Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on public access to environmental information and repealing Council Directive 90/313/EEC

The present Directive aims at guaranteeing the right of access to environmental information held by or for public authorities and at ensuring that such information is progressively made available and disseminated to the public. To this end, computer telecommunication and electronic technology play an essential role and therefore their use shall be promoted (art. 1). Article 7 concerns with detail dissemination of environmental information. The Directive lays down the conditions under which access to environmental information shall be guaranteed by Member States upon request (art. 3). At the same time, article 4 specifies the grounds for refusal. Applicants shall also have the right to access to justice upon refusal of their request or inadequate answer (art. 6).