Malta’s freedom of information law discriminates against EU citizens, Appeals Court rules
Malta’s restriction on freedom of information requests violated EU citizens' rights, as confirmed by the Appeals Court. This ruling establishes that such legal barriers infringe upon both freedom of expression and the right to free movement within the EU. By invalidating residency requirements for data access, the decision strengthens transparency standards across member states. It ensures that non-resident EU citizens can effectively request public information, promoting equal treatment and accountability in government operations. This outcome is crucial for open data because it removes discriminatory hurdles that hinder global access to public records. It reinforces the principle that transparency should not be limited by geographic residency, empowering international advocacy and fostering greater civic engagement with government data.
Source: maltatoday.com.mtPublished on 2023-02-02