The EU Council is set to approve its final reply to a confirmatory application (No 02/c/01/26) from a citizen seeking access to documents, following a unanimous agreement by the Working Party on Information. The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) is invited to adopt the draft reply without debate at its meeting on 11 February 2026, under the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to EU documents.
Procedural background
The document, an I/A item note, outlines the Council's response to a citizen's request for access to specific documents. The Working Party on Information reached a consensus on the draft reply, which now awaits formal approval by Coreper. This step is routine in the EU's transparency procedures, ensuring that citizens' requests are handled in accordance with the regulation.
Policy context
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 governs public access to documents of the European Parliament, Council, and Commission, aiming to ensure the widest possible access while protecting certain public and private interests. The Council's reply will detail the outcome of the confirmatory application, which is the second stage of the access procedure after an initial refusal.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU citizens: The decision reaffirms the right to access EU documents, though the specific outcome (grant or refusal) is not disclosed in the note. It underscores the procedural safeguards available to citizens.
- EU institutions: The Council's adherence to the regulation maintains institutional transparency and accountability, though the process may be seen as bureaucratic.
- EU transparency advocates: The case highlights the ongoing implementation of access rules, but the lack of detail on the substance may limit its broader significance.
Next steps
Coreper is expected to approve the draft reply on 11 February 2026, after which the Council will formally transmit the reply to the applicant. No further institutional follow-up is anticipated, as this concludes the confirmatory application process.