“ACTION SEE provides a platform for dialogue and a concrete tool for measuring the degree to which state institutions uphold principles and standards of open governance through its Index of Openness. The project aims to increase the inclusion of civic society and media organisations in decision-making processes and the creation of public opinion and policies, as well as to raise the capacity of civic societies to address sensitive issues.”
In cooperation with partners from the regional network “ActionSEE”, the CRTA has prepared a proposal of practical policies in which levels of transparency, openness and accountability of the legislative power in the West Balkans region were analysed. The proposal is a result of a comprehensive research, based on methodology, undertaken by the members of the network…
In cooperation with partners from the regional network NGO “ActionSEE”, the Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) prepared the index of openness of institutions in which we analyse a level of transparency, openness and accountability of the executive power in the Western Balkans region.
First issue of the Parliamentary Insider monthly newsletter covers all events and activities of the Parliament in October, but also a part of the September activities – when one special and one extraordinary session were held prior to the beginning of the Autumn Session – or the period from September 21st to October 26th 2018.
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.
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.
