Spain finally falls into line

Public scrutiny through freedom of information is a fundamental element of a well-functioning democracy, and Spain is one of only three EU nations that do not have such an access to information law. However, recent moves by the new government to introduce a transparency law could pave the way towards greater public trust of the government. José Javier Olivas and Fabrizio Scrollini write that while this law is very likely to face stiff opposition in its drafting process and implementation, if it is enacted it would be a sign of leadership and add credibility to Mariano Rajoy’s government in the eyes of Europe and the wider world.

ESO: Background information: The potential of European defence cooperation http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-the-potential-of-european-defence-cooperation/

ESO: Background information: Anglo-French defence: Entente nouvelle http://www.europeansources.info/record/anglo-french-defence-entente-nouvelle/

Blog: LSE Europp, 15.06.13: Spain’s new transparency law could become the first step into a real process of institutional regeneration. http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2013/06/15/spain-freedom-of-information/

AccessInfo: Spain http://www.access-info.org/en/spain

Transparency International: News: Features, 06.03.13: Spain: why transparency is the best policy http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/spain_why_transparency_is_the_best_policy

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