Implementation of Convention on Access to Official Documents (BG0080)

What is the public problem being addressed by the measure? The Convention on Access to Official Documents - CETS 205 of the Council of Europe is the first and so far the only international agreement on access to information of an intergovernmental organization of which the Republic of Bulgaria is a member. At the moment, 18 Member States of the Council of Europe have signed the Convention and 11 of them have ratified it. The Convention entered into force on December 1, 2020. The Republic of Bulgaria has not ratified the convention. Regardless of the fact that the Law on Access to Public Information was adopted and is in effect more than 20 years ago and Bulgaria has extensive experience in its implementation, for the accession to the leading international act in this matter, it is necessary to assess whether all the requirements of the Convention are met in our national legislation.

What does the measure consist of? The aim of the measure is to bring the Bulgarian legislation in line with the requirements of the Convention on Access to Official Documents. A possible consequence of its implementation will be the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to this international act.

How will the implementation of the measure contribute to solving the problem? With the implementation of the measure, actions will be taken to bring the Bulgarian legislation in line with the principles and standards of the Convention, which will be a guarantee that Bulgaria can take the path of joining the Convention.

How does the measure relate to the values of the initiative? The measure is related to the values of the Initiative to empower citizens to form an opinion about the state of society and about state institutions and to participate in an informed manner in the making of public policies; to support the integrity, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of public institutions, thus strengthening their legitimacy.

More information (including budget for implementation of the measure) Indicative budget for the implementation of the measure– BGN 10,000.

Activities for and measurable results of the implementation of the measure: Starting date Date of completion of activity:

1. Preparation of an analysis of the conformity of the requirements of the Convention and the current Bulgarian legislation 1.11.2022 1.05.2023

2. Preparation of proposals for legislative changes as a result of the findings of the analysis and their public discussion (optional) 1.05.2023 1.10.2023

3. Creation and activity of an interdepartmental working group for the preparation of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Convention on Access to Official Documents - CETS 205 1.10.2023 30.06.2023

Action Plan Review

Commitment 2. Implementation of the Standards of the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents

● Verifiable: Yes

● Does it have an open government lens? Yes

● Potential for results: Modest