The countries of South East Europe enjoy very high standards when it comes to the legislation regulating access to public information and transparency. But the reality on the ground is different and journalists across the region denounce serious difficulties in obtaining – both from private organizations and public institutions - the access to information they are entitled by the law. This dossier presents the articles published by the network of our media partners in the ECPMF project, assessing the specific situation in the countries involved in the project.
DOSSIER Access to public information in Erdoğan's Turkey
Gülseren Adaklı | 10/3/2017A detailed and unique analysis of the right to access information in Turkey, where not only this right is not being upheld, but also the freedom of expression is heavily violated
DOSSIER Accessing information in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo | Ljupko Mišeljić | 9/3/2017All too often, institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina ignore requests for access to information, give only partial answers, or do not reply within the statutory deadline
DOSSIER Romania and access to information: a law that works
Stela Giurgeanu | 6/3/2017In Romania, the law on access to information is a substantially effective tool in support of quality journalism
DOSSIER Montenegro, the silence of the public administration
Podgorica | Ivan Čađenović | 2/3/2017Montenegro adopted a law on free access to public information 7 years ago, but in many cases the information required is withheld, and no one is sanctioned
DOSSIER Serbia: how the authorities block access to information
Simon Lenormand | 23/2/2017Serbia has one of the best laws in the world to guarantee public access to information. The problem is, the state does not respect its own laws. And the situation may get worse in the future
DOSSIER Croatia: above public opinion
Zagreb | Toni Gabrić | 16/2/2017In Croatia, journalists and citizens have a hard time accessing information which should be of public domain
DOSSIER Serbia: the hard fight for information
Maja Poznatov | 13/2/2017Even though there is a good institutional and legislative framework defending the right to access information of public interest, some crucial issues are still unresolved
DOSSIER Bulgaria: every third institution is not transparent
Tsvetelina Yordanova | 9/2/2017According to a study conducted by a local Ngo, Bulgarian institutions are gradually improving their transparency when publicising the acts they issue. Nevertheless, much remains to be done
DOSSIER Kosovar journalists need to demand implementation of their access to information rights
Furtuna Sheremeti | 8/2/2017In Kosovo, access to information is well guaranteed in theory — in practise it’s a different story
RIGHTS Europe: access to information in practice, not just on paper
Andreas Pavlou* | 17/11/2016250 years after the first transparency law in Europe adopted in Sweden in 1766, Europeans need access to information in practice, not just on paper. An editorial
This publication has been produced within the project European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, co-funded by the European Commission. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso and its partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. The project's page
Access to public information refers to the right to access information held by public bodies, also known as "right to know". Access to public information is considered of fundamental importance for the effective functioning of democratic systems, as it enhances governments' and public officials' accountability, boosting people participation and allowing their informed participation into public life. (Source: "Access to public information in Europe ", Wikipedia)
Access to public information in Europe
Access to public information in Albania
Access to public information in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Access to public information in Bulgaria
Access to public information in Croatia
Access to public information in Kosovo
Access to public information in Montenegro
Access to public information in Romania
Access to public information in Turkey
Transparency in the Balkans and Moldova
A 2016 report by BIRN presents a mixed picture of transparency and accountability in the Balkans and Moldova
Indicators on the level of media freedom and journalists’ safety in the Western Balkans
Recently established "Regional platform for media freedom in the Western Balkans" warns about the increased use of physical violence as a tool of intimidation against journalists
A guide for journalists on how to access government information
This guide offers to journalists a comprehensive framework, tips and notes on how to access government information. The guide is available in 12 languages on LeagalLeaks website
The Right to Information Is a Human Right, Strasbourg Rules