Efforts must be directed toward modernizing and simplifying the administrative procedures governing the exercise of the right to access information. Such measures should focus on ensuring effective and accessible legal protection for the realization and safeguarding of the right to access information
Koper, Slovenia / October 19–21, 2026
Joint Statement by Authorities Responsible for Access to Information of Public Importance within the Framework of Initiative 2020
Representatives of the members of “Initiative 2020″—the authorities responsible for free access to information of public importance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia—gathered for their seventh annual high-level meeting, held in Koper from October 19 to 21, 2026, and organized by the Information Commissioner of the Republic of Slovenia. On this occasion, they exchanged experiences and discussed current developments and challenges in the field of access to information of public importance. At the high-level meeting, the members presented and discussed current challenges—particularly those concerning information management in a digital society, access to archival materials, technological development, and the increasingly widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This includes the use of such tools for drafting requests and appeals within procedures for exercising the right to access information of public importance.
The members agree that the right to access information of public importance remains a vital guarantee of transparency and accountability, enabling citizens, the media, and civil society organizations to obtain reliable information. Given the rapid advancement of modern technologies, particular attention must be paid to ensuring transparency in the application of artificial intelligence. This entails making information available regarding the impact of its use on fundamental human rights and freedoms, as well as on the environment.
Special attention was directed toward the growing number of appeals—most notably the rise in instances of “administrative silence”—an issue the members had already highlighted during previous meetings. The members concur that public authorities must strengthen their capacities to effectively respond to requests, given the context of accelerated communication and evolving methods for conducting administrative proceedings. At the same time, taking into account the specific legal and institutional frameworks of each member, it is necessary—where required—to review and adapt legal provisions in line with technological developments.
In this context, efforts should be directed toward modernizing and simplifying the administrative procedures governing the exercise of the right to access information. Such measures should aim to ensure effective and accessible legal protection for the exercise and safeguarding of this right. The objective is to ensure that requests for access to information are decided upon as quickly and effectively as possible, thereby guaranteeing the practical realization of the fundamental human right to access information, in accordance with applicable international standards.
Some members have pointed to an increasing number of unfounded requests, as well as requests submitted for the purpose of harassment or the abuse of rights. Instances have been highlighted where the exercise of the right to access information of public importance does not align with the purpose and objectives for which this right exists. The members agree that the principle of exercising rights in good faith and with integrity is a fundamental tenet applicable to procedures concerning access to information of public importance. Conduct by applicants that infringes upon the rights and interests of third parties, or that jeopardizes the public interest, should not be afforded legal protection. Authorities responsible for access to information of public importance have reaffirmed their shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and independent decision-making—key elements for ensuring the effective exercise of the right to access information. They agreed to continue their cooperation and professional exchange within the framework of “Initiative 2020,” aiming to further enhance the effective exercise and protection of the right to access information in the region.
The next annual meeting of “Initiative 2020” will be organized by the Agency for the Protection of the Right to Free Access to Information of the Republic of North Macedonia.