With reference to 6 months since the Law on Free Access to the Information of Public Importance was passed and came into force, the Republic Commissioner for Information Rodoljub Sabic stated that the results of the implementation of the law are dissatisfactory and he invited all governmental bodies to do much more than so far to incite its implementation.   

The Commissioner Rodoljub Sabic, among other things, stated the following:

«The implementation of the Law is on the inadmissibly low level. Although the campained that the commissioner and the nongovernmental sector and media have led gave certain results, there are no reasons to be satisfied.

State bodies, public companies, local government, institutions financed from the budget, as well as the organizations entrusted with public authority are in great majority not ready to respond to the legal obligations. This goes for at least 40% of them on the Republic, and even 80% on the local level.

Functional system for protection of the rights stipulated in the law, because, regardles of some impruvements, conditions for efficient operations of the commissioner have not been created.

The Law is not followed by other laws which inevitably have to be passed. Absence of solutions which would in a contemporary way regulate protection of personal data, questions of trade, official or state secret, as well as opening the dossiers of secret services will additionaly complicate the implementation of the Law on Free Access to the Information of Public Importance.

The Law on Free Access to the Information of Public Importance is very important in the context of the desired European integration as well. As such, it is highlighted in the Viability Study. It is noted that the implementation of the law was not secured. To meet the beginning of the negotiations for Agreement on Stabilization and Association with the EU, with the same notification would be completely irresponsible. Unfortunately it is not impossible. I call upon all responsible officials to take the necessary steps in order to prevent that from happening. »