In cooperation with partners from a regional network NGO “Action See” MJAFT! Movement prepared the policy paper, in which we analyze a level of transparency, openness, accountability of executive power in the region of Western Balkans.
The paper represents a result of a comprehensive research, based on a scientific methodology, conducted by members of the Action SEE network during the previous several months. The aim of our activities is to determine the actual state in the region through an objective measurement of openness of the executive power and to address recommendations for its improvement. Also, the aim is to improve respect of principles of good governance, where openness occupies a significant place.
The policy of openness must be the policy of all governments in the region and it must be defined as other significant policies as well as it must not be a result of a current decision or of a current mood of power. Each regional country has its own specific political conditions in which it develops its openness but a significant space for a joint regional operation on the improvement of the state may be noticed.
An introduction of a concept of the open government in the region of the Western Balkans was most commonly dictated by requests of integration processes or motivated by the improvement of the international reputation of a country through the participation in initiatives for the open administration. Towards following positive trends, an essential internal need, which represents a basis for this principle, is often neglected –it is actually government’s openness for citizens’ and society’s contribution with the aim to creating public value.
This approach leads to a problem regarding the implementation of rules of transparency and openness, especially on lower levels of public administration, where a social importance of this approach is not recognized, but it is considered as an unpleasant obligation imposed through international requests. Therefore, the policy of openness in the regional countries requires not only an expression in strategic documents, but also loud advocates of the concept of an open government on the highest social and state functions.
Our proposal is addressed to decision-makers of executive power in the regional countries on all levels: Government, ministries and executive agencies. It can be useful for representatives of international institutions and for colleagues from NGOs, who deal with these issues.
In order to achieve a public dialogue of higher quality regarding these topics we will organize a series of public events, in which we will hear opinions of all interested stakeholders, and try to find joint sustainable solutions for the development in this area.
In addition, we will respect principles of transparency of research and inform institutions about all details of its conducting and adopted conclusions.
We remain at your disposal for all suggestions, benevolent critics and discussion regarding our policy paper.
