In the framework of the project “For transparency and higher participation of stakeholders in policy-making and decision-making processes of public bodies”, the Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) has requested official information from the central institutions of the state such as the Prime Ministry Office and Ministries, related to the implementation of the Law no. 146/2014 “On public notification and consultation”, in terms of notification and public consultation of the draft acts (draft laws, draft strategies, etc.). This project is an initiative that contributes directly to the promotion of representative democracy and open government.

Despite the deficiencies observed as regards the process of notification and public consultation of the draft acts, state institutions, in the most part of it, responded to a request for information from AHC. For institutions that have not answered or gave a partial answer, based on Law no. 119/2014, “On the Right to Information”, AHC filed an administrative complaint with the Commissioner for Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Data.

Following their review, with decisions no. 2 and No. 3, dated. 25/1/2017, the Commissioner accepted two complaints, as well ordered the respective state institutions, namely, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to make available the documentation required by AHC within a short timeframe.

AHC will exercise all legal means to promote and ensure that state institutions realize decision-making processes transparent and efficient, while implementation the legal obligations for public consultation of the draft acts, as well as to inform the stakeholders.

AHC is grateful to the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), for financially support of this initiative.