Empoderando al periodismo2021-08-30T12:55:14+02:00

EMPODERANDO AL PERIODISMO A TRAVÉS DEL DERECHO DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

EL MANUAL ‘LEGAL LEAKS’ AYUDA A PERIODISTAS A OBTENER 
INFORMACIÓN USANDO LAS LEYES DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Why is the right of access to information important for journalism?

Journalists play a central role in initiating and stimulating public debates, but face constant challenges in accessing information from public bodies, particularly when that information relates to sensitive issues such as corruption, organised crime, environmental contamination, or relationships with business and lobby groups. The right of access to information and access to information laws have become a crucial tool in this context. They guarantee journalists access to information held by public bodies for their stories and investigations, enabling them to exercise their role as public watchdogs in our democracies.

A Guide for Journalists on How to Access Information

The Legal Leaks Toolkit, developed by Access Info Europe and n-ost, helps journalists access information using Access to Information laws. The Toolkit is available in a generic international version and can be adapted to the legal framework of any country. The existing national versions, translated into local languages, are available below. You can also read more below about our training programme and about how to contact
the Legal Leaks Help Desk.

Why do media experts think access to information is important?

Journalists, activists, and media experts speak about the importance of access to information in their daily work. Watch all interviews here!

That little detail in the relationship between journalists and sources, that little one, is so important that could change the way in which we tell stories.
Juan Luis Sánchez, Deputy Director of eldiario.es

It is extremely important that there is this mechanism that you can use as a journalist to say «Hang on a minute, you need to give us this, because we have a right to know».
Ana Petruševa, Managing Editor, Balkan Insight, BIRN Country Director Macedonia
It’s a great way to get stories, it’s a great way to fin out what governments in particular are doing, it’s a great way to find out where money goes, it’s a great way to prove accountability.
Gavin Sheridan, Investigative Journalist and FOI Expert

The right of access to information is very important for the journalists’ work; it’s important for everyday work, but it’s even more important for investigations.
Alexander Kashumov, Head of the Legal Team; Access to Information Programme Bulgaria
Journalism is about investigation, it’s about asking questions; but it’s about documents as well, as a proof for questions, as a proof for answers
Christian Mihr, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders Germany

Basically, I need access to information to do my job as someone who is supposed to ensure the accountability of politicians, of public officials.
Marcus Hametner, Co-Founder, Forum Informationsfreiheit Austria

Cover photo: European Parliament via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS SOBRE EMPODERANDO AL PERIODISMO

1Ago 2025

Winner Announced for the Helen Darbishire Award 2025

Madrid, 1st August 2025 – Access Info Europe is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 Helen Darbishire Award is The Forever Lobbying Project. This cross-border investigation exposed how the chemical industry lobbied against EU action on PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals”, linked to ongoing environmental and public health risks. Now in its second year, the Helen Darbishire Award

25Jul 2025

Finalists Announced for the Helen Darbishire Award 2025

Madrid, 25th July 2025 – Access Info Europe announces three finalists for this year's Helen Darbishire Award. Now in its second year, the award aims to honour individuals and organisations that have effectively used their right to information to advance human rights, environmental protection, democracy, or anti-corruption efforts. Following a competitive round of applications from across Europe, the Evaluation Committee

7Jul 2025

Legal Recommendations to Strengthen Access to Information in the Netherlands

Madrid, 7 July 2025 – Today Access Info Europe, in collaboration with SPOON, publishes a set of legal recommendations aimed at strengthening the Netherlands' Open Government Act (OGA) and aligning it with international transparency standards. The Netherlands has recently taken significant steps to strengthen its legal framework on access to information. On 1 May 2022, the Open Government Act (OGA)

16Jun 2025

Call for nominations for the Helen Darbishire Award

Madrid, 16 June 2025 – Access Info Europe today announces the launch of the Helen Darbishire Award which celebrates those who have used their right to information to have a positive impact on society. The Helen Darbishire Award (previously the Access Info Impact Award) recognises those who have significantly leveraged their right to information to advance human rights, environmental protection,

2Jun 2025

Spanish Court Orders Government to Disclose UNCAC Self-Assessment Documents

02 June 2025 - A Spanish court has ruled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation was wrong to refuse Access Info’s request for documents related to Spain’s self-assessment of its implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Spain is currently participating in the second cycle of the UNCAC review process. As part of