SPOON

Although government information in the Netherlands is, in principle, public, that does not mean the information is easy to obtain. Through a Woo request (Open Government Act; formerly a “Wob request”), a citizen can ask the government to disclose certain information. A Woo request is thus a powerful tool for journalists, citizens, researchers, NGOs, lawyers, and activists to hold the government accountable.

Nevertheless, compared to other European countries, relatively few Woo requests are submitted in the Netherlands. Journalists face significant obstacles when it comes to obtaining the right information in a timely manner. The process takes a long time, it is often unclear how and where to submit the request, and the government frequently invokes grounds for refusal.

The SPOON Center of Expertise is bringing about change in this area through knowledge, tools, legal action, and lobbying. The center brings together all the Woo knowledge and expertise available in the Netherlands and makes it possible to submit Woo requests online in an accessible way. It also identifies trends, highlights errors, and engages in legislative advocacy.

We support SPOON because, as a proposed knowledge and information center for Woo requests, it addresses a clear need among NGOs and investigative journalists for more information, structure, and knowledge-sharing regarding the submission of Woo requests, thereby contributing to a future-proof journalism.