Preliminary communication
ANALIZA POSTUPANJA JEDINICA LOKALNE SAMOUPRAVE PO ZAHTJEVIMA ZA PRISTUP INFORMACIJAMA: STUDIJA SLUČAJA IZ REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE
Danijela Romić
; Veleučilište “Lavoslav Ružička” u Vukovaru, Republika Hrvatska
*
Željka Vajda Halak
; Veleučilište “Lavoslav Ružička” u Vukovaru, Republika Hrvatska
Melita Grüll
; Veleučilište “Lavoslav Ružička” u Vukovaru, Republika Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The right of access to information represents one of the key instruments of transparency and openness in public administration, as well as an important prerequisite for accountable and democratic governance. In this context, the paper analyses the implementation of the Act on the Right of Access to Information in local self-government units (LSGUs) in the Republic of Croatia, focusing on a specific case of handling substantively identical requests. The aim of the research is to determine whether LSGUs act consistently in such situations and to what extent their practices are aligned with the applicable legal framework and the practice of competent authorities. The main hypothesis assumes the existence of significant deviations in practice, primarily due to normative ambiguities and differing interpretations of the concept of information.
Methodologically, the paper combines descriptive, analytical, and normative approaches to the relevant literature, legislation, and case law with an empirical case study. The research part is based on a qualitative comparative analysis of responses from 556 LSGUs to which identical requests for access to information were submitted. The collected data were analysed to identify patterns of administrative behaviour and their compliance with the Act on the Right of Access to Information.
The results confirm the existence of divergent practices, identifying four different models of action by LSGUs in identical situations. Although the legal framework allows for different approaches, the analysis shows that the distinction between the notion of “information” and situations requiring the creation of new information remains particularly problematic. Nevertheless, the vast majority of LSGUs provided the requested data, often requiring additional effort, which indicates the development of an administrative culture that goes beyond a strictly formalistic interpretation of legal provisions. In conclusion, the paper highlights the need for more precise normative regulation and continuous training of public officials in order to ensure more consistent practice and strengthen legal certainty.
Keywords
right of access to information; local self-government units; transparency; creation of new information.
Hrčak ID:
350742
URI
Publication date:
8.9.2026.
Visits: 0 *