Documento #id 78693

The case concerned a request for public access to documents related to coffee development programmes in Ethiopia. The complainant submitted his request to the Commission in August 2024.

The Commission first replied in December 2024. It granted full access to two documents, refused access to three documents in their entirety and gave partial access to the remaining 31 documents. In doing so, the Commission argued that (full) disclosure could undermine the protection of the purpose of inspections, investigations and audits, the protection of personal data and commercial interests, as well as the protection of the public interest as regards international relations.

The complainant contested the Commission's decision by making a 'confirmatory application' in January 2025. In the absence of a reply, the complainant turned to the Ombudsman in May 2025.

In June 2025, the Ombudsman opened an inquiry and asked the Commission to reply to the complainant as soon as possibl