WIREDGOV

The Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders challenged European tech developers today to build more apps that improve transparency of EU decision-making, or benefit Europeans more generally by using EU open data in fields such as mobility, healthcare, education and sustainability.

Creativity and ingenuity

Mr Koenders followed up on his remarks made last year when he called for the use of digital technology to 'open the black box and turn on the light' in Brussels. He highlighted the Dutch Presidency’s transparency strategy and called on the whizzkids of Europe to translate wealth of open data published by EU institutions into insights that benefit all Europeans. Mr Koenders: 'I have great confidence in the creativity and ingenuity of citizens to surprise us and to develop an app that gives more insight into European decision-making and to make better use of all the open data that are already available.'

Open data

A variety of apps already exist that use open data, such as apps that show people how members of the European parliament vote and which Euro Commissioner meets with which lobbyist. But the Dutch Foreign Minister wants more, especially when it comes to transparency of EU decision-making.

Transparency

Both the app competition and unconference are co-organised by the Dutch Presidency of the Council of European Union and transparency advocates Open State Foundation, the organisation behind political watchdog Politwoops. 'Governments need to focus on determining what data citizens actually want', says Arjan El Fassed, director of Open State Foundation.

'These events and the applications they produce can serve as a catalyst for engaging citizens with the EU. Citizens will continue to demand more transparency and the EU will need to respond to that demand.' You can find more information on how to participate in the app competition and unconference at: transparencycamp.eu.