Article 37 When to downgrade or declassify

Information shall remain classified only for as long as it requires protection. Downgrading means a reduction in the level of security classification. Declassification means that the information shall no longer be considered as classified at all. At the time of its creation, the originator shall indicate, where possible, whether the EUCI can be downgraded or declassified on a given date or following a specific event. Otherwise, the originator shall review the information and assess the risks at least every 5 years in order to determine whether the original classification level is still appropriate.

Commission documents may also be downgraded or declassified on an ad hoc basis, for example following a request for access from the public.