Open Records Laws › Kosovo

Kosovo

Law No. 06/L-081 on Access to Public Documents

Law No. 06/L-081 on Access to Public Documents (2019)

Open Records Transparency: 70/100 (good) Transparency Score: 70/100

RTI Rating: 105 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
7 days

7 days from date of recording the request. No explicit extension mechanism. Very short deadline compared to most FOI laws.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • In person — Submit at public institution office to designated official
  • Mail — Written requests by mail
  • Email — Electronic submission allowed
  • Oral — Oral requests permitted; official must record them in writing

Right granted to every person without discrimination. Each public institution must appoint an official responsible for access to public documents. Information and Privacy Agency (AIP) supervises implementation.

Required Elements

  • Description of the public document requested
  • Contact information (name and address, or phone number, or email)

Optional Elements

  • Preferred format for receiving the document
  • Preferred method of delivery

Fees

Viewing documents at institutions is free. Fees for copies cover actual reproduction and delivery costs only. Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 02/2012/MF24 sets fee schedules. Electronic delivery is free.

Exemptions

  • Classified Security Information
    Information classified for public security reasons
  • Privacy and Personal Data
    Personal data and privacy-protected information
  • Business Trade Secrets
    Commercial confidential information and trade secrets

Law requires a "damage and public interest test" (Articles 17-18) before refusing access. All exemptions are discretionary and subject to harm test. Public interest override is mandatory -- institutions must explain how they conducted the test. The law favors disclosure.

Appeal Process

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Multi-tier system: (1) AIP complaint within 15 days; (2) Administrative Court within 30 days of AIP decision; (3) Ombudsperson as alternative. Institutional silence after deadline counts as denial and triggers appeal rights.

Sources & References