FYR of Macedonia adopts law on access to information

Transparency International-Macedonia successfully contributes to the legislative process

At the beginning of 2003 Transparency International-Macedonia signed a memorandum to cooperate with the Macedonian Ministry of Justice, leading to participation in the working group which formulated a final draft version of the Law on Access to Information.

Over the subsequent three-year period TIM organised many activities to promote and debate the Law in its various draft stages. TIM asked regional experts to participate in these activities, inviting them to relay their experiences and contribute to public discussion surrounding the Law.

Adoption of the Law followed strong debate within the bodies of the Macedonian national assembly over three weeks, with TIM representatives taking an active roll. The final draft version proposed by the Ministry of Justice differed significantly from that put forward by the working group. This prompted a group of civil society organisations, consisting of TIM, Article 19, ProMedia and the SOROS Foundation, to outline concerns with the Ministry’s draft and propose several amendments that would contribute to a better Law. The strength of the arguments contained in these amendments persuaded the government to accept most of them.

At the plenary session of the Macedonian assembly on 25th January 2006, the Law on Access to Information was adopted with 62 votes for, one vote against and one vote withheld. TIM has played a significant role in the adoption of the Law, ending the first phase of an important process. Ensuring effective implementation is the next step toward increased transparency in Macedonia.

National Chapter Contact:

Jovan Damchevski
Transparency International - Macedonia
Programme Coordinator
Tel/Fax: + 389 2 3217 000
www.transparency.org.mk