Madrid, 27 July 2016 – The Madrid City Council today approved one of the most progressive sub-national transparency regimes in Europe, encompassing proactive publication on a broad scale, the right to request information, including via anonymous requests, and a strong lobby regulation that requires the registration of lobbyists before they meet with public officials.

Welcoming the new package of open government measures, Access Info Europe noted that the holistic approach to transparency sets a standard not only in Spain but across Europe and globally, particularly since the Madrid City Hall is a member of the Open Government Partnership sub-national pilot project.

“The Madrid City Government and Council have shown just how much can be achieved when there is political commitment to genuine transparency,” commented Helen Darbishire, Executive Director of Access Info Europe.

“We particularly welcome the right to request information without the need to jump through hoops to prove one’s identity,” added Darbishire, noting that “This means that Madrid City is respecting the internationally recognised right of access to information in a way that Spain’s national level law simply fails to do.”

Access Info Europe highlighted some important features of the Madrid Transparency Ordinance, including the requirement that elected deputies publish their diaries and tax information. All gifts of over 50 Euros must be declared.

Madrid becomes the first city in Spain to have a lobby register and has set a strong standard as to what has been included in it. The majority of the new provisions are in line with the International Lobby Regulation Standards adopted by civil society globally in 2015, as part of an initiative led by Access Info Europe, Transparency International, Open Knowledge International, and the Sunlight Foundation.

Another important feature of the Ordinance is that in addition to requiring publication of a wide range of data – economic, environmental, human resources, public transport, urban planning, etc., – all information may be reused in freely, with no need for licences or prior approval.

For more information please contact:

Luisa Izuzquiza | Access Info Europe
Send an e-mail or call +34 913 656 558