Release of documents on GCHQ surveillance
3.2.2016
Question for written answer P-001053-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Fabio De Masi (GUE/NGL)
The European Ombudsman recently criticised the fact that the Commission has not released documents, to which access had been requested, on surveillance by the UK intelligence service GCHQ although the Commission, contrary to what it claims, is not investigating the matter, as a result of which it is not clear why the documents have not been released[1].
How does the Commission justify its conduct in view of what Commission President Juncker stated in his 10 priorities: ‘Citizens expect their governments to provide justice, protection and fairness with full respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law. This also requires joint European action, based on our shared values. […] Data protection is a fundamental right of particular importance in the digital age’?
When does the Commission think that its actions must be transparent, and when not, including when it comes to maintaining or increasing the trust vested in it as guardian of the Treaties?
Has a Member State exerted political influence on the Commission, and is it still doing so, so as to ensure that the documents are not published, and, if so, how is the Commission dealing with that?
- [1] http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Massenueberwachung-Rueffel-fuer-EU-Kommission-3067205.html?wt_mc=nl.ho.2016-01-10=