The European Commission has been rebuked by a top European court for refusing to release text messages exchanged between its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. The court’s ruling came in response to a request from The New York Times for access to these messages, which were part of the Commission’s negotiations over COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
The Commission had denied the request, but the court annulled this decision, emphasizing the importance of transparency in public institutions. This ruling highlights the need for accountability and openness in the EU’s decision-making processes, particularly during critical times such as the pandemic.
The court’s decision supports the principles of transparency and access to information, reinforcing the public’s right to know about significant dealings between high-ranking officials and major corporations. This case has implications for how the European Commission handles requests for information and could impact future transparency policies.
