What happens if Europol claims national security exemptions to block my complaint?

Europol frequently invokes Article 36(6) restrictions, claiming disclosure would harm ongoing investigations or national security. However, these exemptions are not absolute. The EDPS scrutinises whether the restriction is proportionate and time-limited. If Europol applies blanket refusals without case-specific justification, the EDPS can find the restriction unlawful. Importantly, even where access is legitimately restricted, the EDPS can still verify data accuracy and lawfulness through confidential review — meaning your rights are protected even when you cannot personally see the underlying data.