Commissioner Dervishi: Significant increase in transparency, the new law on personal data further strengthens protection!
The Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection, Besnik Dervishi, presented today to the Commission for Human Rights and Public Information the annual report of the institution's activity for 2024, highlighting the significant progress in strengthening the transparency of public authorities, advancing the protection of personal data and fulfilling obligations within the framework of the European integration process.
"The transparency situation in public authorities reflects a significant improvement. Albanian citizens have become more active in exercising their right to information, as shown by the self-declaration data of institutions," Commissioner Dervishi emphasized, underlining that more proactive transparency and accountability are required from every public authority.
Proactive transparency of public institutions: the biggest improvement in years
The report highlights that during 2024, 331 public authorities have published a transparency program, 335 have appointed a coordinator, and 318 have operationalized the register of requests and responses.
At the end of the annual monitoring, 45% of central and subordinate authorities were classified as having high proactive transparency, marking an increase from 38% in 2023, while local self-government units significantly improved their performance, increasing from 29% to 41%.
"These results show that transparency is no longer a formal obligation, but is becoming an institutional culture. However, there is still a need for improvements in the publication of information and in responding to citizens' requests," said Dervishi.
The Commissioner's Office administered 1,025 complaints during 2024, a slightly lower figure than the previous year, which is related to the overall improvement in accessibility and transparency.
Personal data protection: New Law No. 124/2024 in full compliance with EU standards
One of the most important moments of the year was the adoption by the Parliament, in December 2024, of the new Law No. 124/2024 "On the Protection of Personal Data", which fully aligns Albanian legislation with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Directive on Law Enforcement Bodies (Police Directive).
"This modern law represents a major step forward in protecting the privacy and fundamental rights of Albanian citizens. It is also a key condition in the framework of accession negotiations with the European Union," the Commissioner declared.
During 2024, the Commissioner's Office handled 455 complaints about personal data breaches and conducted 77 administrative investigations, mainly in the education, health, tourism and banking sectors.
At the end of the procedures, 68 administrative sanctions were issued, as well as unifying recommendations for improving security measures and respecting the rights of data subjects.
Strengthening the supervisory and international role
In the framework of international cooperation, the Commissioner's Office has developed the first monitoring process within the Albanian prosecution system and SPAK, within the framework of the obligations arising from cooperation with Eurojust.
"This process constitutes an important moment for strengthening institutional integrity and guaranteeing the protection of personal data in the justice system," Dervishi emphasized.
The Commissioner's Office has continued to play an active role in the international arena, being a member of the Executive Committee of the International Conference of Information Commissioners.
Raising awareness and strengthening capacities
Commissioner Dervishi emphasized the necessity for greater institutional and public awareness, continuous training, and strengthening of information systems in both areas – the right to information and the protection of personal data.
In implementation of the recommendations of the Assembly, the Commissioner's Office has fully implemented all obligations, providing opinions on 64 legal and sub-legal acts and 40 opinions on various issues of public and private auditors.
"Transparency and the protection of personal data are two essential pillars of a democratic and just state. Our report clearly shows that we are on the right track, but it requires continued commitment, institutional cooperation and public awareness to make these principles a reality at every level of administration," - concluded Commissioner Besnik Dervishi in his report to the Laws Committee.
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