'Big Win' For European Transparency – MEP

A Labour MEP has announced "groundbreaking" legislation to make EU institutions more transparent and accountable.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Nessa Childers MEP welcomed the measures, which she said would give EU citizens the right to know how their national ministers vote when meeting behind closed doors in Brussels.

"What we are talking about is a right that allows citizens to make sure that MEPs are accountable, the Commission is accountable, and, equally, the Council of Ministers," Ms Childers said.

She added: "A lot of people feel detached from the EU. By opening up what goes on in Brussels and making things more transparent, we will be making a start in combating the apathy and mistrust which a lot of people feel about the EU and its institutions.

"It will also destroy the myth that unpopular measures from Brussels are 'imposed' on the EU countries without the consent of their national governments.

Similar to Freedom of Information legislation extant in Ireland and UK for domestic Governments, Ms Childers said European citizens will also have the right to request any document held by an EU institution, including documents received from any national governments.

This will also apply to the European Court of Justice, the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank.

"This extra transparency was strongly opposed by the EPP Grouping of MEPs, which includes Fine Gael, who in a heated debate before the vote compared pro-transparency advocates to criminals and argued that citizens should not be influencing decision-making.

"This is a huge success and step forward for EU citizens and democracy, as it puts an end to potential backroom deals."

(DW)