Freedom_of_access_to_information_Directive
The Directive on public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) is a European Union directive with the formal title "Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2003 on public access to environmental information and repealing Council Directive 90/313/EEC".[1][2]
The purpose of the Directive is to ensure that environmental information is systematically available and distributed to the public.[3] The Directive requires Member States to ensure that public authorities are required to make the environmental information they hold available to any legal or natural person on request.[3]
In 1998, the European Community signed a Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters (the Aarhus Convention).[3] The directive implements the Convention.[3]