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Openness and censorship in the European Union: An interrupted time series analysis

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  • James P Cross
  • Jørgen Bølstad

Abstract

This study examines transparency and censorship in the Council of Ministers of the European Union from 1999 to 2009. We measure transparency by considering the timeliness of record release and the levels of censorship applied to records when (and if) they are released. We show that legislation introduced in 2001 (Regulation 1049) triggered a massive shift towards greater transparency, in line with its intention. However, we also show that the trend towards greater transparency has been interrupted by the enlargement rounds in 2004 and 2007. We attribute this fact to inexperience on the part of the new member states and the resulting need for censorship while these states adjusted to the negotiation styles in the Council.

Suggested Citation

  • James P Cross & Jørgen Bølstad, 2015. "Openness and censorship in the European Union: An interrupted time series analysis," European Union Politics, , vol. 16(2), pages 216-240, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:16:y:2015:i:2:p:216-240
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116514560066
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    Cited by:

    1. Evelyn Coremans, 2017. "From Access to Documents to Consumption of Information: The European Commission Transparency Policy for the TTIP Negotiations," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(3), pages 29-39.

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