European Parliament taken to court by EU journalists

Media sources reported on 20 November 2015 that a group of 29 European journalists had filed complaints with the European Court of Justice, demanding access to documents that were expected to show how members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had been spending their allowances.

The reporters filed freedom of information (FOI) requests with the European Parliament, asking for copies of documents that show details for the MEPs' travel expenses, accommodation expenses, office expenses, and assistants expenses for the past four years. In September 2015, the parliament denied access to these documents, either because they contain personal data or, they argue, because no such records are held.

ESO: Background information: MEPs to raise monthly allowances http://www.europeansources.info/record/meps-to-raise-monthly-allowances/

BBC News, 20.11.15: Journalists take MEPs to top EU court over expenses http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34882500

Politico, 20.11.15: Parliament faces legal action for non-disclosure of expenses http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-parliament-sued-not-disclosing-expenses-transparency/

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