Access to operational reports of the Prosecutor's Office for 2001, 2002, and 2003

Environmental Association For the Earth vs. The Ministry of Finance

First Instance—administrative court case No. 1621/2004, Sofia City Court, Panel ІІІ-v

Request:
The environmental Association For the Earth submitted a written request to the Ministry of Finance (MF), demanding access to copies of the following documents—preliminary research reports, application forms, cost and benefit analyses of two ISPA financed projects – Highway Lulin, and the Regional Depot for common, construction and dangerous waste in the town of Russe.

Refusal:
In a response to the request, the MF issues a decision for partial access to the requested documents—the preliminary research reports of the two projects. The rest of the requested information has been refused.

Complaint:
The decision of the MF, in its part that denies access to the requested information, has been challenged before the court with the argument that no grounds have been given for the refusal.

Development at the First Instance:
In 2005, three court sessions have been held and three times the proceedings have been stayed for the submission of evidence and elimination of procedural impediments to the consideration of the case on the merits.
A court session is scheduled for February 2006.