This paper presents the results of an inquiry into transparency of public decision-making in four Western Balkans countries – Serbia, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was inspired by a similar study conducted by Access Info Europe and partners during 2017.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Public’s Right to Know, the Institution of the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection awarded the recognition to the CRTA for a special contribution to the affirmation of the public’s right to know.
The public’s right to know is the foundation of every democratic society, whereas the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance is the basis of a successful fight against corruption. This is the conclusion of the forum “Why is the free access to information important to us“ organised by the CRTA and the USAID Government Accountability Initiative (GAI) within the first Week of the Public’s Right to Know.
According to the verdict pronounced by the Misdemeanour Court in Belgrade, the Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin got fined in his capacity of an accountable person in the Ministry of Defence – Military Intelligence Agency, which had not responded to the CRTA’s requests addressed in accordance with the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance.
The first “Week of the Public’s Right to Know” will begin on Monday September 24th and end on Friday September 28th, on the International Right to Know Day which is celebrated throughout the world. Within the campaign “Serbia in Quest for Information“ street actions entitled “If you want information of public importance, ask Santa” shall be organised in several cities (Prijepolje, Užice, Valjevo, Smederevo, Sombor) during the “Week of the Public’s Right to Know”. The aim of this initiative is to inform the citizens about this important right in an amusing manner.
Ordinary Belgrade elections were held in Serbia on March 4th 2018. CRTA observation mission monitored overall process of elections. This report presents detail findings and provide recommendations for improvement of the quality of electoral process.
The Administrative Court addressed remarks and proposals regarding the Draft Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance to the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, confirming the attitude of the group of civil society organisations which stated that the possibility for the authorities to conduct administrative proceedings against the binding, final and enforceable decisions of the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection is not in accordance with the principle of legality.
Civil society organisations and media are prompting the Government of the Republic of Serbia to withdraw solutions foreseen in the Draft Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance that reduce the achieved level of citizens’ rights. We wish to warn that the foreseen solutions endanger the insight into the work of public institutions that are financed by citizens’ money or that possess significant public resources and that they increase the right of authorities to avoid accountability for the issues regarding the management of public institutions.
Our topics
Democratic culture
Because politics is not just for politicians. It is our human and citizen right to participate in the processes of making decisions which influence our lives. A dialogue has no alternative.
Free and fair elections
Because elections are the pillars of democracy. It is every citizen’s right to decide on whom to give his/her vote in free and fair conditions. Our vote is valuable and it can make a difference.
Open institutions
Because institutions serve the citizens. We need strong institutions with integrity which protect the public interest.
Free media
Because media should ask questions and critically analyse the reality. We need the media which protect the public interest and tackle the needs of the citizens.
