All information held by state institutions, unless it is classified as restricted, should be freely accessible to the public.

Request

If you ask state institutions for public information which is generally available, you do not need to explain why you need the information. You may request public information from a state institution in  writing or in certain cases electronically.

Read more if you want to request information that is not publicly available, but instead is restricted.

Time

State organizations are obliged to provide the information you requested immediately  If your request for information does not require additional activities from the institution. If the institution needs additional time to provide the information it should not be more than 10 days. If the state organization needs 10 days to provide the information you requested, you should be immediately informed about that. The information may be provided in written form and where possible, through electronic communication as well.

Fees

In the situation where your request does not require additional activities from the state institution, the information should be provided free of charge. However, the state may require you to cover the fees for copying the information that you seek. In any case, the fee for the information cannot exceed the costs incurred by the institution to fulfill your request.

Refusal & Explanation

State institutions cannot refuse to give you access to public information in which they possess. Where an institution partly of fully denies you access to public information which it possesses, it must issue a written decision within the 3 days of your request explaining:

  • the motivation, indicating the reasons for denying access to the information requested
  • the legal basis for such refusal, including a reference to a law or government regulation
  • the procedure and time-limits for appeal if you disagree with this decision

How to complain

Read more about how to complain if you have been denied access to public information.

Resources

Last updated 04/08/2023