Dozens of journalists urge Dutch politicians not to restrict Open Government Act

In an open letter published in De Telegraaf, 76 journalists representing over 20 media organizations are urging politicians in The Hague not to restrict the Open Government Act (Woo). In the letter to the parties forming the government, the journalists emphasize that the law is “crucial for the practice of our profession.”

The Open Government Act (Woo) replaced the Freedom of Information Act (Wob) in 2023. The law is designed to increase transparency by enabling citizens and journalists to request documents from ministries, municipalities, and other public authorities. It also obliges governments to proactively publish information and simplifies the process for submitting formal requests.

The letter, signed by journalists from Follow The Money, NRC, Nieuwsuur, and RTL Nieuws, opens with: “It feels somewhat awkward to write to you. As journalists, we usually leave open letters and lobbying to others.” They stress that the Woo is essential, as it is “the only legal tool that allows us to request government documents.”

The Ministry of the Interior wants to “undermine” the law, the letter states. Proposed changes include limiting the number of documents that can be requested and excluding certain information, such as internal emails and draft documents.

Professional journalist organizations have previously described the law as “vital for our democracy.”