Source: http://www.rti-rating.org/country-data/scoring/?country_name=Romania
Timestamp: 2018-04-21 13:18:47
Document Index: 14623315

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art.12', 'art.1', 'Art.12', 'art.1', 'art.1', 'art. 7', 'art.1', 'art.2']

Name of law : Law on Free Access to Public Information
First adopted : 2001
Exceptions	 30 13
1 The legal framework (including jurisprudence) recognises a fundamental right of access to information. Score 0 for no constitutional right to information, 1 point for a limited constitutional right, 2 points for full constitutional recognition of a public right of access to information. 2 YES Romanian Constitution, Chapter II. Article 31 (Right to information): "A person's right of access to any information of public interest shall not be restricted. The public authorities, according to their competence, shall be bound to provide correct information to the citizens in public affairs and matters of personal interest. The right to information shall not be prejudicial to the measures of protection of young people or national security. [...]" Article 1: "The individual’s free and unconstraint access to public information, thus defined in this Law, represents one of the fundamental principles of the relations between the individuals and the public authorities in conformity with the Romanian Constitution and the international documents ratified by the Romanian Parliament." Link to the Constitution of Romania (English version): http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?id=371
2 The legal framework creates a specific presumption in favour of access to all information held by public authorities, subject only to limited exceptions. No=0, Partially=1, Yes=2 2 YES Article 1: "The individual’s free and unconstraint access to public information, thus defined in this Law, represents one of the fundamental principles of the relations between the individuals and the public authorities in conformity with the Romanian Constitution and the international documents ratified by the Romanian Parliament."
3.2 (Y/N - max 1 point) 2 Partially Article 1: "The individual’s free and unconstraint access to public information, thus defined in this Law, represents one of the fundamental principles of the relations between the individuals and the public authorities in conformity with the Romanian Constitution and the international documents ratified by the Romanian Parliament."
4 Everyone (including non-citizens and legal entities) has the right to file requests for information. Score 0 point if only residents/citizens; 1 point for all natural persons; 1 point for legal persons. 2 YES Article 6: "Any individual has the right to request and obtain public information from the public authorities and organizations, under the terms of this law." "Any" person can ask and obtain information. This includes legal persons.
5 The right of access applies to all material held by or on behalf of public authorities which is recorded in any format, regardless of who produced it. Score 1-3 points if limited definition of information information such as not "internal documents" or databases excluded, 4 points for all information with no exceptions. 4 YES Article 2. Section 2: "For the purpose of this law:[...] Public information means any information related to or resulting from the activities of a public authority or organization, regardless of the frame, form or way of expression of the information.[...]"
6 Requesters have a right to access both information and records/documents (i.e. a right both to ask for information and to apply for specific documents). Score 1 point for only documents, 1 point for information 2 YES Article 6: "Any individual has the right to request and obtain public information from the public authorities and organizations, under the terms of this law. Public authorities and organizations shall provide public information to the individuals, at their request, in writing or orally." Article 9: "If the request for information implies reproduction of the documents held by the public authority or organization, the petitioner shall bear the cost of the reproduction, in compliance with the law."
7 The right of access applies to the executive branch with no bodies or classes of information excluded.This includes executive (cabinet) and adminsitration including all ministries, departments, local government, public schools, public health care bodies, the police, the armed forces, security services, and bodies owned or controlled by the above. Score 4 points for central government agencies covered: 1 for the head of state, 1 for ministries, 1 for other non-statutory agencies created by the ministries, 1 for state and local government if the government is unitary. If it´s a federalist system, 2 points for the non-statutory agencies. This can be determined by examining the length and thoroughness of the list, if such a schedule exists. Score 1 point for the archives. Add three points and deduct 1 for each exempted central agency (such as the armed forces, police, etc). 8 YES Article 2. Section A: "For the purpose of this law: Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution;" No exception has been recognised in the Law.
8 The right of access applies to the legislature, including both administrative and other information, with no bodies excluded. Score 1 point if the law only applies to administrative documents, 2-3 points if some bodies excluded, 4 points if all legislative branch at all levels of government 4 YES Article 2. Section A: "For the purpose of this law: Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution;" No exception has been recognised in the Law.
9 The right of access applies to the judicial branch, including both administrative and other information, with no bodies excluded. Score 1 point if the law only applies to administrative documents, 2-3 points if some bodies excluded, 4 points if all judicial branch at all levels of government 4 YES Article 2. Section A: "For the purpose of this law: Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution;" No exception has been recognised in the Law.
10 The right of access applies to State-owned enterprises (commercial entities that are owned or controlled by the State). Score 1 point if some, 2 points if all 2 YES Article 2. Section A: "For the purpose of this law: Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution;" No exception has been recognised in the Law.
11 The right of access applies to other public authorities, including constitutional, statutory and oversight bodies (such as an election commission or information commission/er). Score 1 point if some bodies, 2 points if all 2 YES Article 2. Section A: "For the purpose of this law: Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution;" . No exception has been recognised in the Law.
12 The right of access applies to a) private bodies that perform a public function and b) private bodies that receive significant public funding. 1 point for public functions, 1 point for public funding 2 Partially Article 2: "For the purpose of this law: a) Public authority or organization means any public authority or organization or any autonomous organization using public financial resources and developing its activity in Romania, according to the Constitution; b) Public information means any information related to or resulting from the activities of a public authority or organization, regardless of the frame, form or way of expression of the information." It is included under the scope, no mention about the other.
13 Requesters are not required to provide reasons for their requests. Y/N answer 0 or 2 points 2 YES Article 6: "Any individual has the right to request and obtain public information from the public authorities and organizations, under the terms of this law. Public authorities and organizations shall provide public information to the individuals, at their request, in writing or orally. The request, in writing, for public information shall include the following: a) the public authority or organization to which the request is addressed; b) the requested information, so that the public authority or organization may identify the public information; c) name, surname and signature of the petitioner and the address where the answer shall be sent."
14 Requesters are only required to provide the details necessary for identifying and delivering the information (i.e. some form of address for delivery). Score Max 2 points and deduct if requesters are required to give any of the following: ID number, telephone number, residential address, etc. 2 YES Article 6. Section 3: "The request, in writing, for public information shall include the following: a) the public authority or organization to which the request is addressed; b) the requested information, so that the public authority or organization may identify the public information; c) name, surname and signature of the petitioner and the address where the answer shall be sent." Requesters are asked to identify the information and to provide their contact details like complete name and an address.
15 There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. 2 YES Article 6: "Any individual has the right to request and obtain public information from the public authorities and organizations, under the terms of this law. Public authorities and organizations shall provide public information to the individuals, at their request, in writing or orally. The request, in writing, for public information shall include the following: a) the public authority or organization to which the request is addressed; b) the requested information, so that the public authority or organization may identify the public information; c) name, surname and signature of the petitioner and the address where the answer shall be sent." Article 7. Section 3: "The request and disclosure of public information shall also be made in electronic format, if the necessary technical requirements are fulfilled." The law implies that information shall be offered in the requested format—additionally, law 448/2006 imposes this interpretation.
16 Public officials are required provide assistance to help requesters formulate their requests, or to contact and assist requesters where requests that have been made are vague, unduly broad or otherwise need clarification. Score 1 point for help in formulation and 1 point for clarification procedures 2 Partially Article 8. Section 1: "For information requested orally, the employees of the information and public relations compartment shall state the circumstances and ways in which the access to public information is granted and may provide the requested information without delay."
19 Clear and appropriate procedures are in place for situations where the authority to which a request is directed does not have the requested information. This includes an obligation to inform the requester that the information is not held and to refer the requester to another institution or to transfer the request where the public authority knows where the information is held. Score: 1 point for information not held, 1 for referrals or 2 for transfers 2 YES Decree on Implementing Norms. The request must be transferred, where the public authority knows where the information is held, within 5 days.
22 There are clear and reasonable maximum timelines (20 working days or less) for responding to requests, regardless of the manner of satisfying the request (including through publication). Score: 1 point for timeframes of 20 working days (or 1 month, 30 days or 4 weeks). Score 2 points for 10 working days (or 15 days, or two weeks) or less. 2 YES Article 7. Section 1: "Public authorities and organizations shall answer, in writing, to the request for public information within 10 (ten) days or in 30 (thirty) days, depending on the difficulty, complexity, volume of documentary works and urgency of request. If the duration necessary for the identification and disclosure of the requested information exceeds 10 days, the answer shall be communicated to the petitioner in no more than 30 days, with a 10 days’ prior notification of the person." The timeframe for responding requests is 10 working days.
23 There are clear limits on timeline extensions (20 working days or less), including a requirement that requesters be notified and provided with the reasons for the extension. --- 2 YES Article 7. Section 1: "Public authorities and organizations shall answer, in writing, to the request for public information within 10 (ten) days or in 30 (thirty) days, depending on the difficulty, complexity, volume of documentary works and urgency of request. If the duration necessary for the identification and disclosure of the requested information exceeds 10 days, the answer shall be communicated to the petitioner in no more than 30 days, with a 10 days’ prior notification of the person." Article provides: "The public authorities and institutions have the obligation to answer in writing, to the request of the information of public interest within 10 days."This timeline could be extended to 30 days (20 working days) depending of the complexity of the matter".
24 It is free to file requests. Score: No=0, Yes=2 points 2 YES
25 There are clear rules relating to access fees, which are set centrally, rather than being determined by individual public authorities. These include a requirement that fees be limited to the cost of reproducing and sending the information (so that inspection of documents and electronic copies are free) and a certain initial number of pages (at least 20) are provided for free. Score 1 point for fees being limited to reproduction and delivery costs and set centrally, 1 point for at least 20 pages free of charge or for fees being optional 2 Partially Article 9. Section 1: "If the request for information implies reproduction of the documents held by the public authority or organization, the petitioner shall bear the cost of the reproduction, in compliance with the law." The fees are limited to the cost of reproducing the pretended copies. No mention about the other aspects. Local authorities enjoy autonomy, under the constitution, so they might be able to impose their own fees.
27 There are no limitations on or charges for reuse of information received from public bodies, except where a third party (which is not a public authority) holds a legally-protected copyright over the information. Score: No=0, Yes=2 points 2 Partially Art.12. "(1) Citizens' free access to public information, as stipulated in art.1, shall be denied for the following: • information in the field of national defence, public order and security if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; • information about consultations of the authorities and regarding Romania's political and economic interests if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; • information about financial or commercial activities if, according to the law, its release is detrimental to the principle of fair competition; • personal information under the terms of the law; • information on the procedures during criminal or disciplinary investigations if the result of the investigation is jeopardized, confidential sources are disclosed or the person's life, bodily integrity and health are endangered after or during the investigation; • information on the rules of procedure, if its release is detrimental to a fair trial or to the legitimate interest of any of the parties to the trial; • information whose release prejudices the protective measures for the young people; (2) Accountability for applying the protective measures for information belonging to the categories under paragraph (1) rests with the public persons and authorities holding such information, as well as with the public organizations legally authorized to ensure the protection of information."
28 The standards in the RTI Law trump restrictions on information disclosure (secrecy provisions) in other legislation to the extent of any conflict. Score 4 points for a resounding "yes" and 1/2/3 points if only for some classes of information or for some exceptions. If the state secrets law is not trumped by the RTI law max score is 2 points. 4 Partially CHAPTER IV. Transitory and Final Provisions. Article 25 "The date when this law comes into force, all contrary provisions shall be abrogated." Art.12. Section 1: "Citizens’ free access to public information, as stipulated in art.1, shall be denied for the following: a) information in the field of national defence, public order and security if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; b) information about consultations of the authorities and regarding Romania’s political and economic interests if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; c) information about financial or commercial activities if, according to the law, its release is detrimental to the principle of fair competition; d) personal information under the terms of the law; e) information on the procedures during criminal or disciplinary investigations if the result of the investigation is jeopardized, confidential sources are disclosed or the person’s life, bodily integrity and health are endangered after or during the investigation; f) information on the rules of procedure, if its release is detrimental to a fair trial or to the legitimate interest of any of the parties to the trial; g) information whose release prejudices the protective measures for the young people;"
29 The exceptions to the right of access are consistent with international standards. Permissible exceptions are: national security; international relations; public health and safety; the prevention, investigation and prosecution of legal wrongs; privacy; legitimate commercial and other economic interests; management of the economy; fair administration of justice and legal advice privilege; conservation of the environment; and legitimate policy making and other operations of public authorities. It is also permissible to refer requesters to information which is already publicly available, for example online or in published form. Score 10 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which either (a) falls outside of this list and/or (b) is more broadly framed 10 Partially Article 12: "Citizens’ free access to public information, as stipulated in art.1, shall be denied for the following: a) information in the field of national defence, public order and security if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; b) information about consultations of the authorities and regarding Romania’s political and economic interests if, in compliance with the law, it belongs to the category of classified information; c) information about financial or commercial activities if, according to the law, its release is detrimental to the principle of fair competition; d) personal information under the terms of the law; e) information on the procedures during criminal or disciplinary investigations if the result of the investigation is jeopardized, confidential sources are disclosed or the person’s life, bodily integrity and health are endangered after or during the investigation; f) information on the rules of procedure, if its release is detrimental to a fair trial or to the legitimate interest of any of the parties to the trial; g) information whose release prejudices the protective measures for the young people; Accountability for applying the protective measures for information belonging to the categories under paragraph (1) rests with the public persons and authorities holding such information, as well as with the public organizations legally authorized to ensure the protection of information." With the exeption of "the information whose publication is prejudicial to the measures for youth protection"
30 A harm test applies to all exceptions, so that it is only where disclosure poses a risk of actual harm to a protected interest that it may be refused. Score 4 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which is not subject to the harm test 4 NO No mention about a harm test that can apply to the exceptions listed.
31 There is a mandatory public interest override so that information must be disclosed where this is in the overall public interest, even if this may harm a protected interest. There are ‘hard’ overrides (which apply absolutely), for example for information about human rights, corruption or crimes against humanity. Consider whether the override is subject to overarching limitations, whether it applies to only some exceptions, and whether it is mandatory. 4 Partially Article 13: "Information encouraging or concealing the breaking of law by a public authority or organization shall not be regarded as classified information and shall be considered public information." There is a sort of public interest override that will be applied only over "the information that favors or hides the infringement of the law by a public authority or institution". This information shall be considered as of public interest. 1 point scored
34 There is a severability clause so that where only part of a record is covered by an exception the remainder must be disclosed. Score 1 point if yes but sometimes can be refused (eg: if deletions render meaningless the document) and 2 points if partial access must always be granted 2 NO Not mentioned.
35 When refusing to provide access to information, public authorities must a) state the exact legal grounds and reason(s) for the refusal and b) inform the applicant of the relevant appeals procedures. Score Y/N: 1 point for a and 1 point for b 2 YES Article 7. Section 2: "Refusal to disclose requested information shall be accounted for and communicated within 5 days from reception of the petitions." Article 21. Section 1: "The explicit or silent refusal of the designated employee within a public authority or organization to enforce the provisions of this law shall be considered as infringement and the employee shall be deemed disciplinary responsible."
36 The law offers an internal appeal which is simple, free of charge and completed within clear timelines (20 working days or less). Score 2 points if the internal appeal fulfills these criteria, 1 point if an appeal is offered that does not fulfill this criteria, 0 for no internal appeals. 2 YES Aricle 21. Section 1: "The explicit or silent refusal of the designated employee within a public authority or organization to enforce the provisions of this law shall be considered as infringement and the employee shall be deemed disciplinary responsible. Within 30 days from notification, the injured person may complain about refusal, as stipulated under paragraph (1), to the head of the public authority or organization. If after administrative investigation the complaint is found wellgrounded, the individual shall receive an answer no later than 15 days from the submission of the complaint; the answer shall contain the public information previously requested and the mentioning of the disciplinary sanctions imposed to the person found guilty."
38 The member(s) of the oversight body are appointed in a manner that is protected against political interference and have security of tenure so they are protected against arbitrary dismissal (procedurally/substantively) once appointed. Score: 1 point for appointment procedure, 1 point for security of tenure 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
39 The oversight body reports to and has its budget approved by the parliament, or other effective mechanisms are in place to protect its financial independence. Score 1 point for reports to parliament, 1 point for budget approved by parliament 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
40 There are prohibitions on individuals with strong political connections from being appointed to this body and requirements of professional expertise. Score 1 point for not politically connected, 1 point for professional expertise 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
41 The independent oversight body has the necessary mandate and power to perform its functions, including to review classified documents and inspect the premises of public bodies. Score 1 point for reviewing classified documents, 1 point for inspection powers 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
42 The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding. Score N=0, Y=2 points 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
43 In deciding an appeal, the independent oversight body has the power to order appropriate remedies for the requester, including the declassification of information. 1 for partial, 2 for fully 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
44 Requesters have the right to lodge a judicial appeal. 1 for partially, 2 for fully. 2 YES Article 22: "A person who considers himself/herself deprived of his/her rights, as stipulated under this law, may complain to the section for contentious matters in the competence of the administrative courts within his/her residential area or in the area where the public authority or organization has its headquarters. The complaint shall be made no later than 30 days from the expiration of the period stipulated under art. 7. The law court may force the public authority or organization to provide the requested public information and to pay moral and/or patrimonial prejudice. The decision of the law court may be submitted for appeal. The decision of the Court is final and irrevocable. Both the complaint and the appeal shall be trialed in emergency procedure, in the court of justice, and shall be exempted from stamp duty."
45 Appeals to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are free of charge and do not require legal assistance. 1 for free, 1 for no lawyer required. 2 NO Article provides:"Administrative special jurisdiction is optional and free of charge."
47 Clear procedures, including timelines, are in place for dealing with external appeals (oversight/judicial). Score 1 point for clear procedures, 1 point for timelines. 2 NO No external appeal listed.
49 The external appellate body has the power to impose appropriate structural measures on the public authority (e.g. to conduct more training or to engage in better record management) 1 for partial, 2 for fully. 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.
50 Sanctions may be imposed on those who wilfully act to undermine the right to information, including through the unauthorised destruction of information. Score 1 point for sanctions for underming right, 1 point for destruction of documents 2 YES Article 21: "The explicit or silent refusal of the designated employee within a public authority or organization to enforce the provisions of this law shall be considered as infringement and the employee shall be deemed disciplinary responsible. [...] If after administrative investigation the complaint is found wellgrounded, the individual shall receive an answer no later than 15 days from the submission of the complaint; the answer shall contain the public information previously requested and the mentioning of the disciplinary sanctions imposed to the person found guilty." Criminal Code of Romania, Article 242.
52 The independent oversight body and its staff are granted legal immunity for acts undertaken in good faith in the exercise or performance of any power, duty or function under the RTI Law. Others are granted similar immunity for the good faith release of information pursuant to the RTI Law. Score 1 for oversight body, 1 for immunity for others 2 YES Romanian Whistleblowers Law, Article 1: "This law regulates certain actions regarding the protection of persons who claimed or notified violations of the law within the public authorities, public institutions and other units, committed by persons holding management or execution positions within the public authorities and institutions".
53 There are legal protections against imposing sanctions on those who, in good faith, release information which discloses wrongdoing (i.e. whistleblowers). Score 2 for strong protections, 1 for moderate protections 2 YES Romanian Whistleblowers Law, Article 5. Section G: "The notification of certain actions of violation of law by the persons set forth at art.1 and art.2, provided by law as being misbehaviors, contraventions or offences, shall represent a public interest warning and includes:violations of law concerning the access to information and of the decisional transparency".
54 Public authorities are required to appoint dedicated officials (information officers) or units with a responsibility for ensuring that they comply with their information disclosure obligations. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 YES Article 3. "Public authorities and organizations shall grant ex officio or by request access to the public information. The request shall be addressed to the compartment of public relations or to the designated person." Article 4. Section 1: "In order that each individual should have access to public information, public authorities and organizations shall establish specialized compartments for public relations and information or shall designate a person with tasks in this field." Article 16: "In order to ensure access of the mass-media to public information, the public authorities and organizations shall designate a spokesman, generally from the information and public relations compartments."
55 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, is given overall responsibility for promoting the right to information. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 YES General Secretariat of the Government, hg123/2003. The government department is in charge of the promotion of the right and the collection of statistical data on the exercise of the right.
56 Public awareness-raising efforts (e.g. producing a guide for the public or introducing RTI awareness into schools) are required to be undertaken by law. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 Partially Article 17: "Periodically, public authorities shall organize, generally once a month, press conferences for the release of public information. During the press conferences, the public authorities shall answer any question referring to public information." The guidance will be made only for oral requests.
57 A system is in place whereby minimum standards regarding the management of records are set and applied. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 NO Not specifically mentioned.
58 Public authorities are required to create and update lists or registers of the documents in their possession, and to make these public. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 YES Article 5. Section 1: "Each public authority or organization shall communicate ex officio the following public information: g) list of public documents; h) list of categories of produced and/or managed documents;"
60 Public authorities are required to report annually on the actions they have taken to implement their disclosure obligations. This includes statistics on requests received and how they were dealt with. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 YES Article 5. Section 3: "The public authorities release to the public, ex officio, at least annually, a periodical activity report, which will be published in the Romanian Official Journal, Part II." The report shall be published in the Official Gazette of Romania.
61 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, has an obligation to present a consolidated report to the legislature on implementation of the law. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 NO No independent oversight body listed.