Online Press Conference Civil Audit on Active Transparency of Public Bodies'2024 20.05.2024
On May 20, 2024 Access to Information Programme presents the results of the Civil Audit on Active Transparency of Public Bodies'2024, 2024 Active Transparency Ranking, and 2024 Budget, Financial Transparency and Integrity of Municipalities Map. The presentation will be hold online in ZOOM.
10 Years Court Practice under Access to Public Information Act Conference 02.04.2024
On March 14, 2024, at the "Hotel Central Sofia," the Access to Information Programme held 10 Years Court Practice under Access to Public Information Act Conference.
10 Years Court Practice under Access to Public Information Act Conference 21.01.2024
Access to Public Information Programme organizes 10 Years Court Practice under Access to Public Information Act Conference.
Audit on the web sites of the administrative courts and the Supreme Administrative Court 13.12.2023
On December 12, 2023, AIP presented the audit results at online conference.
12 citizens, journalists, NGOs and institutions received AIP's annual Right to Know Day awards 07.10.2022
Access to Information Programme presented the annual awards to Freedom of Information Champions in Bulgaria to mark the 20th Right to Know Day/Access to Information Day – 28 September 2022.
AIP presents the results from civil audit on active transparency of public bodies'2022 15.06.2022
On June 15, 2022 during an online press conference, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented the Results from the 2022 audit on institutional web sites.
The aim of the audit is to evaluate if the executive bodies fulfill their obligations for proactive disclosure of information online under the Access to Public Information Act (APIA) and other legal regulations and to assess how they respond to electronic requests.
In the lack of a public body to coordinate and control the implementation of the APIA, including the obligations for proactive publication of information, the AIP Audit serves as a model publication scheme for public bodies to increase their active transparency.
Report “Access to Information in Administrative Courts and the Supreme Administrative Court” 28.03.2022
Report with recommendations “Access to Information in Administrative Courts and the Supreme Administrative Court"(available in Bulagrian) was presented on March 25, 2022 at an online conference before participants including the Deputy Minister of Justice, chairs of regional administrative courts, judges from the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC), civil society organizations representatives and journalists.
Conference "Access to Information - Achievements and Challenges" 13.01.2022
Access to Information Programme (AIP) organizes the international conference “Access to information – achievements and challenges.”
The event is conceived as a forum which will open the space for sharing lessons learned and discussing the challenges to the implementation of the access to information legislation. Conference PROGRAM ☞
In 2022, AIP continues with free APIA webinars for public officials 10.01.2022
In 2022, Access to Information Programme continues with a series of free webinars titled "The Access to Public Information Act - procedures, obligations and implementation" which were initiated in September 2021.
6th Alumni Access to Information Class 17.12.2021
On December 17, 2021, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented certificates to the students from professional program “Public Communications and Information Sciences” at the New Bulgarian University for successfully passing the practical course “Access to Information Public Communications.” The AIP delivered the course for a sifth consecutive year - and for a second year online. It was held in November – December 2021 with the financial support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation within the project "Transparency of Administrative Justice".
6th Practical Course "Access to Information and Public Communication" begins 05.11.2021
On November 5th, 2021 the practical course "Access to Information and Public Communication" has begun. It is being held by Access to Information Programme for students enrolled in journalism and internation business communication at New Bulgarian University and with the partnership of "Media and Communications" department.
Every Friday morning for two months the students will attend lectures online covering the most important aspects of access to information. The course is organized within the project "Transparency in Administrative Justice" with the financial support of America fro Bulgaria Foundation.
10 citizens, journalists, NGOs and institutions received AIP's annual Right to Know Day awards 04.10.2021
The Access to Information Programme presented its annual awards for contributions to the field of freedom of information on the occasion of the International Right to Know Day. The ceremony was held for the 19th consecutive year, but for the first time online. It happened with the participation of 80 citizens, journalists, representatives of civil society organizations and government institutions and with the support of Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria under the EEA Financial Mechanism. ➨
Active Transparency Rating 2021 12.05.2021
On May 11, 2021 during an online press conference, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented the Results from the 2021 audit on institutional web sites.
The aim of the audit is to evaluate if the executive bodies fulfill their obligations for proactive disclosure of information online under the Access to Public Information Act (APIA) and other legal regulations and to assess how they respond to electronic requests.
In the lack of a public body to coordinate and control the implementation of the APIA, including the obligations for proactive publication of information, the AIP Audit serves as a model publication scheme for public bodies to increase their active transparency.
5th Alumni Access to Information Class 18.12.2020
On December 18, 2020, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented certificates to the students from professional program “Public Communications and Information Sciences” at the New Bulgarian University for successfully passing the practical course “Access to Information Public Communications.” The AIP delivers the course for a fifth consecutive year, encompassing the period November – December 2020.
5th Practical Course "Access to Information and Public Communication" for University Students 09.11.2020
Students from New Bulgarian University (NBU) will attend a series of lectures on access to information led by AIP team members. The course happens together with NBU's Media and Communications Department.
4th Practical Course "Access to Information and Public Communication" 11.11.2019
Students from New Bulgarian University on a series of lectures at AIP's office
17th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony - 28 September 2019 28.09.2019
On September 28, 2019 FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the Literature club Peroto (The Quill) in the National Palace of Culture – Sofia to celebrate the 17th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony. Among the guests were partner NGOs, journalists, academia, officials from executive bodies and municipalities. The 2019 Right to Know Day Awards winners are
AIP presented Results from 2019 Audit on Institutional Web Sites 19.04.2019
On April 19, 2019 at the Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented the Results from 2019 AIP audit on institutional web sites and the 2019 Active Transparency ratings. The results are available here: https://data.aip-bg.org/en/surveys/BAV422/
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators 15.02.2019
On February 15, 2019 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network. AIP’ team presented key achievements from AIP advocacy activities in 2018. The 2019 goals and challenges before AIP and the coordinators' network were outlined. AIP presented the 2018 legislative initiatives, characteristics of the legal aid provided during 2018, including the cases in which AIP had provided representation in court.
Third Class of Access to Information Course Alumni 25.01.2019
On January 25, 2019, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented certificates to the students from professional program “Public Communications and Information Sciences” at the New Bulgarian University for successfully passing the practical course “Access to Information Public Communications.” The course is held in partnership with the Mass Communications Department of the New Bulgarian University and is within the project Transparency Advice Center supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
16th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony - 28 September 2018 01.10.2018
FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the Literature club Peroto (The Quill) in the National Palace of Culture – Sofia to celebrate the 16th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony. Among the guests were partner NGOs, journalists, academia; officials from executive bodies and municipalities. The Deputy Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria addressed the audience for the occasion. The 2018 Right to Know Day Awards Jury selected the winners in six categories out of 35 nominations.
35 nominations for the 2018 Right to Know Day - 28 September 28.09.2018
The AIP will hold the 16th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria on September 28 to present the “Golden Key” awards to citizens, journalists, and NGOs, who have actively exercised their right of access to information and public authorities with good transparency practices. Institutions with bad transparency practices receive the “Padlock” anti-award, while absurd practices are recognized with the “Tied Key” anti-award. 35 nominees are competing in the six categories. The media outreach has been escalating.
Access to Information in Bulgaria 2017 Annual Report 01.06.2018
The Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented findings and recommendations on the state of access to information in Bulgaria in 2017 at a press conference held in the Bulgarian News Agency on May 22, 2018. The report is prepared within the project Transparency Advice Center, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
2018 Active Transparency Rating 18.04.2018
On April 18, 2018 at the Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented the Results from 2018 AIP audit on institutional web sites. The results are available here: http://www.aip-bg.org/en/surveys/2018/108021/.
End of the Second Students Access to Information and Public Communications Course 19.01.2018
On January 19, 2018, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented certificates to the students from professional program “Public Communications and Information Sciences” at the New Bulgarian University for successfully passing the practical course “Access to Information Public Communications.” The course is held in partnership with the Mass Communications Department of the New Bulgarian University and is within the project Transparency Advice Center supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
15th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony 30.09.2017
The Access to Information Programme held the 15th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony on 28 September 2017. Nearly 80 FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the Literature club Peroto (The Quill)in the National Palace of Culture – Sofia. Among the guests were partner NGOs, journalists, academia; officials from executive bodies and municipalities. The 2017 Right to Know Day Awards Jury selected the winners in six categories out of 45 nominations.
A Range of Activities for the Right to Know Day in Bulgaria 2017 27.09.2017
The Access to Information Programme (AIP) launches a number of events to mark the Right to Know Day on September 28, 2017 in Bulgaria - organizes the 15th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony; launches the Access to Information in Bulgaria 2016 report in English; publishes visualized data on the implementation of the Access to Public Information Act in Bulgaria; releases a translation in Bulgarian of the Resolution on the Right of Access to Information and Accountability of Public Services adopted at the 10th ICIC held in Manchester, UK on 20 September 2017
AIP held seminars in Varna and Burgas 12.05.2017
On May 11 and 12, 2017, the AIP held two seminars in the cities of Varna and Burgas on How to Apply the Access to Public Information Act - Procedures, Obligations, Implementation. The seminars are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
AIP held seminars in Dobrich and Silistra 21.04.2017
On April 20 and 21, 2017, the AIP held two seminars in the cities of Dobrich and Silistra on How to Apply the Access to Public Information Act - Procedures, Obligations, Implementation. The lecturers were Gergana Jouleva, AIP Executive Director and the attorneys from the AIP legal team - Alexander Kashumov and Kiril Terziiski.
2017 Active Transparency Rating in Bulgaria 05.04.2017
On April 5, 2017, at a press conference in Sofia, the Access to Information Programme presented the results of its 2017 Audit on Institutional web sites in Bulgaria. The 2017 Active Transparency Ratings and the 2017 Budget, Financial Transparency and Integrity of Municipalities Map were launched. Comparative data of the audit show a considerable improvement in the active transparency of public bodies in Bulgaria.
AIP held seminars in Shumen and Ruse 16.03.2017
On March 15 and 16, 2017, the AIP held two seminars in the cities of Shumen and Ruse on How to Apply the Access to Public Information Act - Procedures, Obligations, Implementation. The seminars are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators 24.02.2017
On February 24, 2017 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network.
The Access to Information Programme Celebrates its 20th Anniversary 24.10.2016
The Access to Information Programme celebrated its 20thAnniversary on October 21, 2016. The event was under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Rossen Plevneliev and was held in the Sofia Hotel Balkan.
14th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony 28.09.2016
The Access to Information Programme held the 14th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony on 28 September 2016. Nearly 80 FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the Literature club Peroto (The Quill)in the National Palace of Culture – Sofia. Among the guests were partner NGOs, journalists, academia; officials from executive bodies and municipalities. The 2016 Right to Know Day Awards Jury selected the winners in six categories out of 41 nominations.
Trainings for Officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice 21.06.2016
The Executive Director of AIP Gergana Jouleva and the Head of AIP Legal Team Alexander Kashumov were invited to lecture in two one-day trainings for public officials from the administration of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice
Information Days in Yambol and Sliven 15.06.2016
On 14 and 15 June 2016, the Access to Information Programme held two Access to Information Days in the towns of Yambol and Sliven respectively. 57 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the two towns took part in the events organized by AIP. The Information Days are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Information Days in Smolyan and Stara Zagora 20.05.2016
On 13 and 18 May 2016, the Access to Information Programme held two Access to Information Days in the towns of Smolyan and Stara Zagora respectively. 53 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the two towns took part in the events organized by AIP. The events are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
2016 Active Transparency Rating in Bulgaria 26.04.2016
On April 26, 2016, at a press conference in Sofia, the Access to Information Programme presented the results of its 2016 Audit on Institutional web sites in Bulgaria. The 2016 Active Transparency Ratings and the 2016 Budget, Financial Transparency and Integrity of Municipalities Map were launched. In the lack of a public body to coordinate and control the implementation of the APIA, including the obligations for proactive publication of information, the AIP Audit serves as a model publication scheme for public bodies to increase their active transparency.
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators 18.03.2016
On March 18, 2016 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network.
Access to Information – an Instrument for Achieving our Goals 01.02.2016
On January 29, 2016, the Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the national conference “Access to Information – an Instrument for Achieving Our Goals.” The conference was held in Sofia City Hotel and was dedicated to the amendments to the Access to Public Information Act (promulgated in the State Gazette on December 11, 2015). It was the concluding event of the project “Enhancing the Capacity of Nongovernmental Organizations to Seek Public Information,” supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 – 2014 (www.ngogrants.bg).
AIP Held the 13th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria 28.09.2015
Access to Information Programme held the 13th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony on 28 September 2015. Nearly a hundred FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the House of Europe in Sofia. The National Ombudsman, Mr. Konstantin Penchev, was a special guest. He addressed the audience, greeting the FOI advocates on the International Right to Know Day. Among the guests were the deputy minister of defense, partner NGOs, journalists, academia; officials from executive bodies and municipalities.
AIP Held a Workshop with the Journalists from its Coordinators’ Network 14.09.2015
The Access to Information Programme (AIP) held a workshop with the journalists from its coordinators’ network on 11-13 September 2015 in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. The workshop was held within the framework of the project Enhancing the Capacity of Nongovernmental Organizations to Seek Public Information supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 - 2014 (http://www.ngogrants.bg).
15 Years Access to Public Information Act 07.07.2015
On July 7, the Access to Information Programme held a press conference to mark 15 years of the Access to Public Information Act. In the eve of the 15th anniversary since the adoption of the Access to Public Information Act in Bulgaria, AIP reminded the important moments in the development of the law and the implementation practices. The APIA was promulgated in the State Gazette on July 7, 2000.
Information Days in Kardzhali and Haskovo 05.06.2015
On 3 and 4 June 2015, Access to Information Programme held two Access to Information Days in the towns of Kardzhali and Haskovo respectively. 99 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the two towns took part in the events organized by AIP. The Information Days are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Information Days in Veliko Tarnovo and Gabrovo 15.05.2015
On 13 and 14 May 2015, Access to Information Programme held two Access to Information Days in the towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Gabrovo respectively. 71 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the two towns took part in the events organized by AIP. The Info Days are organized within the project Civil Center for Support of Transparency in Public Life, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
2015 Active Transparency Rating in Bulgaria 15.04.2015
On April 15, 2015, at a press conference in Sofia, the Access to Information Programme presented the results of its 2015 Audit on Institutional web sites in Bulgaria. The updated 2015 Active Transparency Rating and the 2015 Budget, Financial Transparency and Integrity of Municipalities Map were launched. In the lack of a public body to coordinate and control the implementation of the APIA, including the obligations for proactive publication of information, the AIP Audit serves as a model publication scheme for public bodies to increase their active transparency.
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators 20.02.2015
On February 20, 2015 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network.
Conference “Are Amendments to the ATI Legislation Necessary?” 12.12.2014
On December 12, 2014, in Central Hotel Forum in Sofia, the AIP held a conference “Are Amendments to the Access to Information Legislation Necessary?” The Conference was organized within the implementation of the project Advocacy Campaign for Amendments to the Access to Information Legislation, supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 – 2014 www.ngogrants.bg
Are Amendments to the APIA Necessary? – discussion with lawyers and judges from administrative courts 24.10.2014
On October 24, 2014, AIP held a public discussion with lawyers and judges from administrative courts to discuss necessary amendments to the Access to Public Information Act (APIA). The forum took place in City Hotel, Sofia. The discussion is the fifth and the last within the project “Advocacy Campaign for Amendments to the Access to Information Legislation,” supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 – 2014.
Are Amendments to the APIA Necessary? – discussion with public officials 14.10.2014
On October 14, 2014, Access to Information Programme held a public discussion with public officials from central bodies of power and local self-government bodies responsible for the APIA implementation, to discuss necessary amendments to the Access to Public Information Act (APIA). The forum took place in City Hotel, Sofia. The discussion is held within the project “Advocacy Campaign for Amendments to the Access to Information Legislation,” supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 – 2014.
Are Amendments to the APIA Necessary? – discussion with NGOs and citizens 04.07.2014
On July 4, 2014, Access to Information Programme held a public discussion with representatives of NGOs, active citizens and civil society groups to discuss necessary amendments to the Access to Public Information Act (APIA). The forum took place in City Hotel, Sofia. The discussion is the third out of five planned public discussions with interested groups within the project “Advocacy Campaign for Amendments to the Access to Information Legislation,” supported by a grant under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2009 – 2014.
Are Amendments to the APIA Necessary? – discussion with bloggers, ITs, and business 24.06.2014
On June 24, 2014, Access to Information Programme held a public discussion with bloggers, IT specialists, and business in order to discuss necessary amendments to the Access to Public Information Act. The forum took place in City Hotel, Sofia.
Are Amendments to the APIA Necessary? – discussion with journalists 03.06.2014
On June 3, 2014, Access to Information Programme held a public discussion with journalists from national electronic and print media in order to discuss necessary amendments to the Access to Public Information Act.
Information Days in Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil 30.05.2014
89 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the towns of Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil took part in the forum organized by AIP within the implementation of the project Access to Information Programme – Civil Center for Support of Transparency, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Information Days in Vidin and Pernik 25.04.2014
On 8 and 25 April 2014, Access to Information Programme held Information Days in the towns of Vidin and Pernik respectively within the implementation of the project Access to Information Programme – Civil Center for Support of Transparency, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Information Days in Pazardzhik and Plovdiv 20.03.2014
60 Representatives of Regional and Local Administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the towns of Pazardzhik and Plovdiv took part in the forum organized by AIP on 19 and 20 March 2014 respectively. The Information Days in are held within the implementation of the project Access to Information Programme – Civil Center for Support of Transparency, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with Its Coordinators 28.02.2014
On February 28, 2014 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network. The meeting was opened by the coordinator of the network, Nikolay Ninov. The journalists outlined the current situation of the access to information in the country. They presented statistics of the requests filed to the municipalities and the regional structures of the executive power bodies; the attitude of the administration towards the requestors; characteristics of the issued refusals, access to information litigation of citizens, journalists and NGOs.
Information Days in Vratsa and Montana 13.11.2013
110 Representatives of Regional and Local Administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the towns of Pleven and Lovech took part in the forum organized by AIP on 12 and 13 November 2013 respectively. The Information Days in are held within the implementation of the project Access to Information Programme – Civil Center for Support of Transparency, supported with a grant by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
AIP - Civil Center for Support of Transparency 18.10.2013
Over 100 representatives of regional and local administration, NGOs, journalists, and citizens from the towns of Pleven and Lovech took part in the forum organized by AIP within the implementation of the project Access to Information Programme - Civil Center for Support of Transparency.
AIP Held the 11th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria 28.09.2013
The 2013 Right to Know Day Awards Jury selected the winners in six categories out of 39 nominations received through the special web site www.RightToKnowDay.net, AIP e-mail or sent by AIP coordinators in the country. Access to Information Programme held the 11th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony on 28 September 2013. A hundred FOI activists from Sofia and the country gathered at the National Pressclub of the Bulgarian News Agency. A special guest to the ceremony was Mr. Toby McIntosh, executive editor of Freedominfo.org.
AIP presented the Annual Report Access to Information in Bulgaria 2012 28.03.2013
On March 28, 2013 Access to Information Programme presented its annual report Access to Information in Bulgaria 2012 at a presconference in the Bulgarian News Agency. The thirteen report contains recommendations for facilitating the access to information and increasing the transparency and accountability of the public administration; analysis of the effective access to information legislation; results from the 2013 AIP audit on the active disclosure of public information online by the executive bodies; analyses of the access to information cases referred to AIP for legal help; an overview of the most interesting developments in the FOI litigation in 2012.
AIP Launched the 2013 Active Transparency Rating for Bulgaria 06.03.2013
On February 27, 2013 Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented the results from its audit on institutional web sites and the 2013 Active Transparency Rating at a press conference held at the Bulgarian News Agency. The aim of the audit, which AIP performs since 2006, is to evaluate how the executive bodies fulfill their obligations for proactive publication of information online under the Access to Public Information Act and other legal regulations and to assess their readiness to respond to electronic requests. On the base of the indicators, AIP launched an updated 2013 Active Transparency Rating.
AIP Held the Annual Meeting with its Country-Wide Coordinators' Network 15.02.2013
On February 15, 2013 in Sofia, Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual meeting with the journalists of its country-wide coordinators' network. AIP Executive Director Gergana Jouleva presented key achievements from AIP advocacy activities in 2012, summarized in AIP organizational annual report (in Bulgarian). The 2013 goals and challenges before AIP and the coordinators' network were outlined.
2013 Big Brother Anti-awards in Bulgaria 29.01.2013
Access to Information Programme (AIP) and Internet Society Bulgaria held the Big Brother Anti-awards ceremony in Bulgaria on January 28, 2013, 12.00, at the National Presscenter of the Bulgarian News Agency. The anti-awards are given to government institutions, private companies, or individuals, who have done the most to invade personal privacy.
Litigation Under Access to Information Legislation 19.11.2012
On October 31, 2012, Access to Information Programme (AIP) presented its book Litigation Under Access to Information Legislation. The book is part of the continuous analyses which AIP has been making on the Access to Public Information Act litigation in Bulgaria and is the fifth from the series: http://www.aip-bg.org/en/publications/books/. Authors are the attorneys-at-law from AIP legal team Alexander Kashumov, head of the team, and Kiril Terziyski. The foreword is by Gergana Jouleva, AIP Executive Director.
AIP Held the 10th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria 28.09.2012
The 10th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria was held on 28 September at the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia. Access to Information Programme opened the event with the song “Breathe,” dedicated to the right to know. Promotional materials, among which the Right to Know Day Magnet, were distributed to the participants in the ceremony. More than 90 attended. The ceremony was broadcast live on Internet. Pictures can be found at AIP web site: http://www.aip-bg.org/about/gallery/. The Right to Know Day Awards Committee selected the winners in the six categories out of 42 nominations
10th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria! 19.09.2012
Access to Information Programme (AIP) has just closed the nomination process for the 2012 Right to Know Day Awards. On 28 September 2012 at 12.00 a.m. (EET) at the Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency (49 Tsarigradsko shose Blvd, Sofia), Access to Information Programme will hold the 10th Annual Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria.
AIP hosted a Study Visit for a Delegation from Ukraina 23.07.2012
Access to Information Programme organized and held a study visit in Sofia to present Bulgaria’s twelve years of Access to Public Information Act implementation experience and good practices to officials from Ukrainian government institutions and NGO representatives during the week 16-20 July 2012. The visit was supported by the Council of Europe and was part of a Joint Programme between the Council of Europe and the European Union. Within the three-day Study Visit, the Ukrainian group visited the National Assembly of Republic of Bulgaria; the Council of Ministries; the State Commission on Information Security; the Committee for disclosing the documents of the Former State Security; and met representatives of the Commission of Personal Data Protection.
AIP Trained Journalists from Shumen, Razgrad, Dobrich, Varna and Silistra 20.07.2012
On July 20, 2012 in Radio Shumen at the town of Shumen, AIP held a training with journalists from Shumen, Razgrad, Dobrich, Varna and Silistra on how to use public registers and on public bodies obligations for active publication of information. The trainings was the last in a series of 7 held within the framework of the project Civil Audit of Active Transparency of Government (CAATOG) supported by a grant from the Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe.
Advocacy for Access to Information – Achievements and Challenges: Summary of speeches and discussions 16.07.2012
Access to Information Programme has summarized the speeches and the outcomes of the discussions during the conference Advocacy for Access to Information – Achievements and Challenges. During the two days conference held by Access to Information Programme on 15-16 June 2012 in Sofia, Bulgaria, leading organizations in the access to information area from 12 countries (Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Georgia, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Spain, UK) shared achievements and discussed the challenges for the freedom of information advocates.
15 Years Advocacy for Access to Information – Achievements and Challenges 19.06.2012
AIP Trained Journalists from Kardzhali, Smolyan, and Haskovo 21.05.2012
On May 18, 2012 in the town of Kardzhali, AIP held a training with journalists on how to use public registers and on public bodies obligations for active publication of information. Local media journalists from the towns of Kardzhali, Smolyan, and Haskovo took part. The training was the fourth out of 7 planned in the country. The first was held in in Kyustendil on March 16, 2012, the second - in Vratsa on March 30, and the third in Plovdiv - on April 20. The next will be held in the towns of Veliko Tarnovo (June 29), Sliven (July 13) and Shumen (July 20).
AIP presented the Annual Report Access to Information in Bulgaria 2011 17.05.2012
AIP Trained Journalists from Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, and pazardzhik 23.04.2012
On April 20, 2012 in the town of Plovdiv, AIP held a training with journalists on how to use public registers and on public bodies obligations for active publication of information. Local media journalists from the towns of Stara Zagora and Pazardzhik also took part. The training was the third out of 7 planned in the country. The first was held in in Kyustendil on March 16, 2012, the second - in Vratsa on March 30. The next will be held in the towns of Kardzhali (May 18), Veliko Tarnovo (June 29), Sliven (July 13) and Shumen (July 20).
AIP Presented the 2012 Active Transparency Rating and the Public Registers Portal in Bulgaria 04.04.2012
On April 4, 2012, at a press conference at the Bulgarian News Agency, Access to Information Programme presented the 2012 Active Transparency Rating and the Public Registers Portal in Bulgaria.
The two surveys are made within the implementation of the project Civil Audit of Active Transparency of Government, supported by a grant from the Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe.
AIP Trained Journalists from Vratsa, Pleven, Vidin and Montana 02.04.2012
On March 30, 2012 in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - town of Vratsa, AIP held a training with journalists on how to use public registers and on public bodies obligations for active publication of information. Local media journalists from Vidin, Pleven, and Montana also took part. The training was the second out of 7 planned in the country. The first was held in in Kyustendil on March 16, 2012. The next will be held in the towns of Plovdiv (April 20), Kardzhali (May 18), Veliko Tarnovo (June 29), Sliven (July 13) and Shumen (July 20). The trainings are held within the framework of the project Civil Audit of Active Transparency of Government (CAATOG) supported by a grant from the Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe.
AIP Held a Training for Journalists from Local Media 19.03.2012
On March 16, 2012 in Hotel Strimon Spa, the town of Kyustendil, AIP held a training with journalists on how to use public registers and on public bodies obligations for active publication. Local media journalists from Kyustendil, Pernik and Blagoevrgad took part. The training was the first out of 7 planned in the country - the next will be held in the towns of Vratsa (March 30), Plovdiv (April 20), Kardzhali (May 18), Veliko Tarnovo (June 29), Sliven (July 13) and Shumen (July 20).The trainings are held within the framework of the project Civil Audit of Active Transparency of Government (CAATOG) supported by a grant from the Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe.
AIP Held the 2011 Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony 28.09.2011
The 9th Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria was held on 28 September in the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia. Access to Information Programme opened the event with the song “Breathe.” The event was broadcast live on Internet. More than hundred people attended the ceremony. Pictures are available at AIP web site: http://www.aip-bg.org/about/gallery/108773/. The Right to Know Day Awards Committee selected the winners in the six categories out of 59 nominations received through the special web site www.RightToKnowDay.net.
International “Access to Information Litigation in Bulgaria” Conference was held on April 15, 2011 in Sofia 15.04.2011
The conference was organized and held by AIP in the frame of the project Pushing for Accountability of Government through ATI Legal Assistance and Litigation, financed by the Open Society Institute, Human Rights and Governance Grants Program, Budapest. Among the 100 participants were lawyers, judges from administrative courts, representatives of NGOs, media, activists, citizens who have submitted ATI requests and have appealed refusals in the court. Pictures from the conference can be viewed here.
“Big Brother” Anti-Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria 16.02.2011
Access to Information Programme (AIP) and Internet Society Bulgaria held the Big Brother Anti-awards ceremony in Bulgaria on February 16, 2011, 11.00, at the National Presscenter of the Bulgarian News Agency. The awards are given to government institutions, private companies, or individuals, who have done the most to invade personal privacy. Among the nominations were: the Parliamentary Standing Subcommittee for oversight and monitoring of application of special intelligence means, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Alcatel-Lucent Company, Alpha Bank – Bulgaria, a hospital in the town of Smolian, and even the Electronic Communications Act, effective as of May 10, 2010.
AIP held a meeting with the coordinators from the country and journalists from local and regional media 26.11.2010
The meeting was held on November 26, 2010 in Dessislava Hall in Grand Hotel Bulgaria, Sofia. The purpose of the meeting was to make a review of the results achieved within the three-years project Local Media and Freedom of Information in Bulgaria, financed through the MATRA program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by AIP in cooperation with the The Management & Media Academy/Free Voice. Remarks and conclusions were shared by the Dutch FOI expert Roger Vleugels who took part in the 26 training seminars held in the regional cities in the Country. Mr. Martijn Elgersma, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sofia.
Local Media and Freedom of Information in Bulgaria 06.10.2010
In 4-6 October 2010, AIP held the last three training workshops with journalists from local media in the towns of Haskovo, Kardjali, and Smolyan. Kiril Terziiski, a lawyer at the AIP legal team presented cases of journalistic investigations completed with the help of the Access to Public Information Act and following litigation proceedings in cases of denials. Tactics for successful use of the law by journalists were also presented. The Dutch FOI expert, Mr. Roger Vleugels, presented tactics and cases of journalists from Holland. The movie Media and Access to Information - Five Investigative Reporter Stories was shown at all workshops.
Right to Know Day 2010 28.09.2010
The Eight Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony was held on 28 September in the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia. Posters were disseminated in the countryside through AIP's coordinators network. Press releases were sent to national and regional media. The event was broadcast live on Internet. More than 60 media – national and local – covered the event. More than hundred people attended the ceremony.
Pictures are available at AIP facebook page. You can watch video clips (in Bulgarian) from the 2010 Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony held by Access to Information Programme.
Bulgarian Parliament Willing to Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents 26.07.2010
To mark ten years of the adoption of the Bulgarian Access to Public Information Act (APIA), Access to Information Programme organized a conference on July 26, 2010. The conference was held under the auspices of the Chairperson of the Bulgarian National Assembly Ms. Tsetska Tsacheva. The purpose of the conference was to discuss possibilities of Bulgaria’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents on the base of ten years experience of the Access to Public Information Act implementation. Bulgarian APIA is in act since July 7, 2000.
Local Media and Freedom of Information in Bulgaria 14.04.2010
In 12-14 April 2010, AIP held three more training workshops with journalists from local media in the towns of Pazardjik, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora.
Results of surveys on access to information presented 16.03.2010
On March 16, 2010, at a press conference at the Bulgarian News Agency, AIP and Market LINKS presented the results from two surveys:
Assessment of the Internet sites of the institutions from the point of view of the Access to Public Information Act; and
Representative public opinion poll on public attitudes regarding the right of access to information.
Access to Information Programme Launched a Campaign on New Standards in Access to Information 09.02.2010
In order to enhance the execution of the right of access to information in Bulgaria in line with 2008 amendments to the Access to Public Information Act and push for the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents, Access to Information Programme (AIP) initiated Public Awareness Campaign on New Standards in the Access to Information Area. The campaign is supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Financial Mechanism.
AIP held the annual meeting with the journalists from the coordinators’ network 05.02.2010
The meeting with the journalists from the coordinators’ network was held on February 5, 2010. The meeting was organized within the project Local Media and Freedom of Information in Bulgaria, financed through the MATRA program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Gergana Jouleva, AIP executive director, made and overview of the key achievements of AIP during the past 2009. Results are presented in the annual report of the organization. The goals and tasks of the coordinators’ network for 2010 were outlined. AIP gave the Coordinator of the Year Award for a third successive year.
Right to Know Day- 28.09.2009 28.09.2009
For the seventh successive year Access to Information Programme (AIP) held the annual Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria. More than hundred people attended the 2009 Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony organized and held by Access to Information Programme (AIP)on 28 September in the Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia. The ceremony was broadcast live on Internet. More than 50 media – national and local – covered the event. More information about the 2009 Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony on the special web site: www.RightToKnowDat.net.
AIP held the sixth annual Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria 28.09.2008
On September 28, 2008 AIP held the sixth annual Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in BulgariaMore than 100 people attended. Special guests were Mr. Nikolay Vasilev, Minister of State Administration and Administrative Reform, Ms. Vera Illes, Programme Manager at The Management & Media Academy/Free Voice. Awards were given in seven categories - five positive and two negative.
Access to Information Programme held a National Round Table (NRT) on March 14, 2008 14.03.2008
Access to Information Programme held a National Round Table (NRT) on March 14, 2008, Sofia.
Problems faced by nongovernmental organizations when they exercise their right of access to information were discussed and strategies for advocacy work in the area were be outlined at the forum.
Participants at the National Round Table discussed and adopted a Memorandum with specific recommendations for the improvement of the access to information situation in Bulgaria.
AIP held the annual meeting with the journalists from the coordinators’ network 08.02.2008
On February 8, 2008, in Sofia, AIP held the annual meeting with the journalists from the coordinators’ network.
An overview of key achievements of AIP during the past 2007 were made and the project Local Media and Freedom of Information in Bulgaria, financed through the MATRA program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was presented to AIP coordinators, all of them journalists in the 26 regional town in the country.
Big Brother Awards Ceremony Held in Bulgaria 28.01.2008
On January 28, 2008, Access to Information Programme and Internet Society Bulgaria presented the the Big Brother Awards at a special ceremony held in the Center of Culture and Debate The Red House. The jury recognized two Bulgarian institutions for their extensive violation of the right to privacy and the protection of personal data: the Ministry of Interior and the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria.
AIP held a one-day discussion on active provision of information in Veliko Turnovo 27.04.2007
On 27nd April 2007 in Veliko Turnovo Access to Information Program held a one-day discussion on active provision of information, particularly publication of information on institutional web sites, with local and regional government officials from the Regions of Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Gabrovo and Lovech within the project Increasing Government Transparency and Accountability through Electronic Access to Information, financed by the UNDP Democratic Governance Trust Fund (DGTF).
AIP organized a second round table Advocacy for Free Access to Information in Veliko Turnovo 26.04.2007
On 26nd April 2007 in Veliko Turnovo, Access to Information Program organized a second round table Advocacy for Free Access to Information.
AIP held a one-day discussion on active provision of information in Montana 23.03.2007
On 23nd March 2007 in Montana Access to Information Program held a one-day discussion on active provision of information, particularly publication of information on institutional web sites, with local and regional government officials from the Regions of Montana, Vidin, and Vratsa within the project Increasing Government Transparency and Accountability through Electronic Access to Information, financed by the UNDP Democratic Governance Trust Fund (DGTF).
AIP held a round table Advocacy for Free Access to Information in Vidin 22.03.2007
On 22nd March 2007 in Vidin Access to Information Program held a round table Advocacy for Free Access to Information with representatives of NGOs and media, as part the implementation of the project Strengthening NGOs in Their Search for Public Information, financed by PHARE Programme – 2004 Civil Society Development.
International Freedom of Information Litigation Conference 26.11.2005
International Freedom of Information Litigation Conference—Lessons Learned was held on 25-26 November 2005 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The conference was organized by Access to Information Programme Foundation with the support of the Council of Europe. Participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Rumania, Moldova, Albania, Hungary, the Check Republic, Armenia, Georgia, the Netherlands, and the USA visited Sofia to take part in the event.
AIP has organized the celebration of the International Right to Know Day 28.09.2005
Access to Information Program (AIP) has organized the celebration of the International Right to Know Day on 28 September for the third successive year. The ceremony was held in Mati hall in the National Palace of Culture. Positive and negative awards were given in eight categories. Read more on the special web site: www.RightToKnowDay.net.
28 September - International Right to Know Day 28.09.2003
AIP held the first Right to Know Day Awards Ceremony in Bulgaria. On a press conference on Sep. 28 AIP presented awards to citizens, media and NGOs, who have actively exercised their rights to freedom of information. Two awards - a positive and a negative one - were given to institutions. More information on the nominations and the ceremony can be found here.
Freedom of Information Litigation Conference 28.09.2002
The Access to Information Programme held the Freedom of Information Litigation Conference within 26-28 September 2002 in Sofia, Bulgaria. On 28 September 2002, the FOI activists established the International Freedom of Information Advocates Network (FOIAnet) and decided to celebrate and promote 28 September as the International Right to Know Day.