Purpose: Investigation on Frontex dealing with a request for public access to documents regarding tracking data of Frontex vessels.
Support our work: become a Friend of Statewatch from as little as £1/€1 per month.
By Ilaria Aversa and Mariana Gkliati - 6 March 2021
Investigative body: European Ombudsman
Started: February 2021
Status: Decision on 30 March 2021
Summary of the investigation
The Ombudsman opened an inquiry following a complaint by a Member of the European Parliament. The MEP requested from the agency tracking data for 16 vessels used in Frontex maritime operations. Frontex refused to disclose the requested information claiming public security risks. The complaint concerns the review of this decision.
The Ombudsman's investigations found that Frontex did not hold documents containing the requested data, and found that the refusal was also justified according Frontex's substantive position.
The Ombudsman recommended that Frontex be "diligent in verifying what documents are in its possession and offer comprehensive explanations to applicants."
Relevant documents:
How the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) dealt with a request for public access to documents concerning tracking data of vessels used in Frontex maritime operations
Spotted an error? If you've spotted a problem with this page, just click once to let us know.
Statewatch does not have a corporate view, nor does it seek to create one, the views expressed are those of the author. Statewatch is not responsible for the content of external websites and inclusion of a link does not constitute an endorsement. Registered UK charity number: 1154784. Registered UK company number: 08480724. Registered company name: The Libertarian Research & Education Trust. Registered office: MayDay Rooms, 88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH. © Statewatch ISSN 1756-851X. Personal usage as private individuals "fair dealing" is allowed. We also welcome links to material on our site. Usage by those working for organisations is allowed only if the organisation holds an appropriate licence from the relevant reprographic rights organisation (eg: Copyright Licensing Agency in the UK) with such usage being subject to the terms and conditions of that licence and to local copyright law.