Freedom of information rights face legal challenges in Austria and Germany

Legal and administrative challenges regarding freedom of information are emerging in Austria and Germany.

In Austria, the Forum Informationsfreiheit is contesting a decision by the Federal Administrative Court. The dispute involves the Federal Ministry of Defence's refusal to release documents related to defense deals with Leonardo worth approximately 2 to 2.5 billion euros. The Ministry has cited national security, diplomatic relations with Italy, and economic interests as reasons for secrecy, while advocates argue there is a high public interest in transparency regarding these high-value procurement contracts.

In Germany, Dagmar Hartge, the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Commissioner for Brandenburg, has characterized recent trends as a “general attack on freedom of information.” Hartge noted that authorities often use administrative burden and alleged security risks as pretexts to deny access to public records, such as contracts, studies, and internal communications. She emphasized that information freedom is a fundamental right for all citizens to ensure public accountability.