Investigative journalists worried about planned changes to open government act

The Association of Investigative Journalists (VVOJ) has expressed serious concerns about potential plans to significantly limit the scope of the Dutch Open Government Act (Woo). The organization warns that changes could prevent journalists from requesting access to certain types of important documents. "While the academic research evaluating the Woo has only just begun."

The Dutch government is preparing changes to the Woo aimed at reducing the costs of handling information requests. In a letter to Parliament on Monday, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations said it was working on proposals to ease the financial burden on public authorities.

Investigative journalists at Follow the Money report that the plans could also limit which types of documents journalists and others are allowed to request. This comes just as a University of Groningen committee is preparing to evaluate the law on behalf of the Research and Data Centre (WODC).

"This will put journalism's watchdog role under serious pressure," said Chris Bakker, a board member of the VVOJ.

During the government formation process, officials had already suggested excluding internal emails, civil servants' advice and draft documents from the scope of the Woo. Such records can provide journalists with insight into how government decisions are made, including internal disagreements and warnings that may not appear in official announcements.

The proposed changes are part of a wider government savings operation intended to cut public spending by 900 million euros in 2027, rising to 3.5 billion euros annually from 2035. The Cabinet has identified the Woo as an area where savings could be achieved relatively quickly.