The integration of transparency principles from theory to the day to day practice and implementation of European legislation go to the very heart of good governance at the European level. This briefing considers the Timber Regulation in the context of existing EU legislation on access to information.

It demonstrates that to fully comply with access to information legislation, certain information, generated in the operation of the Timber Regulation, must be available on request and in some cases, should be made available on a proactive basis. It also demonstrates that such access to information will support the consistent implementation of the Timber Regulation across the EU and should reduce the administrative burden on those charged with enforcing it.

So that all stakeholders are aware of these provisions and to support the consistent implementation of the Timber Regulation, we recommend that the delegated and implementing acts, yet to be adopted under the Timber Regulation, fully reflect the impact of transparency legislation.