Transparency Database on Document Access and Declassification
This database is a registry of rules regarding access to documents of the Council of Europe.
Access to documents at the Council of Europe is managed at several levels. Access rights to documents vary and depend on the internal protocols and working methods of the various bodies and monitoring mechanisms. By centralising this information in one location, this database will enhance transparency about the different rules in force.
The database is open for consultation to everybody. It is managed by the Information Lifecycle team of the Council of Europe in close co-operation with the Organisation’s network of Records and archive Correspondents.
Your feedback is welcome; please fill in a form with your comments, also concerning specific rules.
Information on where to find Council of Europe documents (online and offline) is presented on the Document, records and archives website: www.coe.int/archives.
“The Council of Europe Transparency Framework embodies our commitment to fostering good governance, democracy and pluralism, through transparency and accountability. We recognise that transparency of public authorities is fundamental to building trust, combating corruption, and empowering citizens to actively engage in matters of public interest.”
“Our mission is to ensure that the Council of Europe operates with transparency, allowing for open access to information. We believe that access to official documents provides not only crucial support for fundamental human rights but also constitutes a cornerstone of democracy, enabling individuals to fully exercise their rights and hold authorities accountable. The Council of Europe is committed to ensuring public access to documents and to consider further transparency of its statutory bodies while safeguarding privacy rights, legitimate interests of member States and the security of the Organisation.”
There are legitimate reasons for keeping information classified, but the reasons should be made public and information on declassification provided.
Thus, transparency is above all to be clear, open and consistent with regard to the rules that govern access and declassification.