Table 2 Weighing principles

Proportionality (Are your actions proportionate, considering the consequences?)

 • Looking at your considerations, are they in proportion to the seriousness of the situation and the possible impact of your decision? In other words: is your action too big or too small, in view of what is at stake?

 • How do the consequences of breaching confidentiality relate to the consequences of not breaching it?

Subsidiarity: (Is this the best way? Are there other ways?)

 • What is the damage if you do nothing? Can you prevent this by doing something else, without breaching confidentiality?

 • Do you have a clear idea of relevant alternatives?

Effectiveness: (Does your action achieve the objective?)

 • How do you achieve what you have in mind with your final decision and the accompanying action?

 • Which action has priority, what can wait or be postponed?