The Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that key information on how EU member states implement bloc-wide fisheries rules can remain confidential, dismissing a lawsuit from environmental NGO ClientEarth.
ClientEarth had originally brought a transparency case against the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, for denying access to audit reports detailing illegal fishing enforcement failures by France and Denmark back in 2021.
Such audit reports assess if countries properly enforce EU fishing laws and inform potential legal action for breaches. ClientEarth argued the information would allow for public oversight of the Common Fisheries Policy, but the court disagreed.
"We are very disappointed by this judgment," said ClientEarth senior lawyer Anne Friel, claiming it deprives people of basic rights and allows illegal fishing to go "hidden and unpunished." She said transparency is essential for civil society to participate in fisheries policy decisions.
The judgment comes soon after the new European Commission pledged greater ocean protections but dropped fishing discards cases against member states without explanation, Friel added. She urged the EU to deliver on promises to better implement environmental laws.
"The implementation of EU environmental laws is everyone's business -- and increasing transparency is crucial," Friel said.
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