Article 4 Assigning a classification level

United Kingdom

Staff drafting a document on the basis of information within the meaning of Article 1 shall always consider whether their document needs to be classified. Classifying a document as EUCI shall involve an assessment and a decision by the originator as to whether the disclosure of the document to unauthorised persons would cause prejudice to the interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States. If drafters are in any doubt as to whether the document they are drafting warrants being classified as RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED they should consult the Head of Unit or Director responsible.

A document shall be classified as at least RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED if its unauthorised disclosure could, inter alia:

(a)

adversely affect diplomatic relations;

(b)

cause substantial distress to individuals;

(c)

make it more difficult to maintain the operational effectiveness or security of Member States' or other contributors' deployed personnel;

(d)

breach undertakings to maintain the confidence of information provided by third parties;

(e)

prejudice the investigation of or facilitate crime;

(f)

disadvantage the Union or Member States in commercial or policy negotiations with others;

(g)

impede the effective development or operation of Union policies;

(h)

undermine the proper management of the Union and its missions in general; or

(i)

lead to the discovery of information classified at a higher level.

Originators may decide to attribute a standard classification level to categories of information that they create on a regular basis. However, they shall ensure that individual pieces of information are given the appropriate classification level.