Access to information

The right to receive information is part of freedom of expression. It gives you the right to receive information that other persons are willing to provide. You also have the right to obtain at least some information about decisions of public importance taken by the state administration.

Access to information is important for two reasons:

  • It is linked with freedom of expression and the participation of citizens in public life. Without the opportunity to access information, such as the printed press, radio and TV or social media, people would not be able to receive different viewpoints on issues in society and state policies. This is needed for people to form their own opinions about issues and to discuss them.
    Therefore, access to information is especially important for the media to be able to create a forum for public debate and to contribute to the discussion about public affairs.
  • Access to information is crucial to ensure that the state administration is open and accessible and to ensure that it is working in the interests of society. Society can expect government to provide access to at least some information that explains and justifies its policies and actions. For example, why the authorities have decided to sell a state owned company or to explain and provide documentation on how a planned waste factory will affect the environment.

Request information from state institutions

As a citizen, you have the right to obtain at least some information about decisions of public importance taken by the state administration. Read more about how to request public or restricted information below, as well as how to complain where your request has been denied without sufficient or valid reasoning.

Human Rights Guide

A European platform for human rights education