AsktheEU.org | EU Transparency Results 2012
Brussels, 28 September 2012 - In the year running up to 28 September 2012, members of the European public presented a total of 214 requests for documents with European institutions and bodies using the AsktheEU.org request platform. As of 23 September, almost 65% of the 214 requests made using AsktheEU.org resulted in full (37%) or partial (28%) disclosure of documents.
In a further 19% of instances (40 requests) the institution responded that it did not hold the information requested, either because the document did not exist or because it was not in that institutions’ possession. Information was refused in only 13 cases (6% of requests).
Portugal's role in the "war on terror" under focus as human rights groups request information about 39 suspected CIA flights
11 September 2012, Madrid/London – On the anniversary of attacks which lead to the "War on Terror", human rights groups Access Info Europe and Reprieve asked the Portuguese Government to disclose information about CIA flights passing through Portuguese airspace as part of the "War on Terror" rendition programme. Investigations by Reprieve have confirmed that Portugal played a central role as a staging point for these flights.
The human rights groups, which are investigating flights relating to prisoner transfers within the secret prison network and to and from Guantanamo Bay, today submitted a series of formal information requests for data on a total 39 flights. Reprieve's investigations indicate that the flights passed through Portuguese airports between 2003 and 2006 – including Porto, Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, and Lisbon. The flights were organized by CIA front company Stevens Express or renditions contractor Computer Sciences Corporation - both of which are on record as having organized multiple rendition missions.
Earlier this year Portugal's Commission on Access to Administrative Documents (CADA) issued a decision which stated that the National Institute for Civil Institution (INAC) should respond to an information request submitted by Access Info Europe and disclose data which they hold on CIA flights.
Eurovegas: Lack of transparency leading to new financial fiascos in Spanish construction sector warns Access Info Europe
Madrid, 6 September 2012 – Transparency specialists Access Info Europe today denounced the tight secrecy surrounding the major casino construction project, Eurovegas, following today’s media reports that it will be built in Alcorcón, on the outskirts of Madrid.
Expressing concern at reports that the company behind the project, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, has made it conditional on a “confidentiality clause”, Access Info Europe is calling on the Madrid regional government to come clean with the information it holds about the real cost of this project to the tax payer and the potentially negative environmental and social impacts.
10th Right to Know Day Photo Contest Launch
I have a right to know!
This year people working all over the world to promote the right of access to information will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Right to Know Day, on the 28th September. To mark the occasion we are launching a photo contest open to members and non-members of the network.
Anyone who feels able to illustrate the right to information, transparency, accountability and openness through photography is welcome participate.
The winning photo will be used on the front cover of the international publication Right to Information World Advocacy Update which is to be launched on Right to Know Day this year by the FOIAnet. Photos submitted may also be exhibited at a later date at international transparency and anti-corruption forums.
The Jury will award three prizes, for a total of 1000 EUR, generously made available by the Open Society Institute. The prizes will be distributed as follows:
1st prize: 500 EUR
2nd prize: 300 EUR
3rd Prize: 200 EUR.
The contest is now open for submissions.
Please find here the terms of reference.
Submission Form (please fill and send with your pictures) English 
Submission Form (please fill and send with your pictures) Spanish
Submission Form (please fill and send with your pictures) French
The deadline for submissions is the 12th of September 2012.
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