52However, as is clear from case-law, the code of conduct adopted by the Commission in Decision 94/90 cannot justify an institution's refusal, as a matter of principle, to grant access to documents pertaining to its deliberations on the basis that they contain information relating to positions taken by representatives of the Member States, since that would fail to comply with the obligation to balance the interests involved (see, in relation to the Council, Carvel and Guardian Newspapers v Council, cited above, paragraphs 72 and 73). The Commission's submission that disclosing the identities of the delegations would necessarily undermine the smooth running of the committee's proceedings is, by itself, insufficient to override the applicant's basic right of access under Decision 94/90.
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