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Version status: Applicable | Document consolidation status: No known changes
Version date: 3 December 2001 - onwards
Version 3 of 3

Article 4 Exceptions

1. The institutions shall refuse access to a document where disclosure would undermine the protection of:

(a) the public interest as regards:

 - public security,

 - defence and military matters,

 - international relations,

 - the financial, monetary or economic policy of the Community or a Member State;

(b) privacy and the integrity of the individual, in particular in accordance with Community legislation regarding the protection of personal data.

2. The institutions shall refuse access to a document where disclosure would undermine the protection of:

 - commercial interests of a natural or legal person, including intellectual property,

 - court proceedings and legal advice,

 - the purpose of inspections, investigations and audits, unless there is an overriding public interest in disclosure.