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Madrid, 1 July 2026 – Access Info Europe is thrilled to announce a new edition of the Helen Darbishire Award, which celebrates those who use their right of access to information to have a positive impact on society. The Helen Darbishire Award recognises those who have significantly leveraged their right of access to information to advance human rights, the rule of law, transparency and government accountability, anti-corruption efforts, or environmental protection. By celebrating exemplary achievements of civil society advocates, campaigners, journalists, academics and practitioners across Europe, the award aims to highlight the importance of the right of access to information

27 August 2025 - Access Info Europe has released a study comparing access to information (ATI) frameworks in 15 European countries, all of which operate public request platforms. The analysis measures how well national laws align with the Council of Europe’s Tromsø Convention and other international standards. About the study The research was carried out under the Access to Information Network Project, a three-year initiative led by Access Info Europe, mySociety, and the Open Knowledge Foundation Germany. The project aims to build a strong, collaborative European community advocating for better access to information. As part of this work, Access

Madrid, 1st August 2025 – Access Info Europe is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 Helen Darbishire Award is The Forever Lobbying Project. This cross-border investigation exposed how the chemical industry lobbied against EU action on PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals”, linked to ongoing environmental and public health risks. Now in its second year, the Helen Darbishire Award celebrates outstanding efforts to advance human rights, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and democratic accountability through the use of the right of access to information. Cross-border collaboration, international impact Led by Le Monde, and supported by 46 journalists across 16 countries and

Madrid, 25th July 2025 – Access Info Europe announces three finalists for this year's Helen Darbishire Award. Now in its second year, the award aims to honour individuals and organisations that have effectively used their right to information to advance human rights, environmental protection, democracy, or anti-corruption efforts. Following a competitive round of applications from across Europe, the Evaluation Committee has selected three outstanding finalists. Finalist: The Forever Lobbying Project Category: Environmental protection Submitted by: Stéphane Horel (Le Monde) The Forever Lobbying Project is a groundbreaking cross-border investigation into the lobbying and disinformation efforts of the PFAS (“forever chemicals”) industry.

Madrid, 7 July 2025 – Today Access Info Europe, in collaboration with SPOON, publishes a set of legal recommendations aimed at strengthening the Netherlands' Open Government Act (OGA) and aligning it with international transparency standards. The Netherlands has recently taken significant steps to strengthen its legal framework on access to information. On 1 May 2022, the Open Government Act (OGA) entered into force, replacing earlier legislation and establishing clearer obligations for public authorities, with a strong emphasis on proactive disclosure. Additionally, enhancing the accessibility and organisation of public sector information remains a priority under the Netherlands’ Fifth Open Government National

Madrid, 16 June 2025 – Access Info Europe today announces the launch of the Helen Darbishire Award which celebrates those who have used their right to information to have a positive impact on society. The Helen Darbishire Award (previously the Access Info Impact Award) recognises those who have significantly leveraged their right to information to advance human rights, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and/or government accountability. By celebrating exemplary achievements of civil society advocates, campaigners, journalists, academics and practitioners across Europe, the award aims to highlight the importance of the right to information and inspire others to utilise this powerful tool. Through