2025 | Learning time: 25 minutes
e-Presentation by Emilio De Capitani, former Head of Parliamentary Committee Secretariat, Visiting Professor – Department of Law at Queen Mary University of London, Brussels.
This presentation examines the intersection of technology and law, focusing on how digital tools, illustrated by the "Pfizergate" example, reshape legal contexts and regulations. It analyzes the implementation of transparency mechanisms and evaluates how the design and scope of document registers impact user accessibility. The session concludes by identifying current systemic problems and proposing a strategic way forward for digital legal frameworks.
e-Presentation | November 2025 | Learning time: 34 minutes
e-Presentation by Sofia Heikkonen, Doctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki.
e-Presentation | May 2014 | Learning time: 34 minutes
Robert O'Donoghue
e-Presentation | October 2013 | Learning time: 25 minutes
Prof Adam Cygan
e-Presentation | May 2013 | Learning time: 45 minutes
Dr Adam Łazowski
e-Presentation | May 2013 | Learning time: 52 minutes
James Killick
e-Presentation | May 2012 | Learning time: 31 minutes
Simon Malynicz