Access to Public Information in Ukraine DiXi Group, UA-Energy.org

Current situation Acting Law “On Information” was adopted in 1992 Authorities are obliged to answer inquiries of journalists and other citizens within 30 days Failure to answer inquiries is administratively punishable, but this norm is rarely enacted

Public test of effectiveness reveals systemic problems Since November 25 till December 14, 2009 about 150 inquiries were sent to authorities dealing with energy policy; only 35% letters received any reply The more precise and technical was the question, the less accurate and substantive was the answer. The inquiries on significant details of authorities operation returned either general rhetoric or misleading answers or no reply. Attempts of investigative journalists to solve this problem by suing the authorities only made the latter provide formal replies that did not answer the question.

Perspectives of changing Ukrainian legislation New law “On access to public information” prepared by an opposition MP and NGOs was adopted in the first reading The document obliged the authorities to disclose public information, gave clear procedures to determine if it is classified, and strengthened the rights of journalists and citizens; only 5 days are given to answer an inquiry On November 2, the ruling majority put forward its own version of the existing law “On information”; demands imposed on the authorities were much milder (e.g. 20 days are given to answer an inquiry)

Perspectives of changing Ukrainian legislation (2) On November 23, MPs from both majority and opposition announced that both laws will be adopted simultaneously in a compromise wording On November 30, the parliament adopted the law proposed by ruling coalition in first reading and sent it for second reading with accelerated procedure

Regional NGO coalition activities As agreed, DiXi Group and UA-Energy website developed a platform for participating NGOs It offer an opportunity to post information, news, results of analysis that would contribute to better access to public information

Further steps Creation of national NGO coalition to combine effort of civil society in this direction Promotion of the EITI standards in cooperation with authorities and companies Further develop an Internet gate that would unite efforts in transparency and access to information Develop local and regional training programs for journalists, civic activists, lawyers, civil servants and other stakeholders

Thank you for attention !