At the sitting held on 21 April, the Culture and Information Committee considered the 2010 Report on the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance and Law on Personal Data Protection, submitted by the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection.

The Report was presented by the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection, Rodoljub Sabic, who opined that though the sphere of free access to information of public importance has shown some progress, there were spheres that would stand to be improved, first of all the inconsistent implementation of the law. The key problem is how to explain to the authorities that free access to information does not mean merely the public’s right to know but also to publish information of public importance itself, unless otherwise stipulated by law.

Sabic outlined the staff and material problems arising in the work of the independent state institution.

The Committee accepted the Report and the conclusions stating that, compliant with European standards, the National Assembly would ensure unity and consistency of the legal system in the sphere of free access to information of public importance and personal data protection. In addition, it shall insist on the implementation of appropriate mechanisms and guarantees for the practical implementation of regulations in the sphere of free access to information of public importance and personal data protection, as well as in monitoring their implementation and execution. The National Assembly shall insist on responsibility for the errors in the work of state bodies and state dignitaries in the sphere and will assist the Commissioner in the creation of conditions ensuring his full independence.

The Committee considered and, by a majority of votes, endorsed the candidate lists submitted by authorised submitters for the election of 19 National Culture Council members to a five-year period. In addition, it proposed that the National Assembly consider the Collective Candidate List under urgent procedure.

The Committee also considered the candidate list for the election of three members of the Republic Broadcasting Agency elected at the proposal of the competent assembly committee. By a majority of votes, the Committee established a list containing six candidates and proposed that the National Assembly consider the List at the next sitting, under urgent procedure.

The sitting was chaired by Jelena Trivan, Committee Chairperson.