Webinar – Challenging non-disclosure of environmental information in Europe – 26 Sept. 2019

The webinar “Challenging non-disclosure of environmental information in Europe” was held on September 26  2019 from 12.30 to 1:30 pm GMT+1.

It was intended for public interest lawyers, judges, public authorities and NGOs and organised by ClientEarth within the EARL A2J project (Access to Justice – Education and Awareness raising of Legal professionals).

This project is funded by the European Commission LIFE programme.

Presenters: Anne Friel & Sebastian Bechtel, “Environmental Democracy” Programme, ClientEarth

Presentation 1 – Overview of how to access environmental information held by public authorities in EU Member States or EU institutions.

1. What is access to information? Active dissemination and access on request
2. The special case of environmental information
3. What is environmental information?
4. From whom can you request information
5. Submitting a request for environmental information.
6. When can public authorities refuse requests for environmental information?

Presentation 2 – How to challenge a public authority’s decision to refuse access to environmental information.

1. Where to bring your complaint
2. Grounds of challenging the public authority’s refusal

This webinar will also be held in December and February.

Improving access to justice for a greener Europe is the goal of the EARL A2J project. Managed by ClientEarth and Justice & Environment over eight European states, it aims to improve the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law in EU countries by making sure Europeans can challenge environmental lawbreaking in court.

The project focuses on raising awareness about the legal possibilities available for citizens and NGOs. Aside from seminars and webinars, we have launched the following publications:

• A comprehensive guide on access to justice in environmental matters at EU level
• A series of country-specific legal toolkits on access to justice at national level