Access to documents: opening to the public of the historical archives of the Community and the EAEC

The Commission states that it has decided to accept a large proportion of the amendments proposed by the Parliament. It resents an amended proposal. On the question of Regulation 1049/2001, the proposal states: - the exceptions to public right of access provided for in Regulation 1049/2001 are applicable for a maximum period of 30 years. The exceptions relating to protection of privacy or commercial interest and the specific provisions on sensitive documents apply beyond that period if necessary; - Council Regulation 354/83 provides that the public will not be given access to certain categories of documents 30 years after the documents were created. Pursuant to Article 18(2) of Regulation 1049/2001, these exceptions must be brought into line with the exceptions to right of access provided for in that Regulation; - all documents available to the public before the expiry of 30 years will remain available without restriction; - the proposal goes on to make specific reference to the exceptions contained in Articles 4(1) and (2) of Regulation 1049/2001; - the Regulation will apply to "similar agencies and bodies"; - where possible, the institutions will make their archives available to the public by electronic means, and conserve documents in forms meeting special needs.�